You got hit. The crash is over, you've seen a doctor, and the first 48 hours are behind you. Now comes the part most cyclists aren't prepared for: dealing with the insurance company, managing your medical care, and figuring out what a realistic path to compensation looks like.
The other driver's insurer will contact you first
Don't be surprised if the at-fault driver's adjuster calls within 24 hours. They're friendly, they want to help, and they want a recorded statement before you have legal counsel. Decline. You have no obligation to provide one. Every word of a recorded statement can be used to minimize your claim — even innocent details about how you're feeling can become "the cyclist said they were fine the day after."
Your medical treatment creates the record that drives your claim
Follow your doctor's treatment plan and don't skip appointments. Gaps in care are used by insurers to argue that you recovered or that your injuries weren't as serious as claimed. If symptoms change or worsen, document that with your provider. If you need specialist referrals — orthopedic, neurological, physical therapy — pursue them rather than waiting.
Medical liens are often part of how treatment is funded while a liability dispute is pending. Your health insurer or a treatment provider may place a lien on your eventual settlement — meaning they get paid back from the recovery. An attorney can negotiate those liens down, which directly affects how much you net.
How liability is established in a bike crash
Surveillance and traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, skid marks and vehicle resting positions, and event data recorder data from the vehicle all go into building the liability case. Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) means even if insurers argue you were partly at fault — riding in a way that contributed to the crash — your recovery is reduced proportionally, not eliminated. A lawyer's job is to push back on inflated fault percentages.
The realistic timeline
Most Phoenix bicycle accident claims resolve in four to twelve months after treatment is complete — or at a point of maximum medical improvement. Cases that go to litigation take longer. The settlement amount is directly tied to the completeness of your medical record and the strength of the liability evidence, which is why both need attention throughout the process.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years from the accident date (A.R.S. § 12-542). See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations for exceptions.
Our bicycle accident attorneys handle claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.