Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer
"Was super helpful! Gave me a quick free consultation regarding a bike collision. Friendly and informative." - Sarah
"I was recently involved in an accident while riding my e-bike in Seattle. Michael was extremely helpful." - David. G
Rockstars of the legal world for the cycling community...responsive, nice and a solid phone number to keep in your back pocket - "just in case"
don’t have a Bicycle accident Lawyer In Your Corner?
Here’s why you should:
For years we successfully have represented clients for personal injury claims arising from car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents.
Our firm will investigate and prepare your claim against the party at fault and do our best to obtain a quick settlement of your claim. We will defend your rights all the way through arbitration and trial, if necessary. If you are looking for a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer, please contact us to get your case started immediately. If have any questions about the process:
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(480) 454-1005
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Things To know:
Don't Give A Statement
Do not give a recorded or written statement, except to the police or your own insurance carrier.
Don't Sign Anything
Do not sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first. Insurance companies may trick you into not being compensated.
Take Photographs
Take pictures. Take photographs of the property damage and accident scene. Take pictures of any scarring or bruising.
Don't Discuss Your Injuries
Do not discuss your injuries with the at-fault insurance company. You should discuss only the damage to your bicycle and the need for a rental car or “loss of use” compensation.
No Independent Medical Exam
Do not agree to any independent medical exam with anyone, including your own insurance company, without first speaking to an attorney.
Hire A Lawyer
By not hiring a lawyer you are leaving money on the table, Hiring a lawyer will grant you the ability to get compensated for your loss of bicycle use, medical bills and wage-loss.
Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Sadly, the frequency of bike accidents has increased along with the popularity of bicycles as a green mode of transportation. After an accident, it can be challenging to carry out your favorite past activities, handle your financial obligations, or even move around without assistance. However, you can pursue financial remedies when another person’s negligence results in losses.
The Law Office of Erica Gelfand’s bicycle accident lawyers in Phoenix understand that representing bicycle accident victims necessitates a specific type of Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer with the abilities, skills, and knowledge to comprehend the rights of bicyclists, which others frequently take for granted.
The many different types of damages to which our clients are entitled are all fought for by our Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers, including medical costs, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future wage losses, lost earning capacity, physical disabilities, scars, limb losses, brain and head injuries, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, grief, and pain and suffering.
We collaborate with our clients’ friends, family, doctors, psychologists, long-term care planners, and other professionals because we are aware of the challenges that victims of bicycle accidents frequently face. As a result, we ensure they receive the best legal representation, support, and medical care.
What are the common injuries from Phoenix bike accidents?
Biking can be a fun and inexpensive way to get around town, a great way to get some exercise, and it’s also good for the environment. Unfortunately, it can also be fatal when careless motorists fail to give way to cyclists who are supposed to share the road with them. When a vehicle strikes a cyclist, the injuries are frequently severe because the cyclist has little to no protection. Here are a few typical wounds:
- Back and neck injuries. Occasionally, this may be a soft tissue issue that can be resolved through physical therapy. But this injury could be a herniated disc that needs surgery.
- Broken bones. These fractures, whether they involve the wrist or the ankle, frequently need surgery and hardware to be repaired.
- Head trauma. Head trauma can happen when a cyclist is involved in an accident, even if the cyclist is wearing a helmet.
- Lacerations. Some cyclists frequently get significant cuts from smashing into cars or other stationary objects. Some can be stabilized by stitches or staples, while others may require surgery.
- Wrongful death. Tragically, some bicyclists sustain fatal injuries yearly in Arizona.
What are the common causes of bike accidents?
Even though drivers are supposed to “share the road” with cyclists, some do not pay enough attention to the road or drive carefully enough to avoid collisions. Other factors could play a role in bicycle accidents that result in serious injuries, and the following are some of the usual causes:
- Distracted drivers
- Aggressive drivers
Intoxicated or otherwise impaired drivers - Failure to yield
- Failure to check mirrors or blind spots before turning
- Speeding, running red lights or violating other traffic laws.
- You need to check the mirror before opening a car door.
- Potholes, uneven pavement, or other road defects
These are merely a few instances of careless behavior that other individuals may exhibit, resulting in a bicycle accident. If a driver or other party hurts you because of their carelessness, they should be held accountable for their actions, and you deserve a just settlement.
Driver Negligence Often Cause Serious Bicycle Accidents
When using public roadways, cyclists are held to the same legal standards as drivers of motor vehicles and are required to obey all applicable traffic rules. Both drivers of motor vehicles and bicycles are required to be aware of all other vehicles on the road and to adhere to the regulations of the road at all times. Neither type of vehicle has the right of way over the other. Bicyclists are at risk of being hit by cars that ignore their surroundings, even though they make every effort to ensure that they comply with all applicable rules. Bicyclists, sadly, are the ones who sustain the most severe injuries in these kinds of scenarios.
Bicyclists, just like people involved in other kinds of accidents, need to demonstrate that the accident was caused by the carelessness of another person to be eligible for compensation. A person is said to have committed negligence when they fail to exercise the degree of care that a reasonable person under the same or comparable circumstances would normally exercise.
Examples of negligent driving that can result in serious incidents involving bicycles include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Failure to give bicyclists adequate room
- Failure to signal turns or lane changes
- Impaired driving
- Running stop signs or stop lights
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
Bicyclists who share the road with cars and trucks are vulnerable to a variety of different types of negligent driving behavior, all of which have the potential to cause severe injuries. Despite this, there are situations in which it is unclear whether or not the driver was at fault, and it may take a substantial amount of inquiry to unearth proof of negligence. Because of this, anyone who has been wounded in a bicycle accident that involved a motor vehicle should discuss the details of the accident with a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.
Bicycle Accident Statue Of Limitations
A person must file a legal action within a predetermined amount of time following the occurrence of an event if they want to avoid being barred from doing so under a statute of limitations. The reliability and quality of evidence can deteriorate over time, and potential defendants should have some degree of clarity regarding whether they face a lawsuit for an act that occurred in the distant past. This law exists for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that this statute exists.
Bicycle accident victims, like all other people wounded in accidents, have two years from their injury, as stipulated by Arizona law, to file a claim for compensation for their injuries. There are some limited exceptions to this rule, but generally, if you wait longer than two years to make a claim, you will lose the opportunity to receive compensation for your accident-related damages.
This is not to argue that individuals who have been injured in accidents should sit on their claims for one year and 364 days. Because the availability of evidence and its reliability tends to decrease over time—memories become less clear, witnesses move away, and surveillance footage is erased—it is best to hire a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. This is because memories become less clear, witnesses move away, and surveillance footage is erased. Your attorney for the bicycle accident in Philadelphia will start any investigation that is necessary right away, increasing the likelihood that you will be awarded compensation for your losses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the year 2012 alone, there were over 50,000 cyclists who were injured as a result of accidents that were caused by other vehicles. [1] The question “how can I hold a driver liable for my injuries?” is one that naturally comes up in the minds of many of these wounded bicyclists. After a bicycle accident, the first thing you should do is get a free consultation with an expert personal injury attorney. This should always be your first move. Depending on the specifics of your accident, a bike accident lawyer in Philadelphia can advise you as to whether or not you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries.
Determining Negligence
Bicyclists and motorists frequently collide with one another as a result of vehicles not paying attention, disobeying traffic laws, or otherwise behaving in a negligent manner. It should come as no surprise that the vast majority of motorists do not simply come up and say that they were distracted, that they failed to yield, or that they made some other kind of error. As a result of this reason, determining who was at fault in a bicycle collision typically involves more research and analysis.
The kind of collision that took place is one factor that can frequently be used to help determine who was at fault in a bicycle accident. The following are the four categories of bicycle accidents that occur most frequently:
- The Side Swipe. This collision takes place when a driver fails to properly look for a bicyclist before changing lanes, which results in the cyclist being struck.
- Rear-end Collision. If a vehicle driver follows a bicycle too closely, misjudges the bicycle’s speed, drives too quickly, or drives aggressively, they risk rear-ending the bicycle. On the other hand, if the driver of a car stops abruptly and without any prior warning, there is a risk that a bicyclist will collide with the back of the vehicle.
- The “left cross.” This takes place when a motorist approaches an intersection intending to turn left and collides with a cyclist who is going in the other direction. There is also the possibility that a car will turn in front of a cyclist, leaving the cyclist no time to brake before colliding with the car.
- The “right hook.” This incident occurs when a motorist attempts to pass a bicyclist on the left side of the road and then turns right in front of the bicyclist. In essence, it is the reverse of the Left Cross crash. When a motorist becomes irritated with the relatively moderate speed of a bicycle, this scenario frequently plays out. When it comes to determining whether or not the driver who was involved was irresponsible, the type of collision that took place can speak loudly, and a Philadelphia bike accident lawyer can assist you in recovering compensation wherever it is possible to do so.
Damages available in a bicycle accident claim in Phoenix
Claiming the person who caused your injuries in a bicycle accident will assist you in getting financial compensation. After sending a demand letter, you can negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Sometimes you may need to take the action of bringing a formal lawsuit. The following elements may be taken into account when estimating the worth of a potential settlement or jury award:
- Your medical expenses
- Your lost income
- Hospital or ambulance fees
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
Consulting a trusted bicycle accident lawyer in Phoenix will help you calculate the value of your claim.
Contact a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer.
Many people don’t want to go through the process of filing a lawsuit, but the long-term financial repercussions of doing so are frequently terrible. Don’t allow an insurance company minimizes the value of your pain and suffering if you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident. The Law Office of Erica Gelfand is here to fight tenaciously for you and take on the insurance companies to assist you in receiving the highest settlement possible.
Medical Attention for Bicycle Accident Related Injury
If you have any doubts, seek medical attention for your injury either at the emergency room or as soon as possible with your primary care physician. Delay in care could exacerbate your injuries. Also, your injuries requite documentation. Without documentation, any claim you might pursue could be adversely affected.
The Auto Accident Police Report
For many auto accidents there is a police report. Although this is certainly a good place to start, the police report in and of itself does not determine who was at fault, even if one or more drivers in the care accident were cited for a traffic violation.
The police officer investigating the bicycle accident can cite a driver for a traffic violation, but the police officer is not a judge, and does not have legal authority to make a final determination about who was at fault.
Attorney Fees in Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicycle accident attorney fees are generally on a contingency fee basis. That is what we offer. If our client does not recover any damages, we do not get paid. The attorney fees come out of the injury settlement. But, the insurance company or governmental agency may be legally obligated to pay a pro rata share of your legal expenses if you retain an attorney. This may apply by state law, federal law, and/or contract.
Insurance Coverage for Bicycle Accidents
If another driver causes an auto accident you may be entitled to property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, and compensation for pain and suffering.
An injured person’s medical expenses are not awarded automatically. The injury victim must prove that the medical expenses are reasonable, related to the auto accident, and necessary. Just producing the medical bills in not adequate proof legally. An auto accident attorney can help.
The party at fault may not have enough, or any, insurance. In that event you will need to consider how to ascertain what other assets the party may have and how to establish a claim under your uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage.
If your insurance company–whether auto insurance or health insurance–paid any benefits to you and you collect from an at-fault party, then your insurance company is legally entitled to be reimbursed from the settlement. This is also true of DSHS benefits as well as worker’s comp (or “L&I”) benefits. This legal rule is called subrogation. It is important that a personal injury settlement adequately account for this.
HIRE OUR FIRM TO GET YOU THE MAXIMUM SETTLEMENT
Have you been in a Bicycle accident?
We’ll make sure you are compensated for it.
Bicycle & gear replacement - covered
Medical bills - covered
Pain & suffering - covered
Frequently Asked Questions:
DO I HAVE A VALID CLAIM?
Erica Gelfand will personally review your case or situation. She will look at what happened, discuss your injuries, and identify whether someone else should be held liable for compensating you for your losses. After the initial discovery period Erica Gelfand will explain all your legal options and what to expect throughout the claims process.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?
The top-rated Arizona personal injury attorneys at Law Offices of Erica Gelfand works on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no up-front costs associated with hiring our legal team. We charge a percentage of the total recovery, either through settlement negotiations or a jury verdict award if your personal injury or wrongful death case proceeds to trial. If we do decide to accept your case, you will owe no attorney fees until we have successfully resolved your claim and recovered financial compensation on your behalf.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
HOW MUCH IS MY CLAIM WORTH?
The value of an accident is typically calculated based on the amount of property damage, medical bills and life changing injuries that result from the accident. Other factors like future medical expenses related to your accident, lost wages, diminished earning capacity for the future, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life also play a large role. This is not a question that can be answered at the beginning of your case, especially if you have suffered serious injuries.Erica can give a rough estimate based on past experiences and gut feeling. If we would like a free consultation please give us a call to go over your claim.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
HAVE YOU HANDLED CASES LIKE MINE?
Some personal injury lawyers do not regularly handle cases involving severe injuries or complicated accidents. However, at The Law Office of Erica Gelfand, we have selectively built a diverse team of personal injury experts who have extensive experience in many types of cases involving catastrophic injuries and accidents.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
DO YOU EVER TAKE CASES TO COURT?
As hard as we try, sometimes you have to pull out the big guns. Insurance companies are not always compliant and willing to resolve every personal injury case directly. Although we are able to settle many claims for the full amount, our Erica Gelfand is an experienced litigator that is always prepared to file a lawsuit and argue your case at trial.
We are not a “turn and burn” like the big billboard law firm that pushes every client to accept quick settlements, even if they are too low. Our goal is to obtain maximum compensation for you, and that means going to battle in court whenever it’s necessary.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
WILL YOU PERSONALLY HANDLE MY CASE?
Yes, at The Law Office of Erica Gelfand, you will personally get to meet Erica and she will be the only attorney in charge of your case. Erica will have an initial consultation and will handle your case from start to finish.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
ARE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF MY FAMILY PROTECTED?
The physical, emotional, and financial costs of dealing with a serious personal injury or wrongful death can be enormous. Medical bills, lost wages due to missed time at work, pain and suffering, and other types of damages can quickly become overwhelming and make life even more difficult for injury victims. We help people in the greater King County area who are facing tremendous financial loss recover from their injuries and get their lives back on track.
Our entire legal team is focused on your personal injury legal needs. We call ourselves Law Office of Erica Gelfand because we are devoted to providing the highest possible level of legal representation while also focusing on delivering a first-class client experience. At the Law Office of Erica Gelfand, we treat each of our clients with the respect and individual attention they deserve, while also working tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for each and every one of our valued clients.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney. If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
SHOULD I GET MEDICAL TREATMENT?
Part of providing excellent legal services for personal injury accidents is having a clear understanding of our clients’ injuries and medical treatment needs. Sufficient medical evidence is crucial to the success of any personal injury claim. We often consults with medical experts across the country to ensure our clients are getting the treatment they need. These physicians may review medical records; examine clients; assess any relevant pre-accident medical history; or act as expert witnesses in trial.
Some medical experts may assess the injuries and establish the extent and duration of any continuing disability, including impact on daily living. The experts may also address the level of resulting suffering or inconvenience and when or if the complaint or disability is likely to resolve. A complete understanding of the medical situation helps us to maximize client’s financial compensation for medical bills, injuries, and so on.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney. If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
SHOULD I PROVIDE A STATEMENT TO THE OTHER DRIVER'S INSURANCE COMPANY?
You’ve just been involved in an auto accident and the other driver’s insurance company wants to take your statement. The insurance adjuster may want to record your statement over the telephone, or may want to meet with you in person to do a simple interview.
The recorded statement is crucial in your personal injury claim, as the insurance company may use it in deciding who is at fault for the collision. The insurance adjuster may also try to pin you down as to your injuries in a statement taken within days of the collision before you have returned to all of your daily activities or even had a chance to see your doctor.
If you have concerns about meeting with an insurance adjuster to give a statement, you should call an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney who can advise you regarding your rights and obligations. If you retain the attorney to represent you, he or she can be present during the statement to make sure you do not say anything that might hinder or impair your claim.
We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney. If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
WILL HIRING A PERSONAL INJURY ATTOENEY GET ME COMPENSATED FOR MY WAGE-LOSS?
The financial toll of lost wages after an injury can be devastating. Even while laid up from an injury, you still have to pay for housing, food, and your other monthly expenses. Then the medical bills start coming in. How will you pay for it all?
Fortunately, when you’ve been injured by the negligence of another person or a company, you have a right to be reimbursed for the income you lose while you recover.
You can include your lost wages in a claim against the at-fault party, the at-fault party’s insurance company, or your own insurance company if you’re in a car accident in a no-fault state.
At the Law Office of Erica Gelfand, we have a successful record of recovering lost wages for all types of occupations and scenarios. We have an excellent track record of success in achieving the best possible results for our clients, and we only agree to take on cases if we believe it is in the injured person’s best interests to hire an attorney. If you are looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer – call now. We service all of Maricopa County: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Surprise, Prescott, Tucson, and beyond — call us (480) 454-1005.
DON'T DELAY YOUR SETTLEMENT