As an alternative form of transport, riding a bicycle is affordable, fun, healthy, and good for the environment. In Tucson, Arizona, bicycling is a thriving culture, primarily due to the city’s warm climate and beautiful scenery. 

However, with cyclists and motorists sharing the same Tucson roadways, increased cycling has also led to increased bicycle accidents. With only a helmet for protection, cyclists are at a higher risk of suffering severe injuries or even death in collisions with motor vehicles or other road users.

As a victim of a bicycle accident, you may be confused about who is liable for your damages, including medical bills. However, the law entitles you to compensation, especially if your accident was due to someone else’s negligence. If you are in Tucson, AZ, our skilled and experienced Tucson bicycle accident lawyer, Mr. Barry Bellovin (who also enjoys cycling) at the Bellovin Law Firm PLLC, will help you seek compensation for your damages.

Recumbent Bikes 

Recumbent bikes are great fun, however, due to their lower profile, they carry a greater risk of not being seen by automobile drivers. We, at The Bellovin Law Firm, PLLC also handle accidents involving recumbent bikes. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Despite Tucson being a relatively bike-friendly city, including having bicycle paths, trails, and lanes, it is among the most dangerous American cities for bicyclists. Some of the most common causes of Tucson bicycle accidents include:

• Reckless driving – where drivers hit cyclists either because they were speeding or were driving too close to the bike rider. It is also common for cyclists to get struck by drivers who overtake or fail to stop at intersections. Negligent drivers also endanger cyclists when they park or even drive in bike lanes. 
• Dooring accidents – where motorists struck cyclists while opening the doors of their parked vehicles. 
• Distracted or DUI driving – where the driver ignores cyclists on the road or fails to keep a proper look-out either because they are intoxicated or are doing something else. Such drivers end up hitting or colliding with cyclists.

While there are cases where the cyclists may be at fault for an accident, including injuring other cyclists, motorists are to blame for most bicycle accidents.  

Legal Liability in a Tucson Bicycle Accident

Most bicycle accidents leave their victims with severe injuries, hence huge medical bills and other serious consequences, including lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Accordingly, a bicycle accident leaves most cyclists wondering who is liable for their damages.

Even though motorists are to blame and are legally liable for most bicycle accidents in Tucson, there are some instances where other parties, including other cyclists or government agencies, are liable for a bicycle accident. 

Arizona Laws and Personal Injury Claims in Bicycle Accidents 

Arizona laws protect cyclists by giving them specific rights while on the road. However, the law also requires cyclists to obey the same general traffic rules as motorists, including giving pedestrians the right of way. With all the complexity surrounding bicycle accidents, including comparative negligence, it is crucial to speak with a skilled bicycle accident attorney. Did you know that even if the other driver cannot be identified or has no insurance that you may still have a claim under your own automobile insurance policy?

Contact a Tucson Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Despite the popularity of bicycling in Tucson, AZ, some motorists are still not accustomed to cyclists on the road. Accordingly, bicycle accidents involving drivers hitting or colliding with cyclists are widespread. Mostly, the accidents leave cyclists with severe injuries or even lead to death. While Arizona laws allow cyclists to recover damages, personal injury claims involving bicycle accidents are usually complicated. However, if you are in Tucson, AZ, and you or a loved one is a bicycle accident victim, we are here for you. Our skilled and experienced Tucson bicycle lawyer, Mr. Barry Bellovin, will protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our services.

Get a Free Consultation

Contact us if you want a personal injury attorney who has demonstrated a history of success, who will personally communicate with you at all stages of your case, and will help you manage and settle your case so that you can heal and put your life back together.