Florida Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle riding is both a popular recreational activity and means of transportation. There are millions of bicyclists in the United States. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration ("NHTSA") reported that in the summer of 2002, 57 million people - or 28% of the population rode bikes. Half of the survey respondents reported riding bicycles purely for pleasure or exercise. Some of these rides, however, resulted in bicycle accidents and injuries ranging in severity from minor to life altering. Bicycle trips account for less than 1% of all trips in the United States, yet bicycle deaths constitute 2% of all traffic fatalities. Bicycle riding by itself is not inherently dangerous, but combined with other factors, such as the inattention of motorists and poorly maintained roads, it can be deadly. An Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyer in this field will advance the costs and expenses necessary to successfully litigate these cases.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

A number of causes can contribute to cycling accidents. Cyclists often share the road with other vehicles and pedestrians, which presents the opportunity for collisions and accidents. Sometimes cyclists ride in large groups, which can lead to accidents involving other bicyclists. Each year, hundreds of bicyclists are killed in accidents that are caused by negligent automobile drivers who are distracted or do not see them. Many bicycle accidents also happen when a cyclist loses control of his bike and crashes into a stationary object such as a pole, curb or median. Injuries can also be caused by defective bicycle parts or unsafe riding conditions.  A knowledgeable Florida Injury Attorney in the Bicycle Accident Claims subject will assist you to successfully litigate these cases.

Environmental factors such as impaired visibility, and poor road and path conditions, including potholes, road debris, maintenance problems and even dog attacks can also cause bicycle accidents. Negligent motorists often can cause bike accidents by opening a car door into a cyclist's path or not paying adequate attention while driving. Drunken driving is also a significant cause of bicycle accidents. It is the unfortunate truth that some motorists cause bicycle accidents by recklessly refusing to share the road, forcing cyclists off the road or into a collision. The University of North Carolina, in conjunction with the US Department of Transportation analyzed the circumstances of the 750 bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles that occurred in 1999. They found that all of the bike accidents they studied were the result of six common scenarios:

  • Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection by motorist (21.7%) or bicyclist (16.8%);
  • Motorists unexpectedly turning or merging into the path of a cyclist, often making left turns in the path of an oncoming cyclist (12.1%);
  • Bicyclist, typically children, failing to yield the right-of-way at a mid-block location, often a residential driveway. (11.7%)
  • Motorists overtaking bicyclists, often by misjudging the space needed to safely pass (8.6%); and
  • Bicyclists unexpectedly turning or merging into the path of a motorist, often making left turns into the path of an oncoming motorist (7.3%).

Bicycle Accident Injuries

In any accident with a car, bus, or truck, a cyclist is vulnerable to serious injury or death. Especially if the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, or if the helmet was not fastened properly, a bicycle rider is at a high risk for head injuries, including skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries. 70% of bicycle accidents that result in fatalities are due to a head injury. A cyclist thrown from a bike may suffer spinal cord injuries, neck injuries or back injuries. Other injuries may include loss of limbs, multiple fracture injuries, or burn injuries. Parts of the bicycle, like the spokes, seat or handlebars, can also contribute to serious personal injuries. A skilled Florida Attorney in the Bicycle Accident Claims area will fight for you.

According to the NHTSA, in 2006 there were 773 bicycle deaths and 44,000 bicycle injuries resulting from bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles. Sadly, in 1999, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 98% of bicycle fatalities, the rider was not wearing a helmet. However, a cyclist, even when wearing a helmet and protective clothing, is no match for a car or truck. Bicycle accidents commonly result in a variety of serious injuries, in addition to death. An Experienced Florida Attorney in this field will advance the costs and expenses necessary to successfully litigate these cases.

Bicycle accidents commonly result in a variety of serious injuries, in addition to death.

Common serious injuries from bicycle accidents include:

  • Head trauma,
  • Fractures,
  • Spinal cord injuries,
  • Severed limbs, and
  • Serious abrasions or "road rash" that can lead to infection.

These types of injuries common to bike accidents may deprive a cyclist not only of his or her good health, but to the bicyclist's capacity to earn a living, and the ability to care for his or her family. Bicycle accident victims often require costly medical care. The need for this care in cases involving catastrophic injuries may continue throughout the cyclist's entire life. A professional Florida Personal Injury Attorney in this field will advance the costs and expenses necessary to successfully take legal action for you.

There are several potential sources of recovery for victims of bike accidents. Sources of recovery could include automobile insurance and homeowners insurance. In most states, even when riders are partially at fault for a bicycle accident, they can also recover monetary compensation for the fault of other parties, such as negligent motorists, government agencies, or parts manufacturers, if they are found to have contributed to the cause of the bicycle accident or bicycle injuries. A knowledgeable Florida Personal Injury Attorney in the Bicycle Accident Claims subject will assist you to successfully litigate these cases.

Compensation for Your Injuries

Because injuries sustained in a bike accident can be substantial, bicyclists and their families may lose the quality of life they previously enjoyed. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover your past and future lost wages, expenses for doctors, hospitals and skilled caregivers, and other expenses related to your bicycle accident. You also may be entitled to money that would compensate you for any pain, disability and disfigurement you have and may continue to suffer. If your bicycle injuries are long-lasting, your damages might also include reparation for diminished enjoyment of life. Damages for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident which result in a decreased life expectancy of the claimant may also be recoverable. An Experienced Florida Injury Lawyer in this topic will fight and fight and fight for you.

Our ONLY objective is to seek justice for people harmed by negligence and wrongdoing. We fight and fight and fight for YOU!

If you or a loved one have been injured and need to talk to a seasoned team of professionals, please contact us immediately for a free consultation.

Our Bike Accidents Attorney team stands behind our clients and we go the extra mile to ensure they get the results, the personal attention, and the legal representation they need and deserve. We never charge you a fee unless we settle or win your case.

Our Bike Accidents Attorney team understands how much your future depends on the outcome of your case. We will fight for you and help you recover the maximum compensation available.

We are committed to successfully concluding EVERY case that we take.

Contact us NOW to see how we can help you.

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