Riding a bike to work or school offers health benefits, cost savings, and environmental benefits—and in Flagstaff, it’s part of the local culture. With scenic bike lanes, a strong cycling community, and plenty of bike-friendly infrastructure, it’s easy to see why so many locals choose to ride.
Here are a few statistics Discover Flagstaff has shared:
- There are twice as many bicycles per household (1.62) than the national average.
- Flagstaff has 117 miles of bike lanes–covering 58 percent of major streets.
- Bike riders make up 5.2 percent of work commutes, compared to the national average of 0.6 percent.
- Flagstaff houses 400 bike parking locations.
- There are approximately 3,000 cyclists on any given day.
The point being made is that there are a lot of vulnerable bike riders in Flagstaff. In fact, a MetroPlan Flagstaff report shows that there were more than 10,000 vehicle crashes from 2017 to 2021. Of these incidents, 1.5 percent involved bicycles, accounting for seven percent of all traffic fatalities.
Source: MetroPlan Flagstaff
Immediate Steps to Take After a Bike Accident
Here’s what you should do immediately after being struck by a vehicle while riding your bike:
#1 Get to Safety – Move to a safe location–out of travel lanes and away from traffic.
#2 Call 911 – The first call you need to make is to emergency services. Report the accident to police and request medical assistance.
#3 Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get evaluated for hidden injuries. Shock and adrenaline is known to mask symptoms, while some injuries can take a day or longer to manifest. It’s always better to play it safe.
#4 Exchange Information – If you are physically able to, collect the at-fault driver’s name, contact info, insurance details, and vehicle license plate.
#5 Document the Scene – Again, if physically able, take photos of the accident scene, damage to your bike and the vehicle that struck you, injuries, and road conditions.
#6 Get Witness Statements – If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their names and contact information.
#7 File a Police Report – Before leaving the scene, make sure the officer includes your account in the report.
#8 Preserve Evidence – Keep damaged gear, clothing, and the bike as evidence.
#9 Avoid Admitting Fault – It’s best if you avoid apologizing or accepting blame. It’s better to remain silent until all the facts are laid out, regardless of who you believe is at fault.
#10 Contact a Lawyer – At your earliest convenience, consult a personal injury attorney. You want to protect your rights and explore your compensation options, but make sure you don’t go this route alone.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?
Absolutely. Quickly hiring an experienced bike accident lawyer in Flagstaff is key to maximizing your compensation. The law team at Antol & Sherman understand local and state laws when it comes to bicycle collisions and injury claims.
Our team takes the lead from day one. We investigate and thoroughly review all evidence, reports, and witness statements. We assess your injuries and property damage, calculating lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, ongoing care, and more to ensure you get compensated appropriately.
Skilled negotiations from our personal injury lawyers ensure insurance companies won’t get away with lowballing tactics or taking advantage of victims who may not fully understand the compensation they are entitled to.
Our attorneys also possess extensive trial experience. In the event a settlement cannot be reached, we’ll take your personal injury case to the courts and expertly present the evidence, aggressively defend you from the guilty party’s legal team, and use the facts of the case to convince the judge or jury why you are entitled to every penny we ask for in compensation.
Bike Safety Tips for Flagstaff Riders
We understand that many of Flagstaff’s bike riders already take precautions; however, it’s worth reminding readers about the most effective safety tips.
#1 Wear a Helmet – Always wear a properly fitted helmet to reduce the risk of head injuries.
#2 Use Bike Lanes – Stick to Flagstaff’s designated bike lanes and follow traffic signals.
#3 Stay Visible – Use front and rear lights, and wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions.
#4 Follow Traffic Laws – Obey all stop signs, traffic lights, and right-of-way rules as if you were driving a car.
#5 Stay Alert – Watch for cars, pedestrians, and road hazards, and avoid distractions like headphones or phones.
Free Bike Accident Injury Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident due to a vehicle hitting you in Flagstaff (Northern Arizona), reach out to Antol & Sherman today. Our accident injury lawyers bring a wealth of experience to every case we represent.
We diligently approach each case with thorough investigation, strategic planning, and aggressive representation to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
To learn more about your rights and how the claims process works, reach out today and request a free case evaluation.