According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida is the deadliest state in the U.S. for bicyclists. Each year hundreds of people are injured or killed because of these accidents.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident or if someone in your family was killed, you have the right to recover damages. Our team of attorneys can help gather evidence and file a claim so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
Florida Personal Injury Attorneys You Can Count On
Based on Florida law, bicyclists have the same rights as drivers when on the road. While this is true, it’s estimated that one out of ten cyclists feel their personal safety is at risk when riding their bikes on the roadway.
There are several reasons people choose to ride a bike. For example, riding a bike is fun, it’s a good method of transportation, and riding it can help improve your health. However, if your safety is at risk due to a negligent or reckless driver, our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help and defend your rights.
If you are in a bicycle accident and a driver hit you or harmed you, hiring a bicycle accident lawyer is highly recommended. We are here and ready to help with your case.
The Most Common Causes of Florida Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle accidents and fatalities are caused by motor vehicles on the road. Since cyclists are riding in the open and since they have limited protection compared to passenger vehicles, if a crash occurs, it’s more likely to be devastating.
In Florida, some of the most common reasons bicycle accidents occur include:
- Bicyclists who travel the wrong direction or a road or against oncoming traffic
- Motor vehicle drivers that do not yield the right of way at a merge, turn, or intersection
- A parked car door opens, blocking the path of a cyclist
- Crash occurs because drivers use overtaking maneuvers for passing a cyclist
- A driver turns into or loses control of their vehicle and hits a bicyclist
While motor vehicle drivers are often responsible for bicycle accidents, they are not the only cause of these. It is possible to recover compensation after a bicycle accident due to other causes.
Other Common Causes of Injuries in a Bicycle Accident
Some of the other common reasons a bicyclist may be in an accident and injured include:
- Debris in the road the cyclist hits or collides with
- Injuries because of an improperly maintained roadway that causes a bicyclist to fall off their bike
- Collision with a pedestrian or another cyclist
- Injuries caused by damaged or defective bicycle repairs
- Animal attack that causes the cyclist to fall off their bike
In these situations, it may still be possible to recover compensation. It is best to get in touch with our attorneys to learn more about the options you have.
How to Avoid a Bicycle Accident or Injury
In most bicycle accident cases, a crash with another vehicle or fall is usually involved. The best way to avoid more serious injuries is by taking preventative steps to increase your safety while reducing the possibility of an accident.
Some tips that can help you stay safe while riding your bike on Florida roads include:
- Be prepared: Ride a bicycle that you can control and wear protective gear like a helmet and reflective clothing.
- Plan your route: If you are traveling on the road with motor vehicles, choose areas that are not as busy, that have bike lanes, and have slower speed limits.
- Stay alert and focused: Always stay aware of your surroundings and ride defensively to help you avoid an accident or crash.
- Improve and practice your bike riding abilities: Knowing how to ride your bike safely while riding on the road.
Liability in a Florida Bicycle Accident
Figuring out who is liable for a bicycle accident depends on what caused it. After the cause is determined, you can hire us to help you figure out who is liable for your injuries and damages.
While other parties are often at fault for bicycle accidents, sometimes the bicyclist themselves is considered at fault or partly at fault. Some of the times this is the situation include:
- Riding on the wrong side of the road
- Not stopping at stop signs
- Riding against traffic
- Turning with no hand signal
- Riding outside the bike lane
- Not yielding at crosswalks or intersections
Contact Our Attorneys for Help with Your Florida Bicycle Accident Case
Sometimes, proving liability in a Florida bicycle accident case can be challenging. While this is true, our team is here to help. If you have been injured or suffered damages due to a bicycle accident, contact our team of experienced and professional attorneys. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
