When bicyclists share the streets of Florida with cars, trucks, and buses, accidents do occur—and sometimes the results are tragic. Bicycle accidents result in more deaths in Florida than any other state in the country. In 2018, Florida ranked highest in the U.S. for cyclist deaths with 6.7 deaths per million residents. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), that is more than twice the national average.
When bicycle accidents take place, motorists are often driving while distracted or are simply not in the habit of watching for bicyclists on the road. Some bicyclists are bumped from behind by drivers. In other cases, drivers swerve directly into their bike lane. Whatever the circumstances may be, it is inevitable that a bicyclist will often suffer the brunt of personal injuries in an accident with a motor vehicle.
If you are a bicyclist who was seriously injured in an accident with a car, truck, or bus, you may be entitled to seek compensation. A Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer can review your case and explain what steps you need to take to move your lawsuit forward. To learn more, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (800)-761-5225 for a free consultation.
Bicycle Laws in Florida
The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) outlines the Florida laws for bicyclists, which are designed for the safety and well-being of all bicyclists. These laws include wearing a helmet for protection, obeying all traffic controls and signals, using front and rear lighting between sunset and sunrise, following the patterns of traffic lights, and signaling turns.
Bicyclists must also use designated bicycle lanes when they are not traveling at the same speed of other traffic. Unfortunately, some drivers do not adhere to bicycle lanes properly, which is why extra caution is needed.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Jacksonville, call 800-761-5225
Car Collisions with Bicycles
Without the same exterior protection as a motor vehicle, bicyclists are prone to being seriously injured in accidents. A bicyclist can wear a helmet, padded outerwear, and hand gloves and have the right kind of lights and reflectors on their bicycle—but none of that may help much if they are struck by a car going 50 miles per hour.
When these unexpected accidents happen, it can turn a bicyclist’s life completely upside down. Some of the most common types of bicycle accidents include:
Blind Spot Accidents
Bicyclists often get tapped by cars when they are in a car’s blind spot. Sometimes, the car driver may not even see a bicyclist in their blind spot, which is why bicyclists should never linger in a car’s blind spot for too long. When a bike gets bumped at high speed in a blind spot, the bicyclist can suffer traumatic injuries.
Open Door Accidents
Another common type of accident is when a bicyclist gets hurt by running into a car door that opens unexpectedly. Drivers often do not look in their side-view mirrors to see if they should wait before opening their car door, but a bicyclist may be riding in the bicycle lane right next to them. These accidents can result in serious injuries, as the bicyclist has no opportunity to swerve away and may be flung over the handlebars head-first.
Bike Lane Accidents
When a car signals to turn right at the approaching intersection, the driver should look to see if any bicyclists are beside the car in the right lane. Unfortunately, some drivers do not look first. When the car moves into the turn lane, it can sideswipe a biker, causing a bike lane accident that results in serious injuries.
If you were injured in any type of bicycle accident, a Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for a free consultation.
Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-761-5225
Injuries to Bicyclists
Injuries to bicyclists that are hit by motor vehicles tend to be far more serious than accidents when two cars are involved. People on bikes may lose limbs, suffer head trauma, or receive spinal cord injuries from collisions with cars, trucks, or buses.
If a cyclist decides to file a civil action to recover damages from the at-fault driver, the injured bicyclist must have suffered a serious injury that required emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, or other medical expenses. These may include:
- Loss of a body part
- Physical disfigurement
- Substantial body scarring
Some injuries from bicycle accidents may require ongoing therapy and future medical expenses as well.
In some cases, a bicycle accident can result in the bicyclist’s death. When a loved one dies due to injuries suffered in a bicycle accident, the bicyclist’s surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties.
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Contact a Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Immediately after a bicycle accident, the accident victim and their loved ones may be heavily burdened by trauma and grief from the accident and the resulting hospital visits, medical appointments, rehabilitation treatments, and more. Not only that, but insurance companies will likely start calling, trying to make a quick payout to resolve the accident claim.
Do not let stress or financial worries overwhelm you. A Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer can help you manage the legal process and recover compensation for your injuries, including any pain and suffering or emotional anguish from the incident.
Our team of Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers can help build your personal injury case against the at-fault driver and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we work on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means that you can rely on our services without worrying about upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. We only collect a fee if we are able to win your case.
To get started, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (800)-761-5225 to speak with a member of our team.
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