Gilbert Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Getting into a bicycle accident is unexpected, but unfortunately, bike accidents do happen. Some are more serious than others, but if they involve an injury, the injured party may have grounds for a personal injury claim. If you or your loved one was involved in a bicycle accident, a Gilbert bicycle accident lawyer can advise you of your options for legal recourse if someone else was responsible for the accident.

Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., a personal injury law firm, was established over 30 years ago. Since we opened our doors, we have stayed true to three fundamental principles that drive our practice: passion, dedication, and honesty. Our knowledge of and legal approach to injury law allows us to pursue personal injury and wrongful death claims with the most effective legal strategies.

It would be our honor to represent you and assist you in obtaining compensation for your bicycle accident damages.

In 2024, there were 1,379 bicycle accidents causing injury or death in Arizona. In fact, 44 people died in bicycle accidents that year. In light of these numbers, Gilbert, like other Arizona towns, is focused on making travel by bicycle safer for residents. City planning has added bike lanes on many roads, and there are 60 miles of marked biking trails optimized for bicycle safety.

Some favorite bicycle trails in Gilbert include the East Maricopa Floodway Trail and the Loop 202 Trail. The East Maricopa Floodway Trail runs southwest to northeast from Hunt Highway to Williams Field Road. The Loop 202 Trail runs along Arizona State Route 202.

If you were involved in a bike accident in Gilbert, you may be wondering if you or someone else was at fault. Consulting with an experienced Gilbert bicycle accident attorney can shed light on your accident regarding liability. In the meantime, anyone who rides a bicycle in Arizona should have a good understanding of AZ bicycle laws. Some commonly cited bicycle accident laws are below:

• Unless there is a sign that prohibits it, bicycles are allowed on sidewalks, but they must go with the flow of traffic, and pedestrians have the right-of-way. When bicycle lanes are present, cyclists have the choice of riding on the sidewalk or the bike lane.
• Driving and traffic laws are equally applicable to drivers and bicyclists. This means that vehicles do not have to yield to bicyclists, by law. It is up to both the drivers and the cyclists to obey laws appropriately. This includes riding with the flow of traffic. When cyclists obey all traffic laws, not only are they less likely to be involved in an accident, but they are also less likely to be at fault if they do get in one.
• When drivers and cyclists are on private property, traffic laws do not apply. Extra care should be taken when biking on private property where cars are also driving, because assigning fault in an accident where no laws apply can be tricky.
• Vehicles must keep a distance of at least three feet from bicyclists and vice versa.
• While AZ doesn’t legally require bicyclists to wear helmets, it is required by law that they have a front white light and a rear red reflector attached to their bikes when traveling at night.

At Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., we are passionate about helping victims of negligence recover damages for their injuries. We go the distance for our clients and believe that preparation is the foundation block of every case, doing whatever it takes to complete a full investigation of your injury or loved one’s death. We can keep you informed every step of the way with the ultimate goal of optimizing your settlement.

Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

The vehicle driver is usually found to be at fault when a car accident involves a bicycle. This is often because drivers are typically responsible for accidents due to speeding, distracted driving, or failing to obey other traffic laws regarding sharing the road with cyclists. However, cyclists too can be at fault if they run a stop sign, ride the wrong way down the road, or improperly cross the road in front of moving traffic.

What Are the Bicycle Laws in Arizona?

The bicycle laws in Arizona are the same laws that govern passenger vehicles on public roads. Cyclists must obey traffic signals and maintain three feet of distance between themselves and all cars on the road. Additionally, when riding at night or at dawn, they must have a white light with a visibility of at least 500 feet on the front of their bikes and a red reflector with at least 50 to 300 feet of visibility on the back.

How Much Compensation for a Bicycle Accident?

Compensation for a bicycle accident depends on the amount of damages and/or injuries the party incurred. However, the amount can still vary beyond the expenses incurred if partial fault by the cyclist is determined. For instance, if a bicycle accident claim returns a $10,000 settlement, but the plaintiff was deemed 80% at fault, that compensation is reduced by 80%. Their compensation is then $2,000. Thus, every claim is different.

Can You Ride a Bike on the Sidewalk in Gilbert, Arizona?

Yes, you can ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in Gilbert, Arizona. Gilbert is a very bike-friendly town, and cyclists are welcome to ride on sidewalks, as long as there are no posted signs that state otherwise. They must ride with the flow of traffic and always yield to pedestrians.

If you need to hire a bicycle accident lawyer, Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., is ready to hear about your case. Our dedicated Gilbert bicycle accident attorney can provide the legal advice and resources you need to file your claim. We treat all of our clients like family and are passionate about helping those in our community when they need it most. Contact us to learn more.

Gilbert, AZ Bicycle Accident Resources

• What to Do After a Bicycle Accident