Bicycle Accident Attorney & Bike Injury Lawyers | Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana & SaddleBrooke
We’re Avid Cyclists
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreational activity in the Tucson area. At Bache & Lynch, our attorneys are avid cyclists. We ride regularly on Tucson streets and understand cyclists and the hazards they face. We understand proper riding practices and the laws governing bicycle injuries resulting from auto-bicycle accidents and bicycle collisions. As experienced bike accident attorneys, we help bicycle injury victims recover full and fair compensation.
There are many hazards for bicyclists on Arizona streets and roads, including careless drivers, road hazards caused by improper maintenance, and even other bicyclists. There are also many potential sources of insurance coverage for a bicycle injury, including homeowner’s insurance and your uninsured/underinsured motorist auto coverage.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Oro Valley bicycle injury attorney. We can listen to the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and tenaciously advocate for the full compensation to which you and your family are rightfully entitled.
Can I Pursue Compensation For A Bicycle Injury If I Am Partially At Fault For My Accident?
Yes. In Arizona, you can still pursue compensation for a bicycle injury even if you are partially at fault for an accident, thanks to the state’s adoption of the pure comparative negligence rule. Under this legal principle, if a cyclist is found to be partially responsible for causing an accident, their eligibility to recover damages is not entirely barred. Instead, the compensation will be reduced by the percentage of their fault.
For example, if you are injured in a bicycle crash and are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, the total amount of compensation awarded will be reduced by 30%. So, if the total damages amount to $100,000, you would be eligible to receive $70,000 after the reduction for your share of the fault.
Determining fault in a bicycle accident can be complex, and the apportionment of fault can significantly affect the compensation you may receive. Seeking legal assistance can ensure that your rights are adequately protected. An experienced bicycle injury attorney can help assess the specifics of your case, advocate on your behalf, and work to maximize the compensation you receive, considering the details of the accident and the extent of the injuries.
Our Bike Accident Injury Attorneys Know The Arizona Bicycling Laws And Understand The Mechanics Of Bicycle Collisions.
Single-bike accidents are often caused by phantom vehicles (vehicles that cause the crash but have no contact with the rider and drive off and/or flee the scene before they can be identified.) Other causes include hazardous road conditions, and other dangers posed to bicyclists.
Construction zones also present dangerous situations for bicyclists. Lanes are often not clearly marked, road signs prevent obstacles, and holes in the road and changing road grades pose serious problems to bicyclists. If you were involved in a single-bike accident in a construction zone, you could be facing severe injuries.
We pursue compensation for people who were injured in single-bike collisions. These collisions require representation from an experienced cyclist attorney. There may have been no witnesses or no physical proof other than your injuries to show the negligence of another person or entity. We effectively establish the credibility of our injured clients and vigorously pursue compensation.
If you were involved in a single bike/phantom crash, or to discuss your bicycle injury case in a free consultation with an experienced Tucson personal injury lawyer who understands cycling, please contact us today.
What Types Of Cases Do The Experienced Bike Injury Lawyers At Bache & Lynch Handle?
We focus on helping bicycle victims who have suffered serious personal injury due to another’s negligence, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, badly broken bones and damaged joints. We regularly represent bicycle injury victims in cases involving:
Collisions with Motor Vehicles. This includes accidents where a cyclist is hit by a car, truck, or other motor vehicle. These can occur due to driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, or driving under the influence.
Dooring Accidents. Occurring when a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, causing a collision.
Bike Lane Infringements. Accidents resulting from vehicles illegally obstructing or encroaching into bike lanes.
Rear-End Collisions. When a cyclist is struck from behind by a vehicle, often at intersections or stop signs.
Defective Bicycle or Equipment. Cases involving injuries caused by defective or malfunctioning bicycles or cycling equipment.
Poor Road Conditions. Accidents caused by hazards such as potholes, uneven road surfaces, construction gravel, or poorly maintained cycling paths, where a municipality or other entity responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
Accidents Involving Children. Specializing in cases where children on bicycles are injured, which may involve different legal considerations.
Hit and Run Accidents. Handling situations where a cyclist is injured by a driver who then leaves the scene of the accident.
Wrongful Death Claims. Representing families in claims where a cyclist has tragically died due to the negligence of another party.
Each type of case requires a specific legal approach, considering the unique circumstances and laws relevant to bicycle accidents in the jurisdiction. As an experienced bicycle accident law firm, our approach typically involves a detailed investigation of the accident, gathering evidence, liaising with medical professionals to assess injuries, evaluating medical and health insurance liens, and negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court to secure fair compensation for clients.
Can Homeowner’s Insurance Help Cover The Cost Of Bicycle Injuries?
In Arizona, homeowners’ insurance can play a significant role in covering bicycle injuries, both for the injured party and the homeowner, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here’s how it can be applicable:
Liability Coverage for the Homeowner. If a homeowner is responsible for a bicycle accident, their homeowner’s insurance liability coverage may cover the costs associated with the cyclist’s injuries. This coverage can include medical expenses, legal fees, and any settlements or judgments if the homeowner is sued.
Medical Payments Coverage. Some homeowners insurance policies include medical payments coverage, which can pay for medical expenses of a person injured on the homeowner’s property, regardless of who is at fault. If a cyclist is injured on the homeowner’s property (like in a fall caused by a hazard on the property), this coverage can often be used.
Cyclist’s Homeowners Insurance. If the cyclist has homeowners’ insurance, their policy might provide coverage for their injuries, regardless of where the accident occurred. This is particularly relevant if the accident was a solo incident (like a fall due to a defect on the bike) or involved a hit-and-run where the at-fault party is unknown.
Renter’s Insurance and Bike Accidents: Renter’s insurance policies often include coverage for personal property, which can extend to bicycles. In the event of a bike accident, this coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement of the damaged bike, subject to the terms and limits of the policy.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. If a cyclist’s homeowners policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and they are hit by a driver who lacks sufficient insurance, this coverage might kick in. Although it’s more commonly associated with auto insurance, it can sometimes be a part of a homeowner’s policy or a standalone policy.
The applicability of homeowners insurance in bicycle injury cases can vary based on the specifics of the policy and the circumstances of the accident. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced bike injury attorney who can provide guidance based on the details of the incident and the insurance policies involved. As an experienced bike accident law firm, we can help navigate the claims process and ensure that all potential sources of compensation are explored.
Who May Be Liable For A Bicycle Injury Or Bicycle Wrongful Death In Arizona?
In cases where a cyclist in Arizona is seriously injured or tragically loses their life, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes of the accident and identify who may be at fault. There are several parties that might be responsible for bicycle injuries or fatalities, including:
Drivers. Often, drivers contribute to cycling accidents through negligent actions like texting while driving, speeding, or failing to pay attention to their surroundings.
Municipalities. In some situations, a particular location may have a history of cycling accidents. If injuries or deaths continue to occur in these areas, these incidents are not merely unforeseen but are often foreseeable. Municipalities may bear partial responsibility if they do not take adequate measures to ensure these areas are safe for cyclists.
Bars and Restaurants. Under Arizona’s “dram shop” laws, establishments like bars and restaurants can be held liable if they continue to serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who then cause harm to others, including cyclists, through drunk driving.
Construction Companies. Accidents may occur when construction zones are not adequately secured or marked, posing dangers to both motorists and cyclists.
Other Parties. Each cycling accident is unique, and there may be various other individuals or entities responsible. It’s crucial to undertake a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties.
As dedicated bike crash attorneys, we meticulously investigate every bicycle accident case, identifying all responsible parties and holding them accountable. This comprehensive approach is essential not only for seeking justice for the injured cyclist or their grieving family but also for improving cycling safety and preventing future tragedies.
Contact Bache & Lynch For A Free Consultation If You’ve Been Injured On A Bicycle
To discuss your rights and legal options in a serious or fatal bicycle injury case, please call our Tucson bicycle injury law firm at 520-293-5300. You may also contact us by using the Contact Form above for more information or to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Oro Valley bicycle accident lawyer.
As you would expect, in an accident involving a car and a bicycle, the cyclist is much more likely to be seriously injured. As a cyclist, you’ll need to be all the more vigilant and cautious to avoid an accident