Bicycle Accident

As Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys, we were sorry to hear about a man who was injured while attempting to cross the road at 19th Avenue and Vogel on January 7, according to news reports published in ABC 15. The 45-year-old man was left in critical condition after an SUV struck him. The SUV was traveling northbound on 19th Avenue in the center lane. The 47-year-old driver was not injured and showed no signs of impairment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bicycle rider and his family. We wish him a full and quick recovery.

Phoenix Bicycle Accident Statistics

The street where this accident occurred, 19th Avenue, was listed by AZ Central as one of the most accident-prone streets in the city in 2009. It was the scene of at least 47 accidents during the year. Throughout Phoenix during 2009, there were also 467 crashes between bicyclists and cars, down from 478 in 2008. Given the size of Phoenix, the fact that one street can have that many accidents in very surprising.

Contact a Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer

An experienced Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer would study the scene at 19th Avenue and Vogel to determine exactly what happened. The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. has years of experience talking to witnesses and police to uncover the facts in many cases. With the information we gather, we work to hold the at-fault party responsible for our clients’ injuries. With the compensation we obtain from the at-fault driver, our clients are able to cover medical costs, other associated bills, and more. Contact us at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today for a free consultation.

As Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys, we applaud the city’s decision to install bike lanes along Central Avenue from Camelback Road to Bethany Home Road, according to news reports in AZ Central. Nearly 19,000 vehicles use this stretch of road every day, making it mandatory that bikers have a safe place to ride. Once the changes are made, passing will not be allowed in the curb lane and there will be 6 to 11 feet of space between car lanes and the sidewalk. The result should be a safer place to ride and walk, as well as reduced noise level and slower traffic speeds.

Phoenix Bicycle Accident Statistics

As injury lawyers that handle Phoenix bicycle accident claims, we know just how important it is for bicyclists to have a safe place to ride. Cars can cause serious injury and death to cyclists. The bike lanes will likely lead to a reduced rate of accidents and to a safer area overall. There were 467bicycle crashes in 2009 and 478 bicycle collisions in 2008, resulting in nine deaths and 423 injuries in 2009 and 6 deaths and 432 injuries in 2008, according to a report released in AZ Central. Overall in Arizona, there were 1,914 bicycle crashes in 2010, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). These resulted in 19 deaths and 1,583 bicycle accident injuries in Arizona.

Phoenix Bicycle Accident Tips

We want to make sure all cyclists stay as safe as possible. Here are some bicycle safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet;
• Wear reflective gear and lights at night;
• Wear light clothing that is easily visible during the day;
• Travel with the direction of traffic;
• Use bike lanes whenever available;
• Use arm signals to show drivers your intentions, such as when you are turning;
• Make sure your tires are fully inflated and your bike is in good working condition;
• Watch out for cars and be aware of what they are doing; and
• Obey traffic and safety rules.

Contact a Phoenix Personal Injury Attorney

As personal injury attorneys, we know that even when cyclists obey all traffic and safety rules, they can still be hurt in accidents. That’s where we come in. The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. represents victims hurt in bike accidents. We strive to put together all of the evidence to obtain the best settlement possible. For an absolutely free consultation, call today.

The Phoenix bike accident lawyers at the Breyer Law Offices are aware that in 2010, there were 19 reported fatal bike crashes, or 0.99% of the total bike crashes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, ABC15 reported a bike accident in north Phoenix involving a 79-year old man. Based on the reports, the 79-year-old man was riding his bike on Seventh Street, south of Beardsley Road, when he was struck by a vehicle. The bicyclist was transported to a local trauma center, but later died due to the injuries he sustained from the crash. Phoenix police said that the 27-year-old driver was not impaired when the fatal incident happened.

We would like to offer our condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. We want to let them know that our prayers go out to them.

Arizona Bike Accident Statistics

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 1,914 bike crashes in 2010, 19 of which were reportedly fatal. ADOT also revealed that 17 out of the 19 fatal bike crashes and 1,440 out of the 1,551 injury crashes happened in urban areas. Overall, 92.7% of all bike crashes in 2010 happened in urban areas and only 7.3% occurred in rural areas.

Arizona State Bike Accident Laws

According to ARS 28-812, Arizona traffic laws are likewise applicable to bicycle riders. This Arizona statute states that a person who is riding a bike on a roadway, or on a shoulder adjoining a roadway, has all the rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle does.

Arizona Bicycle Programs

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (AZGOHS) has been promoting bicycle safety and has funded agencies to enforce these programs. These bicycle safety programs mostly target children, such as bicycle helmet distribution programs for low-income children, and the programs support things like as “Bicycle Safety Month” in May and “Back to School Safety” Month.

Should you Contact an Experienced Phoenix Bike Accident Lawyer?

If you or a family member has been involved in a bike accident, it is important to search out the best Phoenix bike accident lawyer. Especially in a fatal bike accident, the family members in most cases seek to hold the at-fault driver responsible. Many times, it may be that not just the at-fault driver is to blame, but also possibly another entity. For instance, maybe there was a defect in the road design or there was construction in this area. Many bike accidents also happen when the city does not have enough lights. There are always all sorts of reasons why accidents happen, and what is most important is that your legal rights are protected. The Breyer Law Offices, P.C. has been helping bike accident victims for years and can answer all your questions with a free consultation. Call (602) 457-6222. Please also visit our Husband and Wife Law Team Facebook page for other topics of interest.

As Tucson bicycle accident attorneys, we want to make sure that motorists watch out for bicyclists. We see too many serious and fatal accidents that are caused by drivers who are distracted and aren’t aware of their surroundings. It is very important that motorists keep an eye out for bicyclists and share the road.

According to The Tucson Velo, there will be a Tuesday Night Community Bike Ride at 8:30 p.m. on November 29. We would like to remind drivers in the area to be on the lookout for bicyclists and give them the required three feet of space, at least, as you both share the road. The group will be meeting at the University of Arizona campus near the flagpole.

Tucson Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to a study posted on TucsonAZ.gov, there were several notable findings that drivers can use to avoid Tucson bicycle accidents, including:

• The majority of bicyclists ride in the evenings;
• The university area has a much larger percentage of bicyclists;
• Helmet usage was 46 percent in the Tucson area, a much lower number than other bicycle-friendly communities;
• Most cyclists were between the ages of 18 and 65; and
• The average for wrong-way riding is 5 percent (it is safer when bicycles travel in the same direction as cars).

Tips to Avoid Tucson Bicycle Accidents

Here are some great tips to avoid Tucson bicycle accidents from BicycleSafe.com:

• Wear reflective clothing.
• Install a loud horn or bell on your bike to warn drivers who may not see you.
• Wave if drivers don’t see you and are about to pull out in front of you.
• Wear a headlight, even during the day.
• Ride with traffic.
• At a stoplight, stop behind a car instead of to its right, which is in the driver’s blind spot.
• Don’t pass on the right, where a driver might turn into you.
• Always signal.

Contact a Tucson Bicycle Accident Lawyer

In the unfortunate event that you are injured in a Tucson bicycle accident, contact the Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. immediately for a free consultation. We have been helping bicycle accident victims for many years and aim to obtain the best settlement possible. Mark Breyer is an expert in injury and wrongful death law. Contact us today at (520) 308-6762.

As Arizona bicycle accident lawyers, we are saddened to hear that Arizona college students are the most likely of all ages to be injured in bicycle accidents in the state, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Students are more likely to be hit in urban areas and are often injured because they fail to obey traffic signs, ride intoxicated, or are distracted while biking on roadways. However, not all students are at fault when they are injured. There are many collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles that are caused by distracted drivers.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics

Arizona was ranked ninth highest out of all 50 states for bicycle fatalities in 2008 when 19 bicyclists were killed (which was down from the 36 bicyclists who were killed in 2005). Although any number of bike fatalities would be unacceptable, it is a good sign that AZ bike accident statistics show a decline.

Arizona Bicycle Safety

The Arizona bike accident attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. want to make sure everyone stays safe. Here are a few reminders on how you can stay safe when riding a bicycle:

1. Wear a helmet.
2. Ride in the same direction as traffic.
3. Do not ride on sidewalks since cars will expect you to stay there and won’t be prepared when you enter the roadway.
4. Obey all traffic lights and signs, and use arm signals to turn.
5. Use lights and wear reflective clothing at night.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle collisions can be serious and even fatal. If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Arizona, contact the experienced Arizona bicycle accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. for a free initial consultation. They will investigate your case and work hard to recover medical expenses from the person who was at fault. If you did not take the above measures to stay safe, the insurance company may try to use this against you. We have seen these tactics and can help you win your bicycle accident case. For a free consultation call (480) 389-2463.

The Arizona Republic reports that Scottsdale has been named a gold-level bicycle-friendly community by The League of American Bicyclists (LAB). This honor was given to only 14 communities in the country. Reed Kempton, a transportation planner with the city of Scottsdale, says that the city tries to provide a variety of facilities for bicyclists. Scottsdale received this award for doing several things:

• The city has more bike facilities per resident than the other 90 largest cities in the United States.
• Nearly 75 percent of all locations in Scottsdale are within a half mile of a shred-use bike path.
• Since the city last applied for the designation in 2007, it has added 62 miles of bike routes, 26 miles of bike lanes, 14 enhanced crossings, and 40 miles of paths.

The league also considered the number of bike racks in the city and the amount of bicycle outreach to kids and adults when awarding Scottsdale this honor. One thing that helps Scottsdale stay bike-friendly is its “complete street” policy. Any time a street is reconstructed, workers plan for new bike lines and wider sidewalks for pedestrians.

Although Scottsdale is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country, other Arizona cities are not as safe. Phoenix, for example, has a number of dangerous intersections that put bicycle riders at risk of serious collisions.

Even when bicyclists educate themselves about road safety, they cannot control the actions of the motorists they share the roads with. If you are seriously injured due to someone else’s actions, contact the Scottsdale bicycle accident attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices, P.C. We have extensive experience helping those who have been hurt by the negligence of others. Call us at (602) 457-6222 to schedule a confidential review of your case.

The Arizona Republic recently reported that a truck accident sent two teens to the hospital after a crash in Surprise, Arizona. The accident occurred Thursday, October 20 near the intersection of Cotton Lane and Greenway Road. Two 13-year-olds were riding their bicycles at approximately 1:49 p.m. when a 2006 Isuzu truck struck them. The Surprise Fire Department says the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed. One of the teens was treated for minor injuries at the scene, but the other was airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital due to chest, head, and leg injuries.

Riding a bike is a great way for kids to get much-needed physical activity, but it’s also dangerous. When kids have to ride in the street due to a lack of sidewalks and bike paths, they are at risk of being hit by cars and trucks. Parents should discuss bicycle safety with their children starting at a young age. Teens who ride their bikes should be given important safety rules and information to help them take charge of their own safety.

Safe Kids USA recommends equipping children with reflective clothes so that they are more visible to drivers and motorcyclists. Parents should also make sure their kids’ bikes are maintained properly to reduce the risk of accidents and serious injuries.

Even when parents and children take all necessary safety precautions, they cannot control the actions of other drivers. Speeding, distracted driving, and other bad driving behaviors put bike riders at risk. If your child was injured as the result of someone else’s actions, contact the Phoenix bicycle accident injury attorneys of The Breyer Law Offices P.C. We will fight for justice on your behalf. Call us at (602) 457-6222 to discuss your case for free.

When a driver of a vehicle opens his door and a bicyclist runs into the door this is what we call “door zone” or “dooring” bicycle accidents. The door zone is the area of approximately four feet from where a parallel parked car is parked. If a driver of an automobile parks his vehicle and then opens his door, a cyclist is forced to either brake immediately or to crash into the door. Either way this can be extremely dangerous and often times causes a lot of injury to bicyclists. This type of collision is easy to avoid. Drivers should be very careful when opening their doors and if they have to park they should try parking so that when they open their door it will not be on the side of the bicyclists.

Door Zone Law in U.S.

Most areas in United States mandate that car drivers need to look at the lane before opening their vehicle’s door. This is to avoid the number of injuries or deaths caused by negligent drivers who carelessly open their door without regard for the presence of a bicycle rider.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Many times cyclists are seriously injured in a bicycle accident. We have handled very serious injury claims for bicycle riders, including a case where the client received bran damage from a bicycle accident. Currently, we are representing a family whose loved one was hit by a vehicle and sustained fatal injuries from the bicycle accident. It is important to hire the best Arizona bicycle accident lawyers that you can find. Ask the lawyers questions to see if they understand how to handle bicycle accident cases.

The bike crash attorneys in Phoenix at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. have handled bicycle accident cases for years and are here to help you. Call for a free consultation anytime on your Arizona bicycle accident claim at 602-457-6222.

As Mesa bicycle accident attorneys, we are aware of the recurring problems in bicycle safety. With only limited protection, bicyclists are more likely susceptible to acquiring serious or even fatal injuries when involved in a bicycle crash.

In recent news, a 19-year-old man was in critical condition after his bicycle collided with a SUV in a Mesa bike accident which occurred Tuesday night, September 20, 2011. According to a report by ABC 15, the crash happened at about 7:30 p.m. along Guadalupe Road in Mesa, Arizona.

Initial investigations reveal that the SUV hit the bicyclists head on when the SUV veered into the bike lane hitting the victim and throwing him off 70 to 90 feet before hitting a light pole.

Mesa police are looking to find out if the woman driver of the SUV was under the influence of prescription drugs at the time of the Mesa bike accident.

Arizona Bicycle Laws

There are many different bicycle laws in Mesa and throughout the state, but one recently enacted law is that drivers of motor vehicles must maintain a distance of at least three feet from a bicyclist when overtaking and/or passing a bicycle (ARS 28-735).

Contact an Experienced Mesa Bike Accident Attorney

If you find yourself or a loved one in a bike accident, it is important to speak to a Mesa bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Many times there is evidence at the scene of the bike crash that an experienced bike injury lawyer will want to gather immediately. Contact the Mesa personal injury lawyers at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., to ask questions on your bike injury claim. Alexis and Mark Breyer are Mesa personal injury lawyers who have handled bike accident injury claims for years. Call now for your free consultation at 480-389-2463. You can also follow us on our Arizona Law Team Twitter account for useful information, news, and additional topics of interest.

Arizona has the highest number of bike crashes annually. However, the state has a definite plan to change that. According to the Department of Transportation, in 2010 a record number of 1,500 bicycle riders were injured and 19 were killed in Arizona alone. Although the numbers are still very high, it was an improvement compared to 2009, when Arizona was ranked as the fourth with the highest bicycle fatality rate nationwide, with 25 cyclist deaths. ADOT is weeks away from finalizing a bike safety plan that will cost $198,000. The goal is to reduce the number of Arizona bike crashes by 12% by the year 2018.

Here are some bicycle safety tips:

• Riders must follow the same laws as motor vehicle drivers.
• Bicycles need to have rear reflectors, especially handy at night.
• Motor vehicle drivers should give the bicycle at least 3 feet of clearance.
• Riders are to stop fully when approaching a four-way stop sign.
• It is legal for bicycle riders to carry a grocery bag in one hand.

There is no definitive number yet as to how many bicyclists there are in Arizona but ADOT would like to hold a statewide count in order to decide which roads they should focus on for safety improvements. According to the 5-year study period, ADOT identified factors such as bicycles failing to yield, bicycle collisions when a car is turning right, a bicycle running counter to traffic, and accidents at night/dusk. It is important to educated drivers and bicycle riders about proper safety on the roads.

At Breyer Law Offices, P.C., our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Mesa help injured cyclists hold negligent parties accountable for the injuries they cause. If you have been injured in an Arizona bicycle accident, call us at 480-389-2463 for a no-cost consultation.