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Florida leads in bicycle accidents, with a high rate of fatalities. In 2023, 3,442 accidents caused 87 deaths in six months. St. Petersburg is the most dangerous city for cyclists. Bicycle accidents result in severe injuries like spinal cord damage, fractures, head and neck injuries, and internal trauma. These injuries cause long-term suffering, life changes, financial strain, and ongoing medical care. Remember, you’re not alone in these tough times.
The expert team of St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyers at Herman & Wells are here to support you, with a strong track record of helping accident victims across Florida seek justice and secure much-needed financial compensation. Contact us for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney at (727) 821-3195.
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At Herman & Wells, we understand the intricacies of bicycle accident cases and the impact they have on victims’ lives. Our dedicated team is experienced in navigating the legal landscape to advocate for your rights, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We prioritize your recovery and peace of mind throughout the legal process.
The increase in bicycle accidents can be linked to various key factors, all playing a role in the growing numbers:
The rise in the population and growth of the tourism sector in St. Petersburg, particularly post-COVID-19, has boosted the number of drivers on the road. This influx of both locals and tourists has escalated traffic congestion. Consequently, busier roads have become a challenge for cyclists and motorists to navigate safely.
Smartphone usage has become a natural part of life for many Americans, leading to an upward trend in distracted driving incidents. Drivers are often engrossed in texting, using apps, or tending to other vehicle features, which distracts them from the road and puts cyclists in harm’s way.
The increase in bicycle accidents can also be attributed to the non-compliance of traffic rules by road users. In Florida, bicycles are classified as vehicles and subject to the same laws. However, instances of cyclists disregarding traffic signals, or drivers failing to yield the right of way to them, present serious safety threats.
Our experienced St. Petersburg attorneys will initiate a deep investigation into your bicycle accident, gathering crucial evidence and obtaining the necessary police accident reports as appropriate.
We’ll thoroughly assess the validity and potential value of your claim, ensuring you understand the complexities and expectations of the process.
Assigning fault can be challenging in some accidents. Our team will sift through the details of your case to establish negligence and cause of injury.
We handle all the paperwork involved in your case, ensuring all necessary documents are filed timely, efficiently, and correctly.
We help determine the appropriate compensation you should receive, considering all aspects, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Our skilled attorneys are ready to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, to get you the full compensation you deserve.
If your case requires a trial, we prepare thoroughly for litigation, ready to fight for your ultimate interests.
Our attorneys will professionally and passionately argue your case before the court, advocating for your rights and a fair resolution.
With us, you can trust that we’ll help navigate the difficult legal system following your traumatic experience and make the best possible decisions for your claim.
Immediately after the accident, ensure your safety and that of any others involved. Contact emergency services for medical and police assistance. The responding officers will file a police report, which is crucial for your claim.
Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This includes photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damages to the bicycle and other vehicles involved. Gather contact information from witnesses, as their testimonies can support your claim.
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s important to have a medical evaluation. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Medical records will serve as evidence of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Before proceeding with your claim, consult with a specialized bicycle accident attorney in St. Petersburg. They can offer you legal advice, help determine the value of your claim, and guide you through the legal process.
Our attorneys will assist you in filing a claim against the responsible party or their insurance company. This involves submitting all gathered evidence, medical records, and a detailed claim document outlining your losses and damages.
Victims of bicycle accidents may qualify for different forms of compensation based on their individual case circumstances.
Victims of bicycle accidents might be eligible for compensation to cover both present and future medical costs related to their injuries. These costs can range from hospital and surgery bills to rehabilitation therapies, necessary medications, and assistive devices.
When an accident forces the victim to miss work during their recovery, they might be entitled to financial compensation for the resulting loss in income. Additionally, if the injuries suffer long-term or permanent impairment, they may receive compensation for the reduction in their ability to earn.
Non-economic damages, or compensation for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident, are also potential areas of relief. This type of compensation varies and is subjective, being based on the severity of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.
In many cases, accidents can lead to damage or destruction of personal property, such as bicycles and helmets. In these instances, victims may receive compensation to repair or replace their damaged belongings.
Serious injuries can often interfere with the victim’s ability to maintain normal family relationships. In these circumstances, the spouse or family members may be awarded compensation for the loss of consortium or companionship.
Victims of bicycle accidents may sustain various injuries, with some of the most common ones being:
Head injuries are one of the most common types of injuries sustained in bicycle accidents, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain trauma. While helmets can reduce the risk of head injury, they aren’t fully foolproof. Without adequate protection, cyclists are at a heightened risk for traumatic brain injuries. These severe types of head injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood disorders, and in some cases, permanent disability.
Severe crashes can lead to damage to the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are serious and can result in the loss of sensation and motor function below the injury level. These injurious impacts can significantly hamper a victim’s ability to walk, move or carry out daily tasks independently.
Due to the exposed nature of cycling, fractures are a frequent consequence of bicycle accidents. These injuries commonly occur in the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones. Fractures may necessitate surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation and, in some situations, can lead to long-term mobility limitations.
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, contusions, and abrasions, are prevalent among cyclists. The severity of these injuries can vary, but they can cause pain, swelling, and limited functionality. One common type of soft tissue injury is road rash, resulting from friction between the skin and the road surface.
An attorney in St. Petersburg could account for all injuries in a bicycle accident claim.
Proving liability in a St. Petersburg bicycle accident can be complex due to intricate laws. It involves showing duty of care owed by the at-fault party, failure to fulfill that duty (negligence or intention), direct injury results, and proven damages to person/property.
In Florida, the state follows a modified comparative negligence system for accidents. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your claim isn’t dismissed but your recovery is reduced based on your fault level. If you’re over 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages under Florida law.
Florida’s unique set of bicycle laws play a crucial role when determining the degree of negligence in the unfortunate event of an accident. These laws, which bicyclists must strictly adhere to, range from seating and passenger regulations, child safety precautions, to helmet requirements for anyone under the age of 16.
Other specifics include prohibitions against attaching oneself to any moving vehicle on the road, regulations around tandem riding, and illumination requirements for riding between sunset and sunrise. All bicycles are also required to have effective brakes.
Violating any of these laws can significantly impact the outcome of a bicycle accident case. Some violations may be seen as more severe than others, but all can be used by the defendant’s legal team or insurance company as grounds for comparative negligence. This argument could potentially reduce the compensation you may receive following an accident.
A bicycle accident injury can disrupt your life in unimaginable ways. But with the right legal representation, it doesn’t have to derail your future. At Herman & Wells, we’re committed to delivering justice for our clients. We’ve successfully recovered hundreds of millions for thousands of personal injury victims.
If you need a dedicated St. Petersburg bicycle accident injury lawyer, don’t delay. Contact Herman & Wells online or call us at (727) 821-3195 for a free case consultation. Our no-fee promise ensures that you pay nothing unless we win for you. So reach out to us today, and let us help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
