Bicycle Accident Attorney in Phoenix

200+ Years of Combined Experience for Injured Phoenix Cyclists

A cyclist has little physical protection when struck by a passenger vehicle. Arizona recorded 1,379 bicycle crashes and 1,349 injured bicyclists in 2024, and negligent drivers are a frequent cause of these collisions. A bicycle accident may leave you facing medical expenses, lost income, bicycle damage, and lasting physical limitations.

At MayesTelles PLLC, we represent injured cyclists in claims involving physical injuries, financial losses, and property damage. Our lawyers have 200+ years of combined legal experience, and over that time we have handled thousands of cases. We draw on that experience to investigate and prepare a personal injury claim. You won’t owe any legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.

Call us at (602) 428-7104 to speak with our Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Phoenix

A crash may result from driver negligence, a roadway hazard, or defective equipment. Arizona bicycle riders generally have the rights and duties that apply to roadway drivers, subject to bicycle-specific provisions. Liability still depends on the conduct of everyone involved, the available evidence, and applicable Arizona law.

Common causes and collision patterns include:

• Left-Turn Collisions: If a vehicle is traveling in the opposite direction, the driver may cause a collision by making a left turn into a cyclist’s path. These crashes are often caused by drivers who misjudge distance or speed or simply don’t notice an oncoming cyclist.
• Right-Turn Collisions: A driver moving in the same direction as a cyclist may suddenly turn right across the cyclist’s path. These incidents can result from a failure to check a blind spot, distracted driving, or misjudging the cyclist’s speed.
• Dooring Incidents: This danger arises when a driver or passenger opens a parked vehicle’s door into a cyclist’s path. It is particularly relevant where bicycle traffic runs alongside parked cars.
• Rear-End Crashes: A driver can hit a cyclist from behind because of distraction, excessive speed, impairment, or unsafe following distance. The difference in vehicle weight and speed can make these collisions especially dangerous.
• Failure to Yield or Stop: Drivers may cause crashes by disregarding stop signs, traffic signals, crosswalks, or a cyclist’s right of way at an intersection.
• Unsafe Passing: A motorist who passes without leaving adequate space may sideswipe a cyclist or force the rider from the roadway.
• Bicycle-Lane Conflicts: Drivers entering, crossing, parking in, or turning through a bicycle lane may place riders directly in danger.
• Roadway or Equipment Problems: Construction conditions, unsafe roadway defects, or defective bicycle components may contribute to a collision in some cases.

The responsible party isn’t always limited to the person driving the vehicle. Depending on the evidence, a claim may involve a motorist, vehicle owner, employer, construction entity, public entity responsible for roadway conditions, or bicycle-component manufacturer. Claims involving government roadway conditions can have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so they require an early review.

How We Build a Phoenix Bicycle Accident Claim

Our work begins with the facts of the collision, the losses it caused, and the available insurance coverage. We review where, when, and how the crash occurred before preparing the claim.

Our attorneys have backgrounds as former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals. That experience supports a disciplined review of statements, physical evidence, and disputed accounts of the crash. We also regularly appear in Maricopa County courts and understand the local procedures that may apply if a claim proceeds to litigation.

Our representation may include:

• Preserving Evidence: We work to identify records, photographs, video, witness information, and physical evidence before they become difficult to obtain.
• Documenting Injuries: We collect medical records and billing information that describe the treatment, duration, and effects of an injury.
• Analyzing Liability: We assess driver negligence, roadway conditions, insurance coverage, and any allegations that the cyclist shared responsibility.
• Handling Insurance Communications: We communicate with insurers and respond to disputes involving medical treatment, prior conditions, lost income, property damage, or available coverage.
• Preparing the Claim: We present a detailed demand supported by evidence of liability and documented economic and non-economic damages.
• Pursuing Litigation: When appropriate, we can proceed through discovery, depositions, motion practice, and settlement conferences.

Arizona’s comparative fault rules may also affect a claim. Comparative fault means responsibility for an accident can be allocated among multiple parties, including an injured cyclist when supported by the evidence. An allegation involving visibility equipment, helmet use, or lane position doesn’t automatically establish fault or defeat a claim.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists may suffer fractures, concussions, and road rash. Severe incidents can lead to spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms aren’t always apparent immediately, so seek prompt evaluation at a Phoenix emergency room or urgent care, such as Banner University Medical Center Phoenix or St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Prompt medical attention and complete medical records can help document the connection between the crash and your injuries.

If your injuries keep you from working or doing regular activities, we can help document the impact on your life and future needs. We assist with medical billing, care coordination, and evidence collection while helping clients manage insurance communications. When supported by medical evidence, a claim may also account for anticipated treatment and other future losses.

Bicycle Visibility & Road Safety

Every person on the road should prioritize safety, but visibility equipment and attentive riding can’t prevent every collision. A cyclist’s precautions don’t, by themselves, determine whether another party is responsible for causing a crash. The facts must be evaluated individually.

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• Gear Up: Brightly colored and reflective clothing can make a cyclist more visible, particularly when riding in low-light conditions.
• Stay Alert: Avoiding headphones and other distractions can help riders remain aware of approaching vehicles, traffic signals, and changing road conditions.
• Use a Headlight: A properly equipped bicycle headlight can improve visibility at night and in other low-light conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers provide general information about bicycle accident claims in Arizona. The facts of an accident, available evidence, insurance coverage, and applicable law can affect the options available in an individual case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Arizona?

Arizona law generally allows two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim. Exceptions and claim-specific deadlines may apply. Claims involving a public entity can also require earlier notice, so begin the process promptly.

Should I Report My Bicycle Accident to the Police?

You should generally report a collision involving injuries or significant damage. A police report can create an official record and identify parties, witnesses, insurance information, and initial observations. Whether reporting is legally required depends on the accident circumstances and applicable law.

What If the Driver Who Hit Me Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, you might still be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or a civil lawsuit. The available options depend on your policy language, applicable coverage, the evidence, and the circumstances of the accident.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bicycle Accident Claim?

You generally aren’t required to hire a lawyer to pursue a claim. Our attorneys can assist with preserving evidence, communicating with insurers, analyzing liability, preparing the claim, and pursuing litigation when appropriate.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover?

Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. The amount and categories available depend on the facts of your case, insurance coverage, applicable law, and your documented losses.

Protect Your Phoenix Bicycle Accident Claim

Bicycle crashes can result in serious, life-changing injuries that may force you to adjust your entire lifestyle. A prompt consultation can help identify applicable deadlines, preserve available evidence, and address questions about medical bills or insurance communications.

Our Phoenix-based firm provides personal injury representation throughout Arizona. We assist clients with medical billing, care coordination, insurance communications, and evidence collection, including police reports. We offer free consultations. When contacting us, provide the crash date and location, injury and insurance information, police report details, and any photographs or video you have available.

Contact our Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers at MayesTelles PLLC today by filling out the form on our website, or by calling us at (602) 428-7104.