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In Florida, bicycling is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. However, the rise in cycling popularity brings with it increasing risks on busy roads. Even the most cautious cyclists are vulnerable to negligent drivers. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, understanding your legal rights is crucial.
At Herman & Wells, our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to guide you through the complexities of personal injury claims. Call (727) 821-3195 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a Florida bicycle accident lawyer.
With Herman & Wells on your side, you’re tapping into over 25 years of collective experience in successfully representing personal injury claims in Florida. Our accomplished team of legal professionals has consistently achieved favorable outcomes for clients who have been involved in bicycle accidents.
Our law firm has experienced attorneys that are ready to help people in Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Seminole, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Sarasota. The depth of our knowledge and the breadth of our expertise set us apart, making us a trusted choice for residents seeking justice after an accident.
Bicycle accidents often occur due to a variety of reasons, many of which involve negligence or recklessness on the part of automobile drivers. Understanding these common causes can help cyclists stay safer on the roads, and help to build stronger legal cases when accidents do occur.
One of the most prevalent causes of accidents is distracted driving. This might include texting while driving, talking on the phone, using a GPS, or even eating and drinking. When drivers are not fully focused on the road, they may not see a cyclist in their path until it’s too late.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit are more likely to cause accidents with cyclists. High speeds reduce the driver’s ability to steer safely around cyclists, stop in time to avoid a collision, or react to changes in the roadway or traffic conditions.
Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections. These collisions can be particularly dangerous, as they often occur at high speeds and with little warning.
“Dooring” is when a driver opens the door of their parked car without checking for cyclists, causing the cyclist to collide with the door. These accidents can cause serious injuries, particularly if the cyclist is thrown off their bike.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant cause of bicycle accidents. Such substances impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and appropriately to road conditions and traffic, greatly increasing the risk of collision.
Bicycle accidents can lead to a range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s life. Understanding these common injuries can help emphasize the importance of taking safety precautions and seeking immediate medical attention after an accident.
Head and brain injuries are among the most severe consequences of bicycle accidents. Cyclists can suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and other related conditions. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, physical disability, and even death.
Spinal cord injuries can occur during bicycle accidents, especially in high-speed collisions or falls. These can result in partial or complete paralysis, nerve damage, and chronic pain. The impact on the victim’s quality of life can be substantial.
Bicycle accidents often result in bone fractures. Cyclists may break their arms, legs, collarbone, or ribs during a collision. These injuries require immediate medical attention and often necessitate a lengthy recovery period.
Abrasions and lacerations are common in bicycle accidents. Cyclists may be thrown off their bikes or slide across the pavement, causing cuts, road rash, or deep wounds. These injuries can lead to scarring and may require surgical intervention.
Bicycle accidents can also cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent after an accident. These injuries are particularly dangerous and require immediate medical attention.
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to take certain steps to protect both your health and your potential bicycle injury claim. Here, we outline some key actions you should take.
First and foremost, ensure your safety and that of others involved in the accident. If possible, move yourself and your bicycle out of the road to prevent further accidents.
Contact the police immediately after the accident. They will file an accident report, which can be valuable evidence in your personal injury claim.
Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and a medical report will help document your injuries for your claim.
If you’re capable, gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene. This could include pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident.
Finally, seek legal help. An experienced Florida bicycle accident attorney can guide you through the process of filing a bicycle injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
In the state of Florida, filing a bicycle accident claim allows victims to seek compensation for their losses. Given the complex nature of personal injury laws, it’s paramount to engage the expertise of a professional. A well-versed Florida bicycle injury lawyer can help navigate these complexities, ensuring that your claim is adequately prepared and your rights are fully protected.
HOW WE
We stand as tenacious advocates for our clients in the aftermath of bicycle accidents in Florida. Handling all paperwork and liaising with insurance companies, we strive to alleviate the stresses typically associated with the claims process. Our mission is to streamline every step, ensuring our clients can focus primarily on their recovery while we devote our skills to secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Economic damages cover quantifiable monetary losses incurred due to the bicycle accident. They can include medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, future loss of earnings if you cannot return to work, and costs of repairing or replacing your bicycle.
Non-economic damages address intangible losses that don’t have a specific monetary value. These can encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, as well as mental anguish resulting from the accident and subsequent injuries.
Punitive damages are not designed to compensate for the victim’s losses but to punish the offender and deter similar negligent behavior in the future. These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or harmful.
Maximizing your claim’s value is a critical aspect of the recovery process, and it requires skillful navigation of Florida’s injury laws. The right Florida bicycle collision attorney will understand the nuances of these laws and how to leverage them to your advantage. This includes a thorough investigation of the accident, compiling substantial evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and if necessary, advocating for your rights in court.
Establishing liability is a critical component in any Florida bicycle accident claim. Determining who is at fault directly impacts the success of your claim, as it’s the responsible party – or their insurance company – from whom compensation is sought. By proving the other party’s liability, you substantiate your right to compensation for injuries sustained in the accident.
To build a compelling case for a bicycle accident claim, it’s vital to gather all pertinent evidence that supports your story of the incident. This includes police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and your injuries. Additionally, your Florida cyclist injury attorney will typically work with accident reconstruction experts to establish the sequence of events leading to the accident. The goal is to create a robust body of evidence that leaves no room for doubt regarding the other party’s responsibility for your injuries.
Recent changes to Florida laws have set the statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims to a period of two years. This legal time frame underscores the urgency for victims to swiftly seek legal counsel to secure their right to compensation. Moreover, it has become increasingly crucial to engage a lawyer as insurance companies are frequently denying and undervaluing claims in light of these alterations.
Don’t face the legal landscape of bicycle accident claims on your own. Here at Herman & Wells, we are prepared to champion your rights and amplify your compensation.
Call (727) 821-3195 at your earliest convenience for a complimentary review of your case with a Florida bicycle accident lawyer and take the first step towards obtaining the justice you rightly deserve.
