Weinstein Legal > Bicycle Accidents

Same Rights, Same Rules in FL

bicycle accident injury lawyer in Palm Beach & Broward County Florida

Bicycling is a year-round activity in Florida as cyclists can take to the road to enjoy the weather, exercise, or commute to work. However, with a greater exposure to vehicle drivers, bicyclists are more likely to become involved in an accident despite the fact that vehicle drivers are legally required to share the road with cyclists.

The injuries from a bicycle accident can be serious or even fatal. If you are a cyclist who was injured by a negligent driver, contact a bicycle accident attorney of Weinstein Legal. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and mental anguish.

For a free consultation, fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

CONTACT OUR BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER

BIKE ACCIDENTS IN FLORIDA

Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s statistics on bicycle accidents, Florida is considered the most dangerous state for cyclists. The bicycle fatality rates were greatest in the Sunshine State with cyclists making up 5.1% of all traffic fatalities.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, bicycle crashes, fatal and non-fatal, increased between 2014 and 2015. In 2015, more than 6,600 cyclists were injured in bicycle accidents.

In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention released their findings on bicycle fatalities between 1975 and 2012. Florida not only had the highest cyclist mortality rate, it also had the 2^nd lowest percent decrease during that time period, with cyclist fatalities only falling by 9.7%.

However, in 2015, Broward County cycling accidents decreased by 4.5%. Despite the decrease, thousands of cyclists were still injured in motor vehicle wrecks.

MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BIKE ACCIDENTS

Although drivers are supposed to drive alongside cyclists, it’s common to see near-miss accidents between motorists and cyclists. Both motorists and cyclists must learn to share the road in order to prevent an accident. Some of the most common causes of a bike accident include:

Right turn across bicyclist’s lane
Motorist turned left on non-dedicated left-turn intersection
Cyclist or motorist failed to stop
Vehicle or cyclist passed on the right

About 7% of all bicycle accidents occur at intersections. Others also occur due to negligent behaviors, such as:

Distracted driving
Speeding
Drunk driving
Tailgating

Another common type of bike accident is when a cyclist is “doored.” This means a driver or passenger opened the door in the cyclist’s path, causing the rider to crash into it.

BICYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES

Similar to motorcycle accidents, many cyclists will suffer serious, life-changing injuries after an accident. Even the smallest collision can cause a cyclist to be thrown off their bicycle and onto the hard concrete of a road or sidewalk. Even with safety gear, like a helmet and pads, cyclists can endure various injuries, including:

Head trauma
Lacerations
Broken bones
Internal organ injuries (e.g. ruptured spleen, renal bruising, traumatic hernia, etc.)
Road rash
Dental fractures

Head injuries occur most frequently in cycling accidents and account for 47% of all injuries and 60% of bicycle-related fatalities.

FILING A BIKE ACCIDENT CLAIM

Determining who is at fault after a bike accident can be difficult. A knowledgeable bike accident lawyer can help you determine if the driver was negligent or reckless behind the wheel, and if the cyclist contributed in any way to their injuries.

Bicyclists in Florida are allowed to ride on sidewalks, so long as it is not in a business district or on sidewalks with signs that prohibit riding on the sidewalk. Under Florida law, bicycles are treated just like other drivers, which means they must follow the same traffic rules as all drivers. Additionally, when passing a cyclist, drivers must provide a 3-foot buffer zone.

Even if you contributed to your injuries, you may still be entitled to compensation from the driver. To hold the driver responsible for your injuries, you will need to take legal action with a trustworthy personal injury lawyer on your side. With office locations in Orange, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, there is a Weinstein Legal location near you:

A Florida bicycle accident attorney from Weinstein Legal can help build a strong claim in your favor so that you can obtain the compensation you deserve.

Fill out our contact form to contact an experienced bike accident lawyer today.

Medical

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BrendaK

THC OIL Possession Felony Charge

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Paula

Best Lawyer ever

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Claudia

A responsive, knowledgeable and skilled attorney

We called after our son was arrested for a crime he committed nearly 9 months earlier. We received a return call in minutes and Matt was able to visit our son a few hours later after finishing representing other clients in court. Our son was distraught and frightened and Matt was very reassuring and supportive. Matt provided knowledgeable advice regarding bond arrangements suggesting he get back into his routine immediately since he had been doing so well. He was also very reassuring to us, the distressed parents, and always provided an almost immediate response to our questions and concerns. Our son had been in substance abuse treatment for almost ...

Sheryl

Best Lawyer for student at the U

My son, a student at the University of Miami, was facing 2 serious drug related felonies. We contacted our attorney in the state where we live and he recommended Matt to us. Once I reached out to Matt he was back in touch within the hour. He explained to my husband and I what my son was facing. Matt was available throughout the process for consultations with both my son and his parents. Ultimately, Matt was able to negotiate a pretrial diversion program where all charges will be dismissed once my son has completed a 6 month program.

CCH

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Justin was referred to me by a friend who had been represented by him and enthusiastically encouraged me to connect with him when I was wary of pursuing legal action. My reservations were quickly eased during my initial consultation. Justin is an absolute professional and took the time I needed to explain the process and his role thoroughly. His sincerity, empathy and commitment to advocating on my behalf were apparent. Throughout, he maintained consistent communication each step of the way until my case was resolved. I would recommend Justin without reservation to anyone seeking representation.

Jessica