Riding a bicycle offers a sense of freedom and is a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather while commuting or exercising. Sharing the road with motor vehicles introduces considerable risks. When a negligent driver fails to pay attention or yield the right of way, the consequences for a cyclist can be life-altering. The lack of structural protection means that riders often suffer catastrophic injuries while the driver of the vehicle walks away unscathed. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you need a Peoria bicycle accident lawyer who understands the complexities of Arizona traffic laws and personal injury claims. Trust Saavedra Law Firm for comprehensive guidance through your case.
In Arizona, cyclists must follow many of the same traffic laws as cars, which include obeying traffic signals and yielding when required. Conversely, this also means that motorists have a legal duty to safely share the road with cyclists. Sadly, many accidents occur because drivers are distracted, aggressive or simply fail to look for riders before making a turn or opening a car door.
Establishing liability in these cases requires proving negligence. You must show that the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty and directly caused your injuries. Common ways drivers breach this duty include:
Because Arizona follows pure comparative negligence, the conduct of the cyclist is also scrutinized. Insurance adjusters may attempt to reduce your compensation by arguing that you were partially at fault. For example, if you were riding at night without a required white front light visible from 500 feet away, a jury might find you partially responsible for the accident. Your damages would then be reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes it critical to have a knowledgeable Peoria bicycle accident lawyer who can investigate the crash and protect your rights.
The physical, emotional and financial toll of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. A personal injury lawsuit lets victims seek compensatory damages designed to restore them to the position they would have been in had the accident not occurred. These damages are generally categorized as economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses that can be documented with bills and receipts. Non-economic damages are considered to be subjective and compensate for the intangible impact the injury has had on your life. Potential damages available to accident victims may include:
Retaining a skilled attorney is essential for accurately calculating non-economic damages, which can vary significantly based on the unique circumstances of your life and the severity of your injuries.
Recovering from a bicycle accident is an immense challenge, made even more overwhelming when you must navigate complex legal and financial hurdles while healing from serious injuries. The Saavedra Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims seek the compensation they deserve. Attorney Freddy Saavedra takes a tenacious yet compassionate approach to every case. We offer a personalized approach, ensuring you feel heard and respected throughout the legal process. Don’t face this challenging time alone: Contact our Peoria bicycle accident lawyer today.