Experienced Florida Bicycle Crash Attorneys
Riding bicycles is a popular means of transportation, exercise, and recreation throughout Florida. It is an alternative to motor vehicles, offering bicyclists financial, environmental, and health benefits. Unfortunately, the influx of bicyclists has dramatically increased the number of bicycle accidents with significant injuries and fatalities, especially in urban areas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 846 bicycle crashes with fatalities in 2019. Deaths among bicyclists aged 20 and older have tripled since 1975. The most significant factor in a fatality is a failure to use a helmet.
Florida State Laws for Bicyclists
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides bicycle safety tips based on Florida Statute 316.2065, for “Bicycle Regulations.” Examples of the bicycle laws in Florida include mandatory helmet use and a requirement for bicyclists to ride in a bike lane when available or on the road with traffic. Those riding bicycles at night are required to have lighting on the front and back of the bicycle. While bicyclists are considered pedestrians on the sidewalk, a bicycle on the roadway is legally defined as a motor vehicle. A bicyclist must obey all traffic controls, signals, and rules of the roadway.
Questions to Consider for a Bicycle Accident Case
- Was the equipment or the design of the bicycle defective?
- What were the injuries sustained by the parties?
- Was proper safety equipment in use, such as a helmet and appropriate footwear?
- Were any of the parties under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication?
- Were there witnesses?
- Who were the parties involved?
- Do any of the parties have pre-existing medical conditions?
- Is the claim within the Statute of Limitations?
- Did the accident occur during daylight?
- If the accident was after sunset, were proper lights and reflectors in use?
- Was the accident in the bike lane, the roadway, or the sidewalk?
Common Injuries for Victims of Bicycle Accidents
There is a wide range of significant injuries that occur in bicycle accidents. Examples include:
- traumatic brain injuries
- neck and spine injuries
- fractures
- lacerations
- abrasions
- sprains
- burns
- disfigurement
- amputations
- internal organ damage
- road rash
- death
Victims of bicycle accidents should receive a medical assessment immediately, even if there are no apparent injuries. Some injuries may not be symptomatic right away; however, they urgently require treatment.
Florida has the Highest Number of Bicycle Fatalities Per Capita in the Nation
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard reported that in 2020, there were 5,951 crashes involving bicycles in the state, with 169 fatalities. Central Florida bicyclists are at a higher risk for injury and death than other parts of the state due to the rapid growth of the population and the vast number of tourists each year.
https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
According to a study conducted by Streetlight Data, a mobility analytic company, other dangerous states for cyclists include Delaware, South Carolina, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arizona, and California.
Bicycle Accident Lawyers You Can Trust.
Victims of bicycle accidents face unique challenges regarding the rights of bicyclists on the roadways. Orlando Accident Attorney has decades of experience in personal injury claims, recovering multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our legal team has the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to seek justice. We fight for financial compensation for personal injuries caused by another’s negligent or malicious acts.
Let Us Help You Today. Contact Us About Your Bicycle Injury.
We are nationally recognized as dedicated advocates for justice. If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to another party’s negligent or malicious acts, you may be entitled to financial compensation. In every case, we ensure that our client’s rights are protected throughout negotiations, the insurance claim process, and at trial. In complex litigation, there may be multiple parties held accountable for an accident.
Contact Orlando Accident Attorney for a no-obligation consultation at (407) 706-3909. We are located in Winter Park, Florida, and represent bicycle accident victims and their families throughout Florida.