A Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer Who Doesn’t Let Drivers Off the Hook
Hit while riding? Browne Law Group levels the playing field for injured cyclists. No B.S., just results
Bike vs. car isn’t a fair fight and when a driver hits a cyclist on the streets of Phoenix, the consequences are rarely minor. Whether it happened on Grand Avenue, along the 202, or in a quiet neighborhood near Encanto, a bicycle crash can leave you with broken bones, head trauma, or worse. And while you’re left picking up the pieces, the driver may be telling their version of the story to the police and their insurance company. They downplay what happened or shift the blame entirely. Browne Law Group represents injured cyclists across Phoenix, Goodyear, and Maricopa County. We step in early, build the case right, and fight for full compensation.
Cyclists often face an uphill battle after a crash. Even when the driver was clearly distracted, speeding, or reckless, insurance companies love to blame the rider and police reports don’t always get it right. It doesn’t matter if you were hit in a bike lane, crossing an intersection, or just trying to get home safely. Our team has secured results like a $1 million settlement and a $750,000 settlement in motor vehicle accident cases because we know how to hold drivers accountable.
If someone else’s negligence turned your ride into a medical emergency, you deserve a legal team that knows how to push back. Browne Law Group makes it easy to get justice. Consultations are free, and there’s no fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Bicycle Accidents
Injuries from a bicycle accident can derail every part of your life, which is why it’s vital to have solid, trustworthy information from a legal authority who knows how to protect what matters most.
- What should I do if I was hit by a car while riding my bike in Phoenix or Maricopa County?
- Who can be held legally responsible for a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver in Arizona?
- Are drivers required to leave space when passing cyclists in Phoenix and what happens if they don’t?
- Can I sue if I was “doored” by someone exiting a parked car while riding on a Phoenix street?
- What rights do cyclists have at intersections and crosswalks under Arizona law?
- What if the driver who hit me says I wasn’t using the bike lane or riding where I was supposed to?
- Are commercial vehicle drivers held to higher safety standards when they hit a cyclist in Arizona?
- What if I was hit while biking at night. Can the insurance company say it was my fault?
- What injuries are common in serious bicycle accidents and how do they impact your compensation?
- How long do I have to file a bicycle accident injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona?
- What if my child or teen was hit while riding their bike. Can I take legal action on their behalf?
- Will the driver’s insurance pay for my medical bills, lost income, and damage to my bike?
- How much does it cost to hire a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer and what if I can’t afford one?
- How can a lawyer help if the driver’s insurance already offered me a settlement after my bike accident?
What should I do if I was hit by a car while riding my bike in Phoenix or Maricopa County?
A bicycle crash can leave you disoriented, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can help protect your health and strengthen your claim. Following an accident:
- Call 911 and report the crash: Get emergency responders on scene to document the incident and provide medical care.
- Gather information at the scene: If you’re able, get the driver’s name, contact info, license plate, and insurance details.
- Take photos and video: Document the scene, including your bike, the vehicle, your injuries, and any visible road hazards.
- Seek medical treatment promptly: Even minor pain can be a sign of something more serious, like a head or internal injury.
- Do not admit fault or give statements: Insurance companies may try to twist your words. Don’t engage without legal representation.
A lawyer can help secure the evidence you can’t get yourself and protect your rights from the start of the process.
Who can be held legally responsible for a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver in Arizona?
In Arizona, more than just the driver may be legally liable for a bicycle accident. Holding all responsible parties accountable increases your chance of recovering full compensation. Liable parties may include:
- The driver: If they were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield, they may be directly at fault.
- The vehicle owner: If someone loaned their vehicle to an unfit driver, they may share liability.
- A commercial employer: If the vehicle was a delivery van, rideshare car, or utility truck, the employer or company could be responsible for the truck accident.
- A property owner or municipality: In rare cases, dangerous road design or poor signage may point to city or property owner liability.
- A vehicle or bike manufacturer: If a defect contributed to the crash, a product liability claim may be an option.
Identifying every liable party takes investigation and legal strategy. This is something an experienced bike accident attorney can handle for you.
Are drivers required to leave space when passing cyclists in Phoenix and what happens if they don’t?
Yes, under Arizona law drivers must leave a minimum of three feet of space when passing a cyclist on the road. Unfortunately, on narrow Phoenix streets like Roosevelt or 7th Avenue, drivers often ignore this rule leading to sideswipes, run-offs, or serious crashes. If a driver violates this law and causes injury, they can be held legally responsible. A lawyer can use traffic statutes and physical evidence to prove negligence and fight for full compensation after a car accident.
Can I sue if I was ”doored” by someone exiting a parked car while riding on a Phoenix street?
Yes, “dooring” is a common and dangerous form of driver negligence, especially in busy areas like Central Avenue or the Melrose District, where cyclists ride alongside parked cars. Arizona drivers have a legal duty to check for oncoming traffic, including bicycles, before opening a door into the roadway. If they fail to do so and cause injury, you may have grounds to sue for damages. A lawyer can investigate whether the dooring incident violated local or state safety laws and build your case accordingly.
What rights do cyclists have at intersections and crosswalks under Arizona law?
Cyclists in Arizona are legally considered vehicle operators and are entitled to certain protections under state law. These rights are important at intersections, where many crashes occur, and address:
- Equal right to use the road: Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
- Right-of-way in crosswalks: Cyclists walking their bike across a crosswalk are considered pedestrians and have full right-of-way protections.
- Yielding rules at intersections: Drivers must yield to cyclists in the same way they would to any other vehicle when turning or approaching an intersection.
- Bike lanes and right turns: Cars must check for cyclists before turning across a bike lane or merging into one.
- Protection from unsafe passing: Arizona law requires a minimum three-foot passing distance when overtaking a cyclist.
Understanding your legal standing is key when the driver or insurer tries to blame you. A lawyer can help assert your rights clearly and effectively.
What if the driver who hit me says I wasn’t using the bike lane or riding where I was supposed to?
Even if a bike lane is available, Arizona law does not always require cyclists to use it, including when it’s unsafe, obstructed, or doesn’t lead to their destination. In many Phoenix neighborhoods, bike lanes disappear at intersections or are filled with debris, forcing cyclists into traffic. Drivers and insurers often use this argument to shift blame, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify your claim. An experienced attorney can refute these tactics and demonstrate that you were riding lawfully and responsibly.
Are commercial vehicle drivers held to higher safety standards when they hit a cyclist in Arizona?
Yes, commercial drivers, like delivery trucks, rideshares, and utility vehicles, are held to stricter standards under both state and federal law. If you were hit while riding on Grand Avenue, near a shopping plaza in Phoenix, or in a dense commercial zone in Tempe, the driver’s employer may also be liable. These companies are expected to train drivers, monitor behavior, and maintain vehicle safety. A lawyer can investigate the company’s safety practices and pursue claims against both the driver and their employer.
What if I was hit while biking at night. Can the insurance company say it was my fault?
Yes, insurers often try to blame cyclists hit at night if visibility is an issue. However, Arizona law only requires cyclists to have a white front light and red rear reflector or light after dark, not high-visibility gear or extra lighting. Crashes on dimly lit roads like Lower Buckeye Road or Baseline often involve speeding or distracted drivers who still had time to avoid the cyclist. A lawyer can push back against these blame-shifting tactics and focus the case on driver negligence, not assumptions about what you were wearing.
What injuries are common in serious bicycle accidents and how do they impact your compensation?
Cyclists have little to protect them in a crash, so injuries tend to be severe. The type and extent of your injuries will directly affect your compensation for medical costs, lost income, and future care. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, a head injury can cause lifelong cognitive or emotional problems.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: These life-altering injuries often require long-term care and home modifications.
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries: Broken bones often require surgery and can cause lasting mobility issues.
- Soft tissue damage and road rash: These injuries may seem minor but can lead to infections, scarring, and chronic pain.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding isn’t always immediately apparent but can be deadly if untreated.
An attorney can calculate the full scope of damages, not just what you’ve already paid, but what you’ll continue to endure over time.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona?
In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim, and two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This deadline is outlined in the law. But waiting too long to act can result in lost evidence, faded witness memories, or expired traffic footage in areas like downtown Phoenix where surveillance turnover is high. Consulting a lawyer early can help protect your claim and ensure you don’t miss your window for justice.
What if my child or teen was hit while riding their bike. Can I take legal action on their behalf?
Yes, Arizona law allows parents or legal guardians to file a claim on behalf of a minor injured in a bicycle accident. Crashes involving children are tragically common near schools, parks, and residential areas, like those near 51st Avenue or the Estrella Mountain neighborhoods. You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term effects on your child’s development. A lawyer can help guide your family through the legal process and make sure your child’s future is protected.
Will the driver’s insurance pay for my medical bills, lost income, and damage to my bike?
While the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your losses, it’s rarely that simple in practice. Insurance companies often minimize payouts or deny claims to protect their bottom line. In general, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills: You may be entitled to coverage for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages and future earnings: If you miss work or can no longer do the same job, those losses are part of your claim.
- Pain and suffering: Arizona law allows you to seek compensation for emotional distress and physical pain.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost to repair or replace your bike, helmet, gear, and other damaged property.
You’ll have the best chance of recovering everything you’re owed with a lawyer who knows how to challenge these tactics.
How much does it cost to hire a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer and what if I can’t afford one?
Most personal injury lawyers, including Browne Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and only pay if they win your case. This allows injured cyclists and their families to get high-quality legal representation without worrying about legal bills. It’s helpful if you’re facing medical debt, missed work, or permanent injury. A free consultation gives you a risk-free way to find out where you stand and whether taking action makes sense for your situation.
How can a lawyer help if the driver’s insurance already offered me a settlement after my bike accident?
Insurance companies often rush to offer a low settlement when they know they’re liable. Accepting without legal advice can leave you stuck with far less than your case is worth. A lawyer can help by:
- Evaluating the full value of your claim: A lawyer can determine if the offer covers all damages, including future costs.
- Negotiating for a higher settlement: With legal backing, insurers take your claim more seriously and may increase their offer.
- Exposing insurance company tactics: Attorneys know when an insurer is undervaluing pain and suffering or disputing liability unfairly.
- Preparing for trial if needed: If negotiation fails, your attorney can take your case to court and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.
Legal help can mean the difference between a quick payout and a full recovery, financially and otherwise.
Get a No-B.S. legal team that rides for you
If a careless driver knocked you off your bike, it’s time to fight back with a Phoenix bicycle accident attorney who gets real results. Contact us today. Browne Law Group takes on the insurance companies, builds tough cases, and makes sure injured cyclists get paid – every dollar they’re owed. No fee unless we win. Free consultation. No pressure. Just legal muscle when you need it most.