Bicycle Accidents

With more and more people turning to bicycles as a means of transportation and recreation, the risk of bicycle accidents has increased. With redesigned streets, the recent popularity of electric bicycles, and changing lifestyles, bicycling has become a desired mode of transportation. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are highly devastating because bicyclists lack the protection afforded by a motor vehicle, making them more vulnerable to severe injury and even death. At Alba & Straile PLLC, we are committed to seeking justice for injured victims throughout Florida.

Whether cycling along a rural road or in a more urbanized or higher traffic area, there are clear dangers associated with each. In rural areas, bikers are often forced to travel in barely adequate bike lanes and essentially can end up sharing the roadway with passing motorists. In addition, there may be insufficient street lighting, leaving the bicyclist the protection of only a reflector and hoping that oncoming vehicles will exercise due caution.

Just a Few Types of Bicycle Accident cases we represent are:

• Wrongful death
• Traumatic brain injury
• Catastrophic injury
• Injuries in parking lots
• Injuries on sidewalks
• Non-traffic bicycle accidents
• Premises liability
• Injuries at private businesses or residences
• Intersection collisions
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Sideswipe collisions

Bicycling in less rural areas involves its unique risks as well. More traffic means more potential hazards for bicyclists traveling along busy roadways. Some motorists may be texting while driving or otherwise distracted. Others may be speeding or fail to obey traffic signals. When a motorist fails to operate their vehicle reasonably, they place a bicyclist at risk for catastrophic injury. Our team of aggressive bicycle accident attorneys believes that negligent drivers should be held accountable for their actions.

Florida Laws for Motorists and Bicyclists

Many motorists may be unaware that bicyclists are generally lawfully entitled to share our roadways. Every state has laws concerning the operation of motor vehicles. In Florida, it is known as the State Uniform Traffic Control Law. Like most other states, Florida has provided for bicycling regulations within its law pertaining to motor vehicles. Florida Statute 316.2065(1) provides:

• “Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.”

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is vital that you seek immediate medical attention. Even if the accident is minor, you might have injuries that are not immediately apparent, such as a soft tissue injury. Bicycle accidents are commonly associated with head trauma and internal injuries caused due to the severe impact that occurs when a vehicle strikes a bicyclist. In addition to your physical well-being, seeking medical attention immediately after the collision will protect your legal rights to recover for damages. Under Florida law, medical professionals must assess an accident victim within 14 days following a motor vehicle collision, including collisions between a car and bicycle. Failure to do so puts the victim at risk of losing compensation.

Most accident victims have questions and concerns such as mounting medical bills and lost wages. Many also have long-term concerns such as future medical expenses and the ability to perform their job duties in the same manner as before the accident. Therefore, a victim or their families must protect their legal rights by consulting with a bicycle accident attorney or wrongful death attorney as soon as possible following an accident.

At Alba & Straile PLLC, we Focus on the Law while You Focus on Recovery

At Alba & Straile PLLC, we understand that you are going through a difficult time if you were injured in a bicycle accident. In the tragic event that your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, our wrongful death attorneys fight to obtain compensation while you grieve over your loss. We work with our client’s medical providers, insurance companies, and other necessary parties to achieve the most favorable results. Our law firm is committed to providing our clients with compassion, attention to detail, and ease of attorney accessibility. In addition, we provide the sound legal representation necessary to effectively and efficiently address all personal injury-related needs. Contact Alba & Straile PLLC at (352) 371-9141 to schedule a consultation today.