A Florida personal injury lawyer can recover the compensation you need if you are a bicycle accident victim and want to pursue damages. Bicycle accidents may sound less dangerous than other transit accidents, but they can be just as severe and even fatal.
If you or a loved one experienced a bicycle accident on a Florida road, you may be entitled to file a legal claim. But there are many things to consider before diving into the complexities of the Florida legal system, and having a Fasig | Brooks attorney by your side can help your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Bicycle Accident Are All Too Common in Florida
Although Bicycles are a convenient and eco-friendly transportation solution, Florida also leads the US for bicycle fatalities and has one of the highest rates for bicycle accidents. That’s why taking adequate precautions, such as wearing a helmet and using bike lanes, is important.
However, when an accident happens, the best thing you can do is to look for medical attention and legal representation. Bicycle accidents can bring expensive medical bills, and the compensation process to recover damages can get complicated, particularly when the accident was caused by negligence.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation
What to Do After an Accident
Being involved in a Bicycle accident can be an overwhelming situation. But certain things must be remembered, especially if you want to recover damages. Our experienced attorneys have seen victims lose their right to file a claim because they overshared with an insurance adjuster.
These are some of our Florida bicycle accident attorneys’ recommendations:
- Seek medical attention. If you get injured, looking for appropriate medical care is necessary. That is vital to heal your wounds and protect your right to claim damages. Your attorney can use medical records and EMTs statements to support your case.
- Take photos or videos. To claim compensation, you must demonstrate how the other party was liable for the accident and how your injuries impacted your life. The best way to do that is with pictures and video that show the accident site, your injuries, and any other relevant information, such as beer bottles in the liable driver’s car.
- Avoid insurance adjusters. Insurance adjusters may arrive at the accident site. If that happens, they may ask questions and ask you for a recorded statement. Remember, the aftermath of an accident tends to be complicated, so it is wise to kindly refuse and instead contact a law professional immediately.
- Contact a bicycle accident lawyer. Your attorney can prevent you from unscrupulous insurance adjusters, but they can also negotiate with insurance companies to reach a financial settlement and represent you in court -if necessary.
However, there are more things an experienced legal firm can do for your case. For instance, Fasig Brooks accident lawyers can conduct a private investigation and find qualified experts to support your claim.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation
Statute of Limitations for a Florida Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can be complicated to deal with alone, and victims have a time limit to file a claim. Florida Statute of limitations for personal injury is two years. That is an important date to remember since pursuing damages after the time expires is typically impossible.
Although two years may sound like a lot of time, it is wise to talk to your attorney immediately after the accident. Some circumstances can shorten your time frame, but your lawyer can evaluate your case and get an extension if your time is about to expire. However, that is not guaranteed; only your attorney can explain in detail.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation
Common Causes for Bike Accidents in Florida
Bicycle accidents can occur in all sorts of ways, and many things can cause them. However, most cases result from someone’s negligence, so victims may be entitled to pursue damages.
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common type of crash involves a bicycle crossing an intersection or traffic light. These are some of the causes of bicycle accidents in Florida:
- Distracted driving. Texting, using GPS devices, or performing other activities, such as eating, drinking, or switching the radio while driving, can lead to an accident.
- Failure to yield. Motorists should yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections, crosswalks, or when making turns.
- Unsafe lane changes. Drivers who change lanes unexpectedly can hit a cyclist and cause a severe accident
- Accidents with car doors. When a person opens the door of a parked car, they should look for cyclists to avoid hitting them with their car’s door.
- Unsafe road conditions. A poorly maintained road can cause cyclists to lose control and fall to the ground. Potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can also contribute to bike accidents.
- Poor bicycle infrastructure. Even though Florida has extensive bike lanes, many accidents occur in places with limited Bicycle infrastructure.
- Impaired driving. Motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can pose a threat to cyclists since an impaired driver has reduced reaction times and impaired judgment.
Most fatal bicycle accidents occur in urban areas and can be influenced by poor weather, poorly maintained roads, and visibility. Your Florida bike attorney can help you if you are the victim in any of these situations.
A Florida Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation
Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences for the victims. But an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Florida can help you gather all the necessary information and build a strong case to recover the compensation you deserve. That can be useful, particularly when facing pain, suffering, and expensive medical bills. A Fasig Brooks professional is ready to listen to you and answer all your questions. Contact our offices in Florida, and schedule a consultation – free of charge – where we can answer your questions and develop a legal strategy to recover the compensation for damages you need to take care of your recovery.
We know what needs to be done to facilitate a fair settlement
