Jennifer Lam Killed in Phoenix Bicycle Accident
The 60-year-old bicyclist was struck by a pickup truck exiting a business on Bethany Home Road
Jennifer Lam, 60, was killed in a bicycle crash involving a pickup truck at 35th Avenue and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix on July 2, according to police.
The collision occurred about 4 p.m. The truck was exiting a local business parking lot and crossing the sidewalk to enter the road. Phoenix Police Department detectives determined the bicyclist, Lam, was driving west on the sidewalk when she was struck. Lam died at the scene.
The driver remained at the intersection and was evaluated by officers.
The crash remains under investigation.
In 2023, 1,166 bicyclists died in crashes with motor vehicles across the United States, federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System data show, highlighting the vulnerability of cyclists compared with drivers and passengers.
While initial reports noted no immediate signs of impairment at the scene, authorities routinely conduct full toxicology screenings in fatal vehicle collisions to rule out driving under the influence.
Cristina Perez, attorney at Perez Law Group, said, "Distracted driving continues fueling many fatal bicycle collisions, since even a few seconds spent glancing at a phone can mean the difference between life and death for a cyclist. Awareness gaps behind the wheel put vulnerable road users at constant risk."
"Legal counsel stepping into these situations often confronts insurance companies eager to minimize payouts and works diligently to protect financial interests of surviving relatives," added Perez, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
Arizona wrongful death statute
Under A.R.S. § 12-611, surviving family members of a person killed in a traffic collision may file a wrongful death action in Arizona. The state applies pure comparative fault when determining liability. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages under Arizona's wrongful death statute may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral and burial expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering. Arizona law designates specific parties — typically a surviving spouse, children, or parents — as eligible to bring a wrongful death action.
"Insurance companies frequently move quickly with settlement offers, hoping grieving families accept amounts before understanding the true value of a claim. A legal team reviews offers, ensuring surviving relatives never settle prematurely for compensation falling short of long-term needs," noted Gabe Miller, a national legal analyst for Accident News and attorney at Perez Law Group.