Biking in Phoenix offers a freedom few other cities can match. With 300 days of sunshine and hundreds of miles of designated bike lanes, it’s easy to see why riders take to the roads from Encanto to Arcadia, or enjoy the canal paths near Papago Park and the Phoenix Zoo. But too often, that freedom comes with a price.
When a bike ride ends with an ambulance or an emergency room visit, the impact doesn’t stop at the curb. The physical pain might be immediate, but the financial and emotional consequences get heavier with time—lost income, mounting bills, disrupted routines, and the weight of figuring out what to do next.
A Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer at Gallagher & Kennedy can ease that burden, help you pursue the compensation you need, and make sure you’re positioned to achieve the best possible outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Gallagher & Kennedy can investigate your crash, build your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Bicycle accidents in Phoenix often happen on roads shared with cars, especially in high-traffic zones and poorly marked intersections.
- Most bike crashes happen during the daytime, but those that occur at night are more likely to cause fatal injuries.
- Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and severe road rash, all of which may require long-term treatment.
- Hiring a lawyer early gives you the best chance at holding the at-fault party accountable and recovering meaningful compensation.
Why Gallagher & Kennedy Is the Right Law Firm for Injured Cyclists
We don’t measure success by numbers alone, but by what those numbers mean for our clients. A settlement that keeps a family in their home, covers years of medical care, or gives someone the freedom to move forward with less stress and more confidence—that’s what drives us. Nothing drives us more to succeed than helping injury survivors find a way back to stability and peace of mind.
Some reasons that make Gallagher & Kennedy the firm for injured cyclists in Phoenix :
Clients trust us during the hardest chapters of their lives
Many of the people we represent come to us after months of pain, stress, and not knowing where to turn. Their words speak volumes about the support and results we’ve delivered.
Our case results change lives
In just one year, we recovered over $120 million for injury victims and their families, including those who were told by others that their cases were too difficult to win. Explore our case results.
45+ years of service across Phoenix and beyond
We’ve spent decades standing up for people hurt by someone else’s negligence. Our roots run deep in Arizona, and so does our commitment to the communities we serve.
Built for the cases that matter most
We focus on severe injury and wrongful death cases, and we don’t shy away from tough fights. Whether your case involves a private driver, a commercial vehicle, or a government agency, we have the team and resources to handle it.
Trial-Ready Approach
From the start, we treat your case like it could go to court. That gives us leverage to settle most claims fairly and efficiently. But if the insurers refuse to offer you a fair deal, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
No upfront cost, no risk to you
You won’t owe us anything unless we recover money for you. That’s how we’ve always worked—and always will.
We treat you like a person, not a file
You’ll never feel like your case is just one of many. When you hire us, we get to know you, your story, and what this accident has taken from you—so we can fight to make it right.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Phoenix?
You’ve seen a doctor, you’ve started treating your injuries, and now you're trying to figure out what to do next. That’s where legal guidance can make a real difference.
Hiring a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take after a crash. The sooner you bring in legal support, the better your chances of securing critical evidence, documenting your injuries properly, and pushing back against unfair insurance tactics.
Other helpful steps include:
- Keep all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan: Doing this protects both your health and your injury claim.
- Document your recovery: keep a journal or videos tracking your pain, mobility, and emotional struggles.
- Save your damaged bike and gear: don’t throw away your helmet or bicycle, as they may serve as evidence.
- Avoid posting about your crash on social media: the insurance company may use your posts to argue that you’re not really hurt.
- Track all related expenses: include medical bills, prescriptions, travel costs, and missed work.
These steps won’t fix what happened, but they can protect your claim and put you in a stronger position to pursue compensation.
Phoenix Bicycle Accident Statistics
Phoenix ranks among the most dangerous major cities in the U.S. for bicyclists. With a growing population and limited cycling infrastructure in some areas, collisions are far too common.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation:
- 1,027 bicycle accidents occurred statewide in a recent year
- 702 of those crashes happened in Maricopa County
- 291 bike accidents occurred in Phoenix, resulting in 17 cyclist deaths and 274 injuries, including 42 serious and catastrophic injuries.
Safety gaps remain even with Phoenix’s 600 miles of bike lanes and 100 miles of shared-use paths. Riders face hazards like:
- Inattentive or aggressive drivers
- Incomplete bike lane networks
- Poor lighting and limited visibility at night
- Uneven pavement and roadway debris
The city has plans to expand its cycling infrastructure, but progress is slow. Until then, bicycle riders remain vulnerable, and when something goes wrong, legal support is essential.
Do You Have a Valid Bicycle Accident Claim?
Most Phoenix bicycle accident claims are based on negligence, which is the legal term for someone’s failure to act with reasonable care. To bring a successful claim, four elements must be proven:
- Duty: The other party had a legal duty to act carefully (for example, a driver sharing the road with a cyclist)
- Breach: They failed to meet that duty through action or inaction (such as failing to yield or speeding)
- Causation: Their conduct directly caused your crash
- Damages: You suffered injuries or losses as a result of the crash
Negligence isn’t always obvious. It may involve distracted driving, opening a car door into a bike lane (a “dooring” accident), or unsafe road conditions. That’s why it's so important to have an experienced Phoenix bicycle accident attorney investigate your case fully. With the right legal strategy, you can seek accountability and recover compensation for what you’ve been through.
Serious Injuries Common in Phoenix Bicycle Accidents
Even with a helmet and proper gear, a bicycle offers little protection in a collision with a car or truck. Riders often suffer serious, sometimes life-changing injuries.
Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Concussions, skull fractures, or long-term cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries: Often cause partial or complete paralysis and chronic pain
- Fractures: Especially broken arms, wrists, ribs, hips, and collarbones
- Road rash: Deep abrasions that may lead to infection or require skin grafts
- Internal organ damage: Including punctured lungs, spleen injuries, or internal bleeding
- Facial trauma: Dental fractures, jaw injuries, and lacerations
- Soft tissue damage: Torn ligaments and tendon injuries that limit mobility
- Amputation injuries: In crashes involving entrapment or extreme trauma
These injuries can demand months or even years of treatment. Some victims may never fully recover. That’s why it’s critical to document the full scope of your injuries and losses early in the claims process. Your legal team can coordinate with medical providers to build a strong case that reflects your true needs.
Where Do Bicycle Accidents Happen Most in Phoenix?
Some Phoenix roads are far more dangerous for cyclists than others. Despite the city’s push for improved bike infrastructure, several major streets and intersections still pose serious hazards for riders.
According to the city’s High Injury Network Map, the following locations are among the most dangerous for bike riders:
- 19th Avenue, 35th Avenue, and 43rd Avenue: Long stretches with heavy traffic and limited bike protections
- Indian School Road and Bell Road: High-speed corridors with frequent turning conflicts
- Buckeye Road and 7th Avenue: A known crash hotspot with poor visibility for drivers
- McDowell Road and 27th Avenue: Congestion and distracted driving increase crash risk
- Thomas Road and 43rd Avenue: Fast traffic and lack of separation between cars and bikes
These roads often lack adequate lighting, visibility, or clearly marked bike lanes. Many are routes that drivers use for commuting, which adds congestion and impatience during peak hours. Cyclists who must ride these routes, especially those commuting to work or school, face heightened risks.
Even bike-friendly areas like Papago Park or the Arizona Canal Trail can become dangerous when riders must cross intersections or share space with inattentive drivers. The reality is that crashes can happen anywhere, but data shows they are more likely on busy, arterial roads.
What Compensation Can You Pursue After a Phoenix Bike Crash?
After a serious bike accident, financial losses often pile up fast. From emergency treatment to lost paychecks, your recovery costs may stretch far beyond what insurance initially offers. Knowing what compensation you might be eligible to pursue in a bicycle accident claim can help you make informed decisions about taking legal action and what to expect.
Compensation typically falls into two categories:
Economic damages (your financial losses)
- Medical bills: Hospital visits, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future care
- Lost wages: If you missed work or expect to lose income due to long-term injuries
- Property damage: Replacing or repairing your bike, helmet, or other gear
- Out-of-pocket costs: Travel for treatment, home modifications, and medical equipment
Non-economic damages (the bike accident’s impact on your life)
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental health struggles, or reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment: If your injuries prevent you from hobbies, sports, or daily routines
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, PTSD, or trauma related to the crash
If your family member was tragically killed in a bicycle accident, you may also have grounds for a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship or parental guidance
- Loss of the deceased’s financial support
The amount available depends on the specifics of your case, such as the severity of injuries, long-term effects, and available insurance coverage. A Phoenix bicycle accident attorney can gather the documentation needed to support your full claim for damages.
We Handle the Insurance Companies
After a bicycle crash, insurance companies often move quickly. While their job is to process claims, their priority is also managing costs. That often means offering accident victims significantly less than what their injuries are truly worth or overlooking the full scope of their recovery needs.
Having legal representation ensures that your claim is taken seriously from the start. At Gallagher & Kennedy, we handle all communications, help document your losses clearly, and present a strong case that reflects your actual experience. If the insurance adjusters fail to offer you a fair deal, our trial team is prepared to take the next step on your behalf.
Even if your crash seemed straightforward, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
At Gallagher & Kennedy, we handle everything so you can focus on your health and family.
Here’s what we do:
- Investigate your crash thoroughly: Gather video footage, witness statements, crash reports, and physical evidence
- Work with your medical team: Obtain records and expert opinions to fully document your injuries
- Calculate your losses: Make sure every cost—current and future—is factored into your claim
- Communicate with the insurance company: You won’t have to deal with adjusters or settlement pressure
- Negotiate or go to trial: We fight for the compensation you need, whether it happens at the negotiating table or in the courtroom
When you work with us, you’re not a case number. You’re a person who deserves justice and support.
FAQs About Phoenix Bicycle Accident Claims
What is the deadline to file a bike accident lawsuit in Arizona?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if the defendant is a public entity (like a city bus or county vehicle), you may have as little as 180 days to file a notice of claim. Always speak with a lawyer right away to protect your rights.
What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Arizona uses a pure comparative fault rule. That means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially to blame. However, your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your total damages.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. While helmets reduce the risk of serious injury, Arizona law does not require adults to wear helmets. The absence of a helmet may be considered in calculating damages, but it does not bar you from filing a claim.
How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?
At Gallagher & Kennedy, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front, and we only get paid if we recover money for you. You have nothing to lose by calling us for a free consultation.
What if the driver left the scene or didn’t have insurance?
You may still have options through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or by pursuing other at-fault parties. Our legal team will explore every avenue for recovery, even in hit-and-run or uninsured driver cases.
Contact the Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Gallagher & Kennedy Today
You’ve already been through more than anyone should endure after a bike crash. Now it’s time to let someone else carry the legal burden while you focus on recovery.
At Gallagher & Kennedy, we have the resources, trial experience, and personal dedication to handle serious bicycle accident cases in Phoenix and across Arizona. We’ve built our reputation on results—and on treating every client with respect, care, and relentless advocacy.
Call (602) 530-8400 or contact us online to request your free consultation today. Let’s talk about what happened, how it’s affected your life, and how we can help you move forward.
Client Testimonial
“If you are looking for knowledgeable attorneys, seek Gallagher & Kennedy Law Firm. Shannon Clark and Eleanor J. Shaffer have provided legal representation in my mother’s case. While the personal injury case was quite lengthy, the entire team has been extremely supportive. During the mediation, Shannon advocated for my mother in which the case was able to be resolved outside of court. My mother has received exceptional service and we would highly recommend Shannon Clark, Eleanor Shaffer and his team.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -Blanca Rui
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