December 15, 2011

Avoid Gilbert Bicycle Accidents: Teach Children to Ride Safely

As Gilbert bicycle accident attorneys, we were happy to hear about a program that is asking for bicycle donations for children in the Higley Unified School District, according to AZ Central. The program is hoping to collect 100 bicycles to give out to 10 children at 10 schools on Saturday, December 17, 2011. This is a great program. We want to also remind parents to educate children on bicycle safety, especially when in the vicinity of cars.

Gilbert Bicycle Fundraising Program

For more information about the program, which hopes to get another 60 bikes by this Friday, December 16, 2011, contact Art Wagner at (480) 279-7085 or email him at Arthur.Wagner@husd.org. Also, Target is offering discounted bikes for people who want to buy them and donate them to the program. Contact tracy.healy@target.com for more information.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics

There are approximately 2,000 bicycle accidents in Arizona every year, according to a study released by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). About 20 people are killed each year and about 1,600 are injured, according to the study.

Gilbert Bicycle Accident Safety Tips

Some bicycle safety rules to discuss with children include:

  • Wearing a helmet at all times while riding bikes
  • Wearing reflective clothing and using a light
  • Traveling in the same direction as traffic
  • Obeying all traffic signals
  • Getting off the bike and walking it across a crosswalk when crossing the road

Contact a Gilbert Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced Gilbert personal injury attorney can represent you if you or your child are injured in a Gilbert bicycle accident. The Husband and Wife Law Team knows that even when bicyclists obey all traffic and safety rules, they can still be hit by motorists who aren’t paying attention or who are breaking the law. We work to hold the at-fault driver responsible for medical expenses and more. Contact us at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today at (480) 753-4534.

November 23, 2011

Phoenix Bicycle Accident Leaves 79-Year-Old Man Dead

As Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys, we were sorry to hear about a 79-year-old bicyclist who was struck and killed by a vehicle on November 19. The cyclist was heading west on North 7th Street in the 19700 block, according to AZ Central, when a 2001 Honda station wagon heading south struck him. The bicyclist was transported to a local trauma center but later died of his injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family during this difficult time.

Phoenix Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to a news report in AZ Central, 467 Phoenix bicycle accidents occurred in 2009. Nine bicyclists were killed in those accidents and 423 were injured.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Law

According to ARS 28-735, vehicles must be at a safe distance of no less than 3 feet when passing a bicycle. When drivers violate this law, they can face a civil penalty.

Causes of this Phoenix Bicycle Accident

Police believe alcohol was not a factor in this Phoenix fatal auto accident. The 27-year-old driver of the Honda did not appear impaired, police said. As Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys, we see many cases in which motorists do not see and fail to yield to bicyclists. When a car hits a bicyclist, serious injuries and death often occur because of the weight of the car and the force of the impact.

Contact a Phoenix Wrongful Death Attorney

An experienced attorney at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. can investigate the scene of this Phoenix bicycle accident to determine who was at fault. The Husband and Wife Law Team look at skid marks, brake marks, and other factors to determine where the bicyclist was when he or she was hit. We also talk to witnesses and ask them where the bicyclist was, whether the motorist ran a red light or failed to yield, and if the motorist veered into the bicycle’s path. With this evidence, the team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. advocates for the victim’s family and obtains compensation for funeral costs and more. Contact us for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222.

November 18, 2011

Avoid Bicycle Accidents with These Safety Tips

bike_10153430.jpgAs Arizona bicycle accident attorneys, we are glad to report that the event for the third annual Cave Creek bicycle festival held November 11 through 13 was a success. The goal of the event was to raise funds for desert preservation, according to a news report from The Bicycle Retailer. Events included a 20-mile mountain bike race, a 30- and 50-mile road race and a kid’s bicycle race for children 4 to 14 years old. Other events included a kick-bike group as well as an alley cat race.

Watch Out for Cyclists to Avoid Accidents

It is especially important that motorists watch out for cyclists to avoid bicycle accidents. The race route for this event travelled up North Pima Road and made a circle around the Cave Creek area, including traveling on Cave Creek Road and Westland Road. Last year, there were nearly 325 racers and this year organizers were happy with their turn out.

How to Avoid Cave Creek Bicycle Accidents

Motorists should remember to be aware of bicyclists and follow defensive driving tips, including:

  • Slow down;
  • Be aware of cyclists in the area;
  • Pass with care; and
  • Give racers the right of way.

As Cave Creek bicycle accident lawyers, we see too many instances in which motorists were not paying attention to the road and swerved into a cyclist’s path. When a car hits a bicycle, it can cause serious bicycle accident injury and death, and everyone should be aware of the danger. Parents should talk to their driving-age children to remind them to use extreme caution when around bicyclists.

Contact a Phoenix Bicycle Accident Attorney

An attorney can help you when you have been injured in a bicycle accident. It is important to have an experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side, as he or she acts as an advocate for victims injured in bicycle accidents. We, the team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., work to investigate accident scenes, talk to witnesses, and build the strongest case possible. We then work to obtain compensation for the victim to cover all the costs associated with the accident. Contact us today at (602) 457-6222.

October 24, 2011

4-Year-Old Boy Seriously Injured in Phoenix Bike Collision

Being Phoenix bike accident lawyers, we unfortunately are informed of many tragic Phoenix bike accidents. AZCentral has reported a bike accident involving a 4-year-old boy in Phoenix. Police say that the child was hit by a vehicle driven by an elderly woman on Osborn Road near 20th Street as two bicyclists were crossing the street. Apparently, the boy was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision and is in serious condition; however, it has been reported that he will survive, which is great news. Impairment is said to not be a factor in the accident.

We are extremely sorry to hear about this accident and we sincerely hope that the little boy has a quick recovery.

Phoenix Bike Accident Statistics
According to bike accident statistics in Phoenix for 2009, there has been a decrease in bike accidents from 2008. The number of vehicle collisions with bicycles decreased from 478 to 467 in 2009, with 423 bicyclists who were injured and 9 killed.

Arizona Bike Helmet Law
In Arizona, there is no mandatory helmet law for bicyclists. However, there are some municipalities that have rules on helmet use when bicycling. Statistics show that wearing a helmet can drastically reduce the chance that a child in a bicycle accident will get seriously injured. However, only 25 percent of children below the age of 14 use helmets when bicycling. The most important injury that a helmet can protect a child from is a head or brain injury, which is the most common injuries when in a bicycle accident.

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Bike Accident Lawyer
The best Phoenix bike accident lawyers offer free consultation. In addition, the most experienced attorneys will be able to investigate the accident and be able to tell you whether or not the non-use of a helmet will have a substantial impact on the value of the personal injury claim. Just because a person is not wearing a helmet does not mean that he or she does not have a personal injury claim. The applicability of the helmet law is dependent on the circumstances of the bike accident.

An experienced Phoenix bike accident lawyer will be able to look at the facts of the bike accident and help guide you on the value of your claim. The experienced attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. have been helping bike accident victims and parents who have children hurt in accidents for years. Call today at (602) 457-6222 for your free consultation. You can also follow our Husband and Wife Law Team Twitter account for additional information.

July 28, 2011

Glendale Hit and Run Accident Leaves Bicyclist Injured

Did you know that 630 bicyclists were killed and 51,000 more were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes on US roads in 2009? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these bicycle fatalities represent 2 percent of the total traffic fatalities in 2009. Statistics also revealed that 70 percent of these crashes happen in urban areas and at non-intersections. In most cases, bicycle injury statistics are under-reported. This is because police do not report the accident especially when the victim is not seriously injured.

On Thursday afternoon (7/7/11), a bicyclist was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries after he was hit by a car. According to police, the Glendale bicycle accident happened near 51st and Northern avenues.

The car was describe as a gray car and was driven by a man. The driver did not stop after the collision and was last seen traveling northbound on 51st avenue.

Although hit and run laws in US differ from one state to another, in most instances, it is considered to be a serious crime. It is often defined as the failure to stop after an accident. Hit and run law statistics show that approximately eleven percent of all vehicle accidents are hit and run car accidents.

The punishment for hit and run can also differ such as a hit and run law violator will be required to compensate the victim for his/her losses, may have their license suspended or revoked, and may also face criminal/punitive fines. In more serious cases an offender may also be required to serve jail time, and may face points on his/her insurance or DVM records. Hit and run law violators may also loss their license or insurance coverage completely as a result of their crime.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of hit and run accident in Arizona and would like to seek compensation, call one of our Glendale hit and run accident lawyers at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.

June 30, 2011

Gilbert Bicyclist Dies after Being Hit by Van

Riding on bicycles is a trend which will never grow old because it is economical, cool, and one can relax while enjoying the scenery and the wind. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that in 2009, there were 630 bicyclists who were killed and 51,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes. These accidents made up 2% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the same year.

A 20-year-old woman died when she was struck by a van as she rode into oncoming traffic (AZCentral 06/17/2011). Witnesses reported that the woman stopped in the crosswalk to adjust something on her feet, when the signal light changed. A 76-year-old man then struck the woman after she got back onto her bike and rode directly onto his lane. The woman was taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after. Police are still currently investigating the incident.

In every type of transportation, there are risks involved; more so with a small bicycle. Therefore, when riding a bicycle in Arizona, be a cautious cyclist at all times, follow the rules of the road and wear appropriate protective gear such as a DOT approved bicycle helmet. A well-fitted helmet is the single most effective way to prevent serious head injuries in an accident. For drivers of motor vehicles, always remember to share the road with bicycles. Allow a few feet of clearance while passing a bicycle on the street, and be especially mindful of them when turning left of right.

If you or a loved one has been injured while riding a bicycle legally in Arizona, then you may call our bicycle accidents attorneys in Phoenix for a free consultation at (602) 457-6222.

May 26, 2011

Bicyclist Dead in Mesa Crash

When a bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicles fatal injuries can be easily acquired. Bicyclists only rely on gear such as a helmet and pads to protective them during a bike accident in Arizona. But unfortunately, these safety precautions are not always enough to save a bicyclist’s life.

In recent news, a fatal accident happened Wednesday night involving a bicyclist and a car driven by a Mesa city councilman (AZ Family 05/19/2011).

According to Mesa police, the 24-year-old public official was heading west on McKellips Road between Mesa Drive and Horne at around 7 p.m. when he hit the bicyclist who reportedly crossed the street mid-block and rode in front of his vehicle.

The bicyclist was pronounced dead on the scene while the driver was unhurt.

Neither impairment nor speeding was a factor in the Mesa bicycle accident.
In a public statement, the councilman has expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the victims and has stated his full cooperation with Mesa police in the ongoing investigation.

Bicyclists composed about 2 percent of the country’s 2009 road fatalities (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). A total of 630 bicyclists were killed in crashes that year while approximately 59,000 were injured. Figures for 2009 depict improvements in bicycle safety as bicyclist deaths decreased by 12 percent while injury cases were down by 14 percent compared to 2008.

If you have been a victim of a bicycle accident and are seeking compensation related to a personal injury, we can be reached at (480) 753-4534 for a free consultation.