Scottsdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Scottsdale Bicycle Accident Attorney

When bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles, they expect drivers to show some level of awareness. However, when those drivers don’t exercise caution and an accident happens, an experienced Scottsdale bicycle accident lawyer can step in.

At Bleaman Law Firm, PC, we understand how overwhelming and disorienting a personal injury can be, especially when navigating the red tape that follows a bicycle accident. Our role is to protect the rights of injured cyclists, and we do so by holding drivers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.

About US

With more than two decades of legal experience, Bleaman Law Firm, PC has earned a reputation for tenacious advocacy and dedicated support all across Arizona. Founder and trial attorney Marc Bleaman began his career defending insurance companies, giving us unique insight into how to build your case to achieve the most favorable outcome.

The Unique Challenges Cyclists Face After a Crash

Every day, 6,500 people are injured in traffic accidents. In 2023, that translated into over 340,000 non-fatal bicycle injuries and over 1,100 fatalities.

Cyclists face risks and consequences that differ significantly from those experienced by motorists. That’s because riders don’t have airbags, seatbelts, or the car’s physical frame to protect them, and even a minor accident can lead to serious injuries. This means that bicycle accident cases often involve serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Road rash
• Soft-tissue trauma
• Permanent disabilities

These types of injuries often require long-term treatment, which can significantly increase the financial impact of a bicycle accident. At Bleaman Law Firm, PC, our Scottsdale bicycle accident attorneys collaborate with medical providers, accident reconstruction professionals, and financial analysts to make sure every claim fully captures all of the damages our clients have endured.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Scottsdale

In Scottsdale, bicycle accidents happen for many different reasons, and understanding the most common causes is important when trying to pinpoint fault and liability. By understanding these root causes, our team can better identify who’s responsible and build a stronger case. Some of the leading causes of bicycle accident cases in the Scottsdale area include:

• Distracted or inattentive drivers. Motorists using phones, GPS, or engaging in other distractions might not notice cyclists.
• Failure to yield. Intersections, roundabouts, and busy streets often cause collisions between drivers and cyclists.
• Dooring incidents. Sometimes cyclists are struck by car doors that unexpectedly open from parked vehicles.
• Unsafe road conditions. Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or poorly maintained bike lanes can increase the risk of accidents.
• Defective equipment. Malfunctioning bicycles or vehicle components can contribute to a collision, leading to potential product liability claims.

Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents is key to protecting yourself after a crash. At Bleaman Law Firm, PC, we take a thorough approach to every case by carefully investigating each incident to uncover the root cause, identify all responsible parties, and pursue the maximum compensation our clients deserve.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Experiencing a bicycle accident can be overwhelming and confusing, especially in the immediate aftermath. However, knowing the right steps to take can protect your health, preserve important evidence, and strengthen any potential legal claim. These steps include:

1. If you’re able, immediately call 911 and report the accident
2. Get prompt medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor
3. Gather evidence, including photos, witness information, and details about the vehicle or hazard involved
4. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters until you’ve hired legal counsel
5. Document your symptoms, your treatment plan, medical appointments, and any expenses you’ve incurred
6. Contact a Scottsdale bicycle accident attorney from Bleaman Law Firm, PC before negotiating any settlement

Taking the right steps immediately after a bicycle accident can have a major impact on your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. At Bleaman Law Firm, PC, we guide our clients through every step of this process, ensuring they understand their rights and have the support they need to fight for the most favorable outcome.

Proving Negligence in Scottsdale Bicycle Accident Claims

To succeed in a bicycle accident claim, you need to show that the other party was negligent and that their actions directly caused your injuries. Proving negligence involves carefully examining the details of the crash to establish four essential elements, and those elements are:

• Duty of care. Our team needs to show that the responsible party owed a duty to act safely toward cyclists.
• Breach of duty. We need to demonstrate that the responsible party failed to uphold that duty by speeding, distracted driving, or other negligent actions.
• Causation. We then need to establish a direct link between the breach of duty and the injuries you sustained in the accident.
• Damages. Finally, we need to show that you incurred physical, emotional, and financial losses because of the accident.

At Bleaman Law Firm, PC, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to make sure that all liable parties are held accountable, so you get the full compensation you deserve.

Compensation You Could Be Entitled to

After a bicycle accident, victims often need to deal with significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. Knowing the types of compensation that could be available to you can help you make sure your claim fully accounts for these losses. Depending on the specifics surrounding your claim, you could be entitled to:

• Present and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Psychological trauma
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death, in cases where a family member passed away after a bicycle accident

At Bleaman Law Firm, PC, we carefully evaluate every aspect of your losses so that we can pursue the maximum compensation you need to rebuild your life after a bicycle accident.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Local Representation Makes a Difference

When it comes time to hire a bicycle accident lawyer, hiring a team that truly understands the local area and the local legal system can make a real difference in the outcome of your case. At Bleaman Law Firm, PC, we proudly serve clients throughout Scottsdale and the surrounding communities, using our knowledge of Arizona’s unique cycling challenges to build strong, effective cases.

We regularly practice in local courthouses, including the Maricopa County Superior Court, the Scottsdale Justice Court, and the Tempe Municipal Court, which allows us to effectively advocate on behalf of our clients. This means we’re familiar with local judges’ preferences and procedures, as well as the tactics used by local insurance adjusters, and we can apply this knowledge to tailor our strategies for every case.

By choosing Bleaman Law Firm, PC, you gain a team that’s not only well-versed in bike accident laws but one that’s also deeply invested in the community. We take the time to understand each client’s situation, explain your legal options in clear, practical terms, and handle complex negotiations with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.

FAQs

How Soon Should I Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer After a Crash?

You should contact a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. By involving the team at Bleaman Law Firm, PC early on, we can help preserve evidence, gather witness statements, and document your injuries before any details are lost. Prompt action also helps ensure that all Arizona law filing deadlines are met.

Can I File a Claim if the Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

Yes, you can file a claim if the driver was uninsured or underinsured. Arizona law allows victims to pursue compensation even when a driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage. Your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) can provide financial protection for your injuries and property damage. Our team can navigate these claims, communicate with your insurance provider, and help you get compensated.

Can I File a Claim if the Bicycle Accident Was Partially My Fault?

Yes, you can file a claim if the bicycle accident was partially your fault. Scottsdale, Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you may be assigned a percentage of fault for your injuries. Later, your compensation is then reduced by that same percentage of blame. Our team works to minimize the percentage that’s assigned to you so you can get the compensation you deserve.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Resolve a Bicycle Accident Case?

The time it typically takes to resolve a bicycle accident case depends on many different factors, like how complicated the case is, how severe your injuries are, liability, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate on a settlement. Simple cases could be settled quickly, while more complex claims could take longer.

Take Action Today: Fight for Your Rights With Experienced Advocates

At Bleaman Law Firm, PC, we fight for the people of Scottsdale who have been injured in bicycle accidents. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a crash can take on you and your family, and we’re committed to advocating fiercely on your behalf.

From negotiating with insurance companies to pursuing litigation when necessary, our team is prepared to protect your rights and secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Scottsdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer Reviews