Bicycle accidents in Arizona hurt thousands of people every year

Each year, there are thousands of bicycle accidents in Arizona, resulting in serious injuries and even death. In 2011, there were 1,900 bicycle accidents, causing 1,604 injuries and 23 deaths, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Nationwide, there are more than 700 deaths and 500,000 injuries each year as a result of bicycle accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s nearly one injury every minute of every single day each year.

The vast majority of bicycle accidents (1,500) in Arizona happened during daylight hours. The weather conditions were also clear during 1,734 bicycle accidents. So if darkness or bad weather is not to blame, what causes many bicycle accidents? In many cases, the overwhelming answer is people driving vehicles that hit bicyclists.

Types of bicycle accidents in Arizona

• Auto accidents involving bicyclists happen for many of the same reasons as most motor vehicle accidents. Some of the more common types of auto accidents in Arizona include:
• Rear-end accidents. Rear-end accidents happen for many reasons. The driver may be texting & using a cell phone. They might be speeding or asleep at the wheel. Whatever the reason, you could sustain a serious injury as a result of a rear-end accident
• Hit & run accidents. Hit & run accidents can be especially frustrating. When the driver flees the scene of an accident, you may think you will have no way of holding the person accountable for their actions. Don’t be so sure. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may still be entitled to compensation and other benefits, even if police cannot locate the other driver.
• Reckless driving. What constitutes reckless driving varies from person to person. What might seem normal to some could be perceived as downright dangerous. Examples of reckless driving include not obeying posted traffic signals, following other vehicles too closely and weaving in and out of traffic.
• Drunk driving. In 2011, drinking and driving was determined to be the cause of 5,537 auto accidents in Arizona, according to the state Department of Transportation. As a result of those drunk driving accidents, 3,660 people were injured and 265 died in motor vehicle accidents in Arizona that year caused by drunk drivers.

How a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer can help

No matter what kind of bicycle accident you’re dealing with, you need an experienced legal team on your side. You need someone who thoroughly understands Arizona’s traffic laws. You need someone who knows how to build a case designed to protect your rights. You need Israel & Gerity, PLLC – driven to succeed, focused on results.