Bicycle Road Surface Hazards And Liability
Anyone who has ridden a bicycle on our roads knows how susceptible they are to unexpected changes in roadway surface. In short, thin tires equal added risk.
Such conditions include temporary construction conditions, sewer grates, railroad tracks, potholes and the like. Even a careful an experienced cyclist can fall victim to such conditions so every year there are numerous personal injury lawyer Phoenix cases in our "bike friendly" climate.
When road work incorrectly performed leaves a hazard, the public entity whom performed the work and is responsible for it is liable to an injured cyclist in a personal injury Phoenix case. This is provided that the entity did not give sufficient warning of the hazard. A valid warning must provide a reasonable cyclist with enough advance warning notice that it's possible for her to avoid the hazard completely. Such valid warning might include placing warning signs and cones near the hazard or blocking off the repaired are of the street.
Another main reason for roadway issues for bicycle riders is everyday wear and tear of the long term. In these cases the key to whether the roadway's public agency was negligent and therefore legally responsible for the accident is the length of time the problem has existed.
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