Suing For A Bicycle Injury In Florida
Cycling is one of the best ways to stay fit, enjoy Florida’s expansive scenery, and get from point A to B in a relatively short amount of time. You may enjoy biking for fun, for fitness, or simply as a way to get to work. But while cycling can come with many benefits, it can also be dangerous for many reasons – especially with so many negligent drivers on the road. So what should you do if you have been injured by a driver while biking in Florida?
The answer is simple: Get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Florida as soon as possible. These legal professionals can help you strive for the best possible results in a confident, effective manner. With their assistance, you can pursue a fair, adequate settlement that adequately covers your damages. These damages might include medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, PTSD, depression, and much more. It’s important to act quickly, as the statute of limitations can prevent you from suing if you wait too long.
Potential Bicycle Injuries
Unfortunately, bicycle injuries are often quite serious. This is because when a cyclist is impacted by a vehicle, they are afforded little in the way of protection. While a motorist is essentially protected by a metal box, a cyclist is completed to the elements. This means that many bike accidents are in fact fatal. Those who manage to survive these crashes are often left with life-altering injuries such as traumatic head injuries or spinal cord injuries.
Determining Fault in Bicycle Accident
While Florida is a “no-fault” state, you may be able to step outside the limitations of your PIP insurance policy if you have suffered a serious injury (1). In this situation, you might choose to sue the negligent driver directly. If this occurs, the driver’s goal will be to show that you were also partly negligent in the moments leading up to the crash. For example, perhaps you weren’t wearing your helmet. Maybe you weren’t obeying traffic signs properly. Maybe you were cycling into incoming traffic. All of these factors can have an effect on your settlement amount due to Florida’s system of “comparative negligence.”
An Example of a Bike Fatality in Florida
On May 15th, it was reported that two cyclists were killed by a single vehicle in Miami (2). The individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, and the vehicle itself suffered considerable damage. In fact, it was so damaged that it had to be towed away with its airbags deployed and its fenders bent out of shape. The driver of the vehicle was detained but later released by police officers.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
For help from a skilled Orlando personal injury attorney, look no further than Payer Law. With our assistance, you can hold negligent drivers accountable for the injuries they have caused. While no amount of money can take back these painful injuries and traumatic memories, you might find that a settlement provides a sense of closure and justice, helping you to move on with your life. Book your consultation today to explore your legal options in greater depth.
Source:
local10.com/news/local/2022/05/15/2-bicyclists-killed-during-accident-along-the-rickenbacker-causeway-police-say/
