Posted On: January 19, 2012 by Breyer Law Offices

Payson Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Accident Statistics of Payson

As Payson personal injury lawyers, we were surprised to hear that the city has an accident rate nearly five times higher than that of Prescott, which is much larger than Payson. There have been several serious accidents, minor accidents, and even close calls in the city, and while officers say it is usually motorists who are to blame, bicyclists must remember that they must obey traffic signs too, according to the Payson Roundup. Other accidents are caused because of Payson’s narrow streets and lack of bike lanes. In fact, most collisions occur on streets that lack shoulders or lanes for bicyclists, according to the report.

Payson Bicycle Accident Statistics

Payson bicycle accidents make up 3.62 percent of the state total for 2010, which is 1,089. Compared to other communities, this is very high. For example, Prescott comprised .8 percent of the total, Sedona 2 percent, and Pinetop .54 percent. The most common cause of bike accidents, according to the news report, is when motorists fail to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist at an intersection.

Payson Bicycle Accident Safety

According to the news report, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) released several tips to help bicyclists stay safer. Here they are:

  • Always wear a helmet;
  • Signal your intentions, such as a turn;
  • Stay alert;
  • Ride with traffic and stay out of drivers’ blind spots;
  • Ride away from the curb to avoid car doors opening or other unexpected occurrences;
  • Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition with tires inflated fully;
  • Wear light colored or reflective clothing; and
  • Bicyclists must obey the same traffic signals and laws as motorists.

Contact an Arizona Bicycle Accident Attorney

An experienced Arizona bicycle accident attorney can investigate cases to determine exactly who was at-fault for a bicyclist’s injuries. Oftentimes, it is the motorist who is at-fault for failing to yield the right-of-way. When this happens, bicyclists often face serious and life-threatening injuries. They deserve the best possible representation and lawyers who will work to obtain settlements to pay for their expenses. The Husband and Wife Law Team at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. has obtained large settlements for many bicycle accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.