Home / Blog / Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Phoenix

Bicycle accidents in Phoenix happen more often than many people realize. In 2024, the Arizona Department of Transportation recorded 1,379 bicycle accidents, resulting in 1,349 injuries and 44 fatalities. Many of these accidents stem from preventable factors, from distracted drivers to poor road conditions. Understanding what causes these accidents can help you stay safe on the road. If you do get injured in a bicycle accident, knowing your legal options matters. Triumph Law Group helps injured cyclists recover the compensation they deserve.

Table Of Contents

Why Choose Triumph Law Group

Triumph Law Group has handled bicycle accident cases since 2011, with a 98% success rate. Our attorneys work 24/7 to support injured cyclists and their families. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish, and we take cases to trial when necessary to fight for maximum compensation.

Our track record includes millions recovered for clients injured in accidents. We secured a $2.135 million settlement in a truck accident case and a $4.6 million wrongful death settlement. These results demonstrate our ability to handle complex injury cases and secure substantial compensation for our clients. Call 602-595-5559 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Distracted Driving Causes Many Bicycle Accidents

Distracted driving ranks among the top causes of bicycle accidents in Phoenix. When drivers take their attention off the road, they miss cyclists entirely. These distractions create dangerous situations where drivers fail to see cyclists in bike lanes, crosswalks, and intersections. Common distractions include:

Texting and Phone Use While Driving

Texting while driving ranks among the deadliest distractions. A driver texting takes their eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. In that time, a vehicle traveling at highway speeds covers the length of a football field. Cyclists become invisible to distracted drivers, especially at intersections where most bicycle accidents occur.

Cyclists riding in bike lanes or crossing intersections face serious danger when drivers focus on their phones instead of watching for vulnerable road users. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023.

GPS and In-Vehicle Distractions

GPS devices, music systems, and dashboard controls pull driver attention away from the road. Drivers adjusting these systems take their focus off the road at critical moments. Cyclists riding in bike lanes or crossing intersections face serious danger when drivers focus on their phones or navigation systems instead of watching for vulnerable road users.

Eating, drinking, and adjusting music systems also divert focus from driving. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, our Phoenix car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation.

Failure to Yield at Intersections

Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way can cause bicycle accidents in Arizona. Intersections are where most bicycle accidents happen. Consider these intersection dangers:

Left-hand turns create blind spots where drivers miss oncoming cyclists
Right-turning drivers often don’t see cyclists in their blind spots

Peak accident times in 2024 occur at daylight. Drivers rushing through intersections without checking for cyclists create dangerous situations that lead to injuries. These preventable accidents happen because drivers fail to look carefully before proceeding through intersections. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) tracks intersection safety data to improve road design for all users.

Poor Road Conditions and Infrastructure

Phoenix’s roads don’t always provide safe cycling conditions. Potholes, debris, and faded lane markings create hazards that force cyclists into traffic. Inadequate bike lanes and unclear signage leave cyclists vulnerable to collisions with vehicles. When road maintenance falls behind, cyclists bear the consequences. Poor infrastructure can lead to pedestrian accidents and other traffic incidents.

Poor infrastructure forces cyclists to navigate around obstacles, sometimes moving into traffic lanes where cars travel. This puts cyclists at risk of being hit by vehicles that don’t expect them in those spaces. Cyclists should not have to risk their safety because of neglected roads. If you’ve been injured due to poor road conditions, our Phoenix personal injury attorneys can evaluate your claim.

Dooring Accidents and Parked Vehicle Hazards

Dooring accidents happen when drivers or passengers open car doors without checking for cyclists. A cyclist traveling at even modest speeds cannot stop in time to avoid an open door. These accidents cause injuries, including:

Broken bones and fractures
Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
Lacerations and internal injuries

Arizona law requires vehicle occupants to check for approaching traffic before opening doors. When drivers fail to do this, they bear responsibility for the injuries they cause to cyclists. Dooring accidents are entirely preventable if drivers simply look before opening their doors. These injuries often qualify as catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical care and legal representation.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to cyclists on the road. Drunk and impaired drivers pose even greater dangers because they have slower reaction times and poorer judgment about road hazards.

Reckless drivers who weave through traffic, make sudden lane changes, or ignore traffic signals create life-threatening situations for cyclists. Cyclists cannot move as quickly as motor vehicles. These drivers endanger everyone on the road, especially vulnerable cyclists. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing accident risk significantly.

Nighttime Visibility Issues

Evening hours bring the highest number of bicycle accidents. Between 6 PM and 9 PM, visibility drops significantly, making it harder for drivers to see cyclists. Cyclists without proper lights or reflective gear become nearly invisible to drivers. This is particularly dangerous during electric scooter accidents and other nighttime mobility incidents.

Poor lighting on Phoenix streets compounds the problem. Cyclists riding without adequate safety equipment face dramatically increased accident risk during evening commutes and nighttime rides. Drivers must remain extra vigilant during low-light conditions to avoid hitting cyclists.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents cause injuries because cyclists lack the protection that vehicle occupants have. Understanding these injuries helps explain why compensation matters in bicycle accident cases. Common injuries from bicycle accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
Broken bones and fractures throughout the body
Lacerations, road rash, and internal injuries
Soft tissue damage and chronic pain

Many bicycle accident victims face long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities. Some cyclists never fully recover and must adapt to life-altering changes. The financial and emotional costs extend far beyond the initial accident.

Triumph Law Group understands these challenges and fights to recover compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our experience with motorcycle accidents and other vehicle collisions informs our approach to bicycle injury cases.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Knowing what to do immediately after a bicycle accident protects your health and your legal rights. Follow these steps to protect yourself:

Seek medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor
Call the police to file an official accident report
Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signals
Get contact information from witnesses and the driver
Avoid discussing fault with the driver or their insurance company
Contact Triumph Law Group at 602-595-5559 to protect your legal rights

Taking these steps immediately after your accident creates a strong foundation for your claim. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies move fast to minimize payouts. Acting promptly ensures you preserve critical evidence and meet all legal deadlines. Our Phoenix truck accident lawyers follow the same evidence-preservation protocols to maximize client recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Phoenix?

First, seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Call the police to file a report. Document the scene with photos if you can, capturing vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and the accident location. Get contact information from witnesses and the driver. Avoid discussing fault with the driver or their insurance company. Contact Triumph Law Group at 602-595-5559 to protect your legal rights.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Arizona?

Arizona law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies move fast. Contact Triumph Law Group immediately after your accident to ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve critical evidence. For more information on Arizona’s statute of limitations, consult our Phoenix personal injury lawyers.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Arizona follows pure comparative negligence rules. You can recover compensation even if you were more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney from Triumph Law Group can evaluate your case and explain how comparative negligence applies to your situation. This principle also applies to car accidents and other motor vehicle collisions.

What types of injuries commonly result from bicycle accidents?

Bicycle accidents cause injuries because cyclists lack the protection that vehicle occupants have. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, lacerations, and internal injuries. Many bicycle accident victims face long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities. Triumph Law Group has recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries from bicycle accidents.

Get Legal Help for Your Bicycle Accident

If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Phoenix, Triumph Law Group can help. Our attorneys understand Arizona bicycle laws and know how to hold negligent drivers accountable. We have extensive experience handling your case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Learn more about our Phoenix personal injury practice and how we serve injured cyclists.

Contact Triumph Law Group today for a free consultation. Call 602-595-5559 or visit our main bicycle accidents page. Learn more about how our lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve.