Many dogs are attracted to anything moving, i.e. balls, frisbees, cars driving by etc. This may be a problem for the cyclist who happens to roll by a dog interested in moving things. Especially if your bike is nice and shiny! Lets not forget the wheels that spin, the chains, the cassettes, cranks, etc., all of which may be very attractive to a local dog.

Every cyclist should know what to do if a dog runs after you while you are riding your bike.

Dog vs Bicycle Advice

Some dogs may be too small and too slow to every pose a threat when they approach you or attempt to run after you. You may be able to simply outrun these dogs. But be extremely careful not to crash your bicycle in uncontrolled and desperate attempt to outrun a dog chasing you. In these moments your anxiety may be very high and you may not be thinking clearly, or paying attention to the road conditions, surrounding cars, or anything else that can cause a wreck. I have known cyclists that have also simply stumbled on their bicycles and crashed due to the intense onset of extreme anxiety at a barking dog chasing them. Luckily for them they were not injured when they fell over from loss of balance and the dog ceased the pursuit.

Usually the best thing to do is come to a controlled and safe stop. Place your bicycle between you and the dog as a defensive barrier of sorts. Be careful to protect yourself reasonably and do not unnecessarily cause harm to the dog (i.e. throwing rocks, pepper spray, shooting the dog, etc.). Cyclists can actually get into legal trouble by assaulting the dog if the force used against the dog was unnecessary and unreasonable. However, let me be clear, you are entitled to protect yourself and you should do so. Once the dog calms down or the owner shows up to reclaim the dog, you can begin to slowly walk your bike away. Begin to ride away once you know for certain that the dog is either out of sight or not interested in you or your bicycle.

Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs. If a dog has chased you and caused a bicycle accident, or you were received a dog bite, or were otherwise injured by a dog on a public roadway then the owner of the dog is responsible. Immediately report the incident to the authorities. Take as many pictures as possible of the injuries, the dog if possible, the surrounding area where the dog came from and/or returned to. Dog bite or dog chase bicycle accidents may be tricky claims. We’re here to help.

Arizona Bicycle Accident Attorney Ben Dodge

If you, or someone you know were injured by a dog in a bicycle accident, hire a personal injury attorney who is experienced and has a successful track record. Ben Dodge, a licensed bicycle accident lawyer in Arizona, has dedicated his entire firm to one purpose: representing cyclists. Bicycle accident cases are the only cases Bike Accident Attorneys, PLC handles.

Ben Dodge has represented and assisted bicycle accident victims across the entire United States. As an avid and competitive cyclist himself, Mr. Dodge currently participates in national and local cycling events all over the country. It isn’t uncommon to spot him in early morning hours out riding his bike. The day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.

A Consultation with Experienced Arizona Bicycle Accident Attorney Ben Dodge is Free

In recent years there has been approximately 700 bicycle fatalities in the United States every single year. Approximately 2,000 bicycle accidents are reported in Arizona every year. Approximately 30 fatal bicycle accidents are reported in Arizona every year. Bicycle fatalities are terrible and horrific tragedies that affect the lives of too many families and friends to count. Understanding your rights and obligations as a cyclist can bring clarity to your specific accident situation. It will always be in your best interest to be represented by an attorney who knows the bicycle laws and has a successful track record of winning bicycle accident cases. The negotiation tactics and strategies of winning a case are extremely important but should always take a back row seat to the litigation experience and knowledge of court room rules, local, state, and federal rules of civil procedure that can have significant impact on your bicycle accident case. It is wise to be represented by someone well versed in bicycle accident law, local and state bicycle ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and laws. You should hire someone very familiar with negligence and tort law, civil procedure, and the rules of evidence as they all relate specifically to bicycle accident cases.

Ben Dodge always offers a complimentary in person consultation to all local cyclists and a complimentary phone consultation to any cyclist injured in a bike accident. Typically the consultations are schedule from 30-60 minutes depending on the severity of the accident. You can expect to get answers to questions, clarity, information, and reassurance of your personal bike accident liability and potential for recovery. In your free consultation you can generally expect to discuss such topics as:

• Your specific bike accident details, diagrams, and pictures from your perspective and then from the perspective of your bike accident attorney.
• The applicable local, state, and federal laws underlying your case.
• Your cyclist’s rights, obligations, and any potential liability.
• The process, procedure (in and out of court), and the time frame required to conclude your case.
• The value of your case and what you might expect as compensation.

You can call Arizona bicycle lawyer Ben Dodge of Bike Accident Attorneys, PLC at 1.855.663.3922 (855.ONE.EZ.CALL). Mr. Dodge’s staff is standing and ready to accept your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every single day of the year. Mr. Dodge will personally return your call within 24 hours. There is never an obligation for a complimentary consultation with Mr. Dodge. His passion is in representing cyclists and his entire office stands ready to serve with kindness and patience.

Bike Accident Attorneys, PLC

Call Ben Dodge today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 480.656.8334.

Mr. Dodge can also be reached by email at ben@bikeaccidentattorneys.com

His Main Offices are located at:

Mesa Arizona (Home Base Office)
4824 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 124
Mesa, Arizona 85206

Phoenix Arizona Office
2415 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 700
Phoenix, Arizona 85016

Salt Lake City Utah Office
299 South Main
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

St. George Utah Office
321 N. Mall Drive, Suite 103
St. George, Utah 84790

Mr. Dodge represents cyclists in the entire State of Arizona including but not limited to Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Gilbert, Peoria, Glendale, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Tempe, Chandler, Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, Surprise, Kingman, Page, Lake Havasu City, Payson, Goodyear, Buckeye, Queen Creek, Paradise Valley, Show Low, Winslow, Maricopa, Nogales, Globe, Avondale, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Apache Junction, Carefree, Wickenburg, Pinetop-Lakeside, Strawberry, Anthem, Safford, and more. Ben Dodge is currently involved with bicycle accident cases all over the country and can assist in representation in all 50 states. He has helped cyclists in New York, Texas, California, Washington, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.