Bicycle Accident Lawyer Phoenix, AZ Trusts Offers Tips for Bike Accident Prevention
A bicycle accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ at Kamper Estrada, LLP knows that bicyclists can be in danger every time they step out of their homes and go for a ride. Whether you ride a bike for fun, as a way to get to work and back, or for sport, it is important to practice safety in order to lessen your chances of being struck by a car. It is not uncommon for a vehicle driver to be both in a rush and distracted by their phones or other factor. As a bicyclist, you are at a disadvantage because you do not have an encasing around your body to protect you from the blunt force of a vehicle hood.
When Riders Become Victims
When bicyclists get involved in accidents with car drivers, we can understand just how scary of an experience that can be. Bike riders can quickly become victims if the driver was not paying enough attention to the road, or had been reckless with a blatant disregard for others safety. How you handle the situation after being struck is important, and we suggest trying to keep your wits about you as much as possible. If you need legal assistance, you can trust our team to work relentlessly for your behalf.
Here we have listed the many ways you can help prevent accidents and potentially life-threatening injuries from happening to you while on a bike:
- The size of the bike should be appropriate for the rider.
- Wear a helmet at all times, and invest in brands that are federally-approved.
- Ride with traffic flow, not against.
- Ride in residential areas versus busy traffic city streets whenever possible.
- When riding at night, wear brightly colored clothes.
- When riding at night, add reflectors to your bike so cars can easily see you.
- Before getting on your bike, do a quick check that all parts are in proper working order.
- When in a pedestrian lane, walk your bike across the crosswalk.
- Keep a safe distance away from parked cars, as doors may open and hit you.
- Do not listen to music while riding if it prohibits your ability to hear outside noise and potential threats.
- Adjust your speed based on the road conditions and how much traffic is on the road with you.
- Be extra vigilant when crossing at city intersections.
- When riding on the street, use the entire lane and not the edge, to increase your visibility to drivers.
- Be wary of larger vehicles that may have a bigger blind spot (commercial trucks, buses, motorhomes).
- Use hand signals to let car drivers know where you are planning to move.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Bicycle Accident
Despite taking all of these precautions you may still be a victim of a bicycle accident. If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, you may want to speak with a Phoenix, AZ bicycle accident lawyer immediately. An injury or death resulting from a bike accident can be devastating and may lead to financial repercussions, emotional grievance, and extensive pain and suffering. Kamper Estrada, LLP understands the hardship you may be experiencing. Through a consultation, we are ready to listen to your story and the impact the collision has had on your life. If we’re a match, rest assured, our law firm diligently fights for maximum compensation.
In the event you are struck by a car, it is vital that you get medical attention right away regardless of how you believe you feel after the impact. When the body is in a state of shock, injuries can be hidden. Do not permit the car driver to leave until the police have arrived and taken a statement of the accident.
Bills may pile high after being hit by a car, due to an accumulation of emergency, hospital, diagnostic and treatment costs. Even if the bicyclist has health coverage, the expenses can cause substantial financial difficulties. This is why many bicyclists choose to take legal action against the driver by filing a civil lawsuit for medical expenses. Start a file that contains all relevant paperwork for your injuries. This paperwork can be used as proof and help an attorney estimate a potential amount of compensation.
All in all, your health comes first. If you find yourself in a situation where you were just hit by a vehicle, remain calm and get medical help quickly.
Always Call the Police, and Wait for Them to Arrive
Victims of bike accidents can become outraged after being hit by a car driver, especially if their injuries are painful. It is crucial that you call 911 for help right away. An officer can arrive at the scene to take a report of what happened, and an ambulance can take you to the nearest hospital if needed. You can probably easily obtain a copy of the police report by going to your local law enforcement office. It is helpful if you gather an extra copy for your bicycle accident lawyer in Phoenix as we can use this information to build your case.
Get the Driver’s Info, Do Not Let Them Leave
Under no circumstances should you tell the driver they can leave. It doesn’t matter if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or whatever excuse they give you. The officer must arrive on the scene first and can take over the conversation with the driver. If you are of stable enough health, take down the driver’s details. If you were unable to because you were ushered to the hospital, then the supporting officer will likely do that instead. The two most vital elements of handling a bike accident is seeing that you get medical care, and obtaining the driver’s information such as:
- First and last name (as listed on driver’s license)
- Vehicle make/model/year
- Driver’s license number
- Contact (email, phone number)
If you have had trouble locating the driver who hit you, an attorney from our firm may ask if you took down their information directly from the driver’s license. If you didn’t, there is a chance the driver gave you false information in an effort to escape responsibility. But don’t worry, we will do what we can to investigate further and track this person down. We may even ask to talk with the officer who is on the case for more details.
Bike accidents happen more often than people realize. Thousands of bike riders across the United States get injured because of irresponsible car drivers. Victims must take action promptly, to increase their chances of a favorable amount in compensation. Bicyclists do not deserve to be hit by a car as they were innocently going about their ride. If you are one of these victims, please contact an AZ bicycle accident lawyer in Phoenix right away for assistance.
Why It’s Important to Retain Legal Representation
Time is of the essence when collecting valuable evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a strong case after a bicycle accident happens. Guided by decades of experience and a passion to speak on behalf of those who feel they don’t have a voice, we act quickly to investigate the circumstances of an accident. Some contributing factors we may assess include motorists who:
- Open a door in front of the cyclist
- Fail to check blind spots
- Make right turns in front of an approaching bicyclist
- Sideswipe the rider using the bike lane or shoulder
- Fail to adhere to traffic signals or stop signs
- Exit driveways without paying attention
- Drive under the influence
As a dedicated team of attorneys, we waste no time in building a case that outlines the damages incurred because of another party’s negligence. We are prepared to fight the lawyers working for insurance companies by implementing our extensive resources, which may include private investigators, medical doctors, expert witnesses, or an accident reconstruction specialist.
A collision between a bike and a vehicle or obstruction can result in minor abrasions or life-threatening injuries such as:
- Lacerations and soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Concussions and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Mouth and teeth injuries
As bicycle accident lawyer in AZ, we can review medical records to assess the full extent of a client’s injuries. With this information, we may determine a fair numerical value to compensate a client for their losses. Examples of damages that may be collected in a legal claim include:
- Past, current, and prospective medical costs
- Lost wages from the inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (i.e. when the cyclist lost their life)
- Punitive damages when applicable
The final settlement amount is dependent upon each individual’s claim; it is not feasible to provide an accurate estimated value without speaking with a member of our team first.
Contact Our Law Firm For Assistance
No victim of a bicycle accident should have to bear unexpected losses on his or her own. We can guide you through the legal process and act as an advocate for your rights to compensation. To schedule a consultation with a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer in Arizona from Kamper Estrada, LLP contact our office today.
Testimonials
Mary K.
Corrina W.
Elizabeth and Tim Kamper were amazing to work with! They took care of our needs in a timely and efficient manner with zero pressure. We highly recommend Kamper Estrada.
Rameel I.
Kamper Estrada has taken care of my family and I multiple times now and each time we have been treated like family! They explain the process and I never felt rushed throughout everything. I appreciate all the hard work they put in and recommend them in anyone in the Valley!
Neil D.
Attorney Estrada was wonderful to work with. He answered all of my questions thoughtfully and explained the details of my trust in a language easily understood. I have already recommended his law firm and will continue to do so.
Sarah C.
I had a very serious car accident in 2013 in another state. And he had to work with 3 different insurances and out of state accident laws. I worked with Mr. Timothy Kamper who was referred to me by my supervisor at the time. And he was absolutely a miracle worker! He actually found a hidden policy and was HONEST with me about it and all of the money went to me and he did not take any fees out for himself. They are a family business and once you walk in you feel like part of the family! I have referred a few people to their law firm and they got them more money than was expected. I cannot recommend this law firm enough!
Jason M.
I was in an accident over a year ago which resulted in my car being totaled and needed medical care, including an overnight stay in the hospital and about six months of physical therapy. The driver at fault had only the minimal coverage for insurance, which wouldn’t even pay half of the outstanding liens from the hospital and my medical insurance. Elizabeth Kamper explained the process to me and was always willing to answer any questions throughout the lengthy process. In the end, I was able to pay of all the liens and have more than enough to recoup other medical expenses. Kamper and Estrada’s entire staff was extremely helpful and easy to work with.
Lona H.
My husband and I went to Kamper Estrada to do our estate planning. We worked with attorney Estrada and could not be happier with our service. We really had no idea what we needed or how the process worked. Mr. Estrada helped us choose a path that was right for us and walked us through every step. Mr. Estrada and his team made the process so easy for us, it was a great experience. We highly recommend Kamper Estrada, LLP. Everyone we dealt with, from the first phone call to the end of the entire process, was warm, caring, and genuinely cared that our needs were being met
Glenda K.
Thank you Elizabeth for always making me feel that you cared and I wasn’t just a client.
Adam S.
Elizabeth did a wonderful job working with the insurance company after my family was involved in a car accident. She negotiated an amount that we could all agree on and even though we had several injuries we felt like Elizabeth got us a fair amount for the damages. Thank you Kamper Estrada!
Pamela M.
Joanna P.
I was completely thrilled with the service I got from Elizabeth! She is incredibly smart and took me through the whole process step by step. It’s not the most simple or comfortable process to go through but Elizabeth made it comfortable and I was done in no time. I have referred 4 people to her and all of them feel the same way. She’s awesome. You will not regret hiring her!
Anna S.
Everyone who retains Elizabeth as their attorney will be very pleased with her work performance and the time she take to help. She is very know legible, professional, caring and very kind person. I highly recommend Elizabeth for anyone who is going through ruff times and feels like the bankruptcy is the only option. After talking with Elizabeth everyone will feel comfortable with having the peace of mind that whatever decision they make it will be based on full knowledge, understanding of the process and knowing that they are not alone and things will get better. I highly recommend Elizabeth and her partners. This is a great law firm.
Shawna N.
As victims of identity theft and after losing over $2,000 to another legal firm that did nothing to help us with ongoing threats of garnishments from credit card companies, we were on the verge of losing everything. I’d been trying and trying to locate someone who could help us with a bankruptcy because it was finally our only alternative. THANK GOD we found Elizabeth. From Day 1, she stopped garnishment actions and immediately got our case going. It was 5 years of feeling additionally crushed with the ‘stigma’ of bankruptcy and Elizabeth often held our hands with the emotional and financial upheavals. She not only knows her stuff (I’d hate to go up against her in a courtroom), but she is always there, always kept us informed, and guided us through those years with skill, support, and her knowing the ropes with navigating the sometimes craziness of dealing with a Chapter 13. Elizabeth and her firm are the ONLY attorneys I recommend after losing money to a supposed lawyer prior. She truly saved the day – and our sanity.
Maya L.
Elizabeth is knowledgeable, friendly and caring. She continues to assist us even though our case is closed with helping to tie up some loose ends.
Mark S.
Carlene and Elizabeth are excellent attorneys who care about their clients.
Tracy M.
Elizabeth saved us! She graciously took on our case that another attorney had completely messed up. We would highly recommend her firm!
Tom M.
My wife and I personally met with Giancarlo to get in order our affairs. The process was simple, and we truly felt that Giancarlo had our best interests in mind. Having this done is definitely a weight off my shoulders.
Mat B.
I’m currently in the process of working with Giancarlo for my estate planning needs and he has been extremely helpful in the process. I am assured that this process will be painless and Giancarlo has assured me if anything ever needs to change it’s not a big deal at all. I was recently able to refer a good friend whom was unfortunately in an accident to Beth, and I know she was very happy with the interaction throughout the whole case. A big shout out to Kamper, Estrada & Simmons! Do not hesitate to call them with any Personal Injury, Estate Planning or Bankruptcy needs!
Lisa D.
We were in a difficult situation and very personal situation when I met Carlene. I was comfortable sharing private details and she honored that privacy. She was easy to work with, straight forward and took care of every detail professionally. I highly recommend her to anyone in need.
Christine Gale.
Kamper and Simmons are a a great asset to the state of Arizona and to the families that live there. You won’t find a more dedicated and compassionate law firm anywhere. They are REAL PEOPLE!! they speak to you in a caring way that just makes one feel that they made the right choices. Please don’t change anything you do and keep up the GREAT WORK!
Vam.
Carlene has exceeded in meeting all my needs and lifting my spirit during this long procedure when I felt helpless and stupid. God bless you, Carlene.
Bobby.
In my panic. She Looked at my case and provided me with all my options. Kept in touch whenever I had a question. Personal and professional. Very happy to have been recommended to her and would definitely recommend her to anyone. I already have. Thanks Ms. Simmons.
Christine.
Carlene has always been dedicated to those she serves.. She is an excellent attorney and strives to make her clients feel comfortable while attending to those legal matters. She has answers to problems that without a doubt, would boggle someone who isn’t an attorney. She is fast and thorough in getting the job done. There is no one else like Carlene that can get the job done and maintain at all times, her professionalism. She has become a great friend to me and I will always cherish her 110% of her tenacity and eagerness to help people.
Manny Maldonado
Carlene was very understanding, she explained the process thru out the process. I’ve heard horror stories about the trustee that was assigned to me. Thanks to Carlene and her experience, the trustee worked with Carlene and I was able to get a repayment plan that was comfortable to me. It took five years and Carlene was there the whole time. Contacting her was easy. Email or phone, I was always able to get in contact with her. She always returned my calls. I would and have recommended Carlene. She is a good attorney. She will get you through your bankruptcy thru thick and thin. Thank you so much Carlene, Life is much better now.
Ruben.
In addition to her knowledge about the process of bankruptcy. Carlene became my “emotional rock” during the whole process from beginning to end. I don’t think that bankruptcy is an emotionally easy thing for most people. Carlene provided the emotional support I needed. I shall ever be grateful to her for that. Carlene represented me in a complicated case. She went above and beyond to help me. She even went out of her way to help when I had a death in the family. I give Carlene my highest recommendation. She cares about her clients and does exemplary work.
James.
Carlene Simmons handled a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy on my behalf. Carlene impressed me with her knowledge of what needed to be done from the beginning to end of the process. She answered all of my questions, kept in constant contact when I called or emailed her, always getting back to me in a timely manner, sometimes within the hour.
Jennifer.
During the most difficult and strenuous time in our lives, my husband and I were left with no choice but to file bankruptcy as we could not recover our finances with the loss of my job due to illness. We were referred to Carlene Simmons from a disability attorney I had met with. Carlene has held our hand through the entire process, simplifying it and making sure we were informed and understood every step. There were no surprises. She was extremely knowledgeable and sympathetic to our circumstances. We were very hesitant and nervous that something would go wrong but she took care of everything and our case was discharged without any problems at all, just as she said it would. We now have the fresh start we need to regain our finances and focus on my health. I would highly recommend Carlene as she was professional yet compassionate during this stressful time for us. I appreciate her and you will too if you choose to work with her. Thank you, Carlene!
Angel K.
I became very ill and like so many others saw my life spiral out of control financially. I gave up my career and moved to AZ in an attempt to gain some kind of control over the pain and the mess. Nightmare landlords and my inability to get a job added to an already unbearable situation. When I finally came to terms with the fact that bankruptcy was a part of the solution I went online to shop for a lawyer. I came up with three names from NOLO and called and interviewed all three. Carlene Simmons was the clear choice and I feel so lucky to have had her guidance through the process. That last sentence seems so trite considering all she did for me. I was stunned and devastated that I was going to not pay bills when paying bills had always determined what kind of person you are to me. I was going to lose everything including my self-worth and I could see nothing of my future. This woman was strong for me, a comfort to me and literally took my hand and guided me through the process, the offices, the courtrooms and my own emotional loss. If you are in need of good guidance, strong character and true professionalism please call these women. I am so, so glad I did.
Vicky DeNero.
I was completely thrilled with the service I got from Elizabeth! She is incredibly smart and took me through the whole process step by step. It’s not the most simple or comfortable process to go through but Elizabeth made it comfortable and I was done in no time. I have referred 4 people to her and all of them feel the same way. She’s awesome. You will not regret hiring her!
Marianne B.
When i first came to Elizabeth Kamper in 2009 to file for bankruptcy, i was nervous about what lie ahead of me. Elizabeth was very reassuring and knowledgeable. She answered all my husbands and my questions. We always felt like we were a priority and over the years we never felt forgotten. While the bankruptcy was an unfavorable experience, working with Elizabeth was always a pleasure.
Marlene B.
All I have to say about Elizabeth is Amazing! she is wonderful ..helpful kept me informed and explained everything to me step by step. Love her such a blessing !!! Elizabeth always returned my calls same day and answered all my questions. All I have to say she is amazing made this scary processes very easy for me.
Jackie
Elizabeth was extremely professional and helpful with excellent advice on actions that should be taken. She always gave us options, if there was more than one way to handle a situation, and then allowed us to make the final decision, never pushing one way or another. She always kept us informed with updates and responded quickly to any situations or issues. She went out of her way to accommodate us. I would highly recommend her.
Luna L.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Attorney’s Giancarlo and Beth. Like many other people, I had never been in need of an attorney before. They patiently answered all my questions and made sure I was able to navigate the process with ease. I am grateful to them for their dedication, experience, reassurance, and above all, their honesty! Thank you!