FLORIDA BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
If you are a cyclist who has been injured in an accident, you should speak with a Florida bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Bicycle accidents can be very serious, and it is crucial to have someone like a bicycle accident lawyer on your side who understands the law to help you get the compensation you deserve.
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we have years of experience helping people like you get the money they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. We know what it takes to win a Florida bicycle accident claim, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Serving Clearwater, Tampa, Palm Harbor, New Port Richey, St Petersburg, and the surrounding areas, we are passionate about fighting for you. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET INTO A BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN FLORIDA?
If you are in a bicycle accident in Florida, there are several steps to take to protect your safety and wellbeing.
Call the Police
If you are involved in a Florida bicycle accident, you should first call the police. This will ensure that there is a record of the accident, and it will also help protect your rights. The police will speak with witnesses and take statements, and they will also create a report of the bicycle accident. This report can be beneficial if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if you do not think you have any injuries, it is always best to get checked out by a doctor to be sure. Injuries such as whiplash and concussion do not always immediately show symptoms.
Gather Information
After you have called the police and received medical help, gather as much information about the bicycle accident as possible. This includes taking pictures of the scene, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and writing down your recollection of what happened. This information will be beneficial if you decide to file a personal injury claim. If you are unable to gather evidence, your bicycle accident lawyer can do this for you.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Contact a Florida bicycle accident attorney. Bicycle accident lawyers will be able to help you understand your rights and what steps you need to take next. They will also help you get the compensation you deserve for your personal injuries. We at the Fran Haasch Law Group will always fight for justice for our clients involved in bicycle accidents in Florida. Contact one of our bicycle accident attorneys for a free consultation today.
WHAT IS THE LAW REGARDING BICYCLES IN FLORIDA?
There are a few different laws that apply to cyclists in Florida. First, Florida law requires that all cyclists ride in the same direction as traffic. This means that cyclists should always ride on the right side of the road and should use hand signals to let drivers know when and what direction they are turning.
The Three-Foot Law
Another law is the “three-foot law.” This law requires motor vehicles to give bicycle riders a buffer of three feet when passing. This is to ensure that the driver does not hit the cyclist while passing, and it also provides the cyclist with some space in case they need to swerve or stop suddenly.
Helmet Laws in Florida
There are also laws regarding helmets. In Florida, all cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet while riding. If you are over the age of 16, you are not required by law to wear a helmet, but it is still strongly encouraged to prevent injuries from a potential bicycle accident.
CAN I FILE A BICYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM?
Yes, you can file an injury claim if you have been involved in a bicycle accident. Contact a Florida bicycle accident attorney today if you have been injured in a bicycle accident. A bicycle accident attorney can help you understand the law and your rights, and they can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
BASICS OF A FLORIDA BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWSUIT
If you have been injured in a Florida bicycle accident, you may be wondering if you have a case to pursue. The first step is to contact a Florida bicycle accident lawyer. They will be able to review the facts of your case and let you know if you have a valid bicycle accident claim.
Recovering Damages and Compensation
If you have been injured in a Florida bicycle accident, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Medical Bills
You may be able to recover your medical bills if you have been injured in a Florida bicycle accident. This can include hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and any other medical treatment that you have received due to injuries acquired in the bicycle accident.
Lost Wages
You may also be able to recover your lost wages if you have been injured in a Florida bicycle accident. This would be the money you would have earned had you not been injured. If your injuries have caused you to miss future work opportunities, a lawsuit could also provide the financial compensation required for potential lost future wages.
Pain and Suffering
You may also be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering caused by the bicycle accident. Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional anguish you have experienced due to your injuries. It can include things like anxiety, depression, and scarring.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These are damages meant to punish the other party for their actions. They are usually only awarded in cases where the other party’s actions were particularly egregious.
LIABILITY IN FLORIDA BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
In a Florida bicycle accident case, liability will need to be determined. This means that it needs to be shown who was at fault for the accident. There are a few different ways that this can be done.
Police Reports
The police report will usually have a section listing who they believe was at fault for the accident. This is based on their investigation and what they believe happened.
Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to the accident, they may be able to state what they saw. This can be used to help prove who was at fault for the accident.
Evidence
This can include skid marks, damage to the vehicles, and anything else that may help determine who was at fault.
Once liability has been determined, it will be easier to move forward with your case.
WHAT IF I’M PARTIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?
In some cases, both parties may be responsible for the accident. If this is the case, it will need to be determined how much each party is at fault. This is called comparative fault.
In March 2023, new legislation HB 837 changed the fault system in Florida from pure comparative fault to a “greater percentage of fault” model. This means that if a party is considered more than 50% responsible for their own harm, they will not be able to recover any damages.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 40% at fault, you would only receive $60,000. If you were 51% at fault, you would not recover any damages.
This places a greater burden on the victim to establish the other party’s liability, making it crucial to have an experienced Florida bicycle accident lawyer on your side. We can help you prove that the other party was at fault for the accident and get you the compensation you deserve. The bicycle accident lawyers at the Fran Haasch Law Group will always work to negotiate for the highest settlement possible.
FLORIDA STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR BIKE ACCIDENT INJURY CLAIMS
It is crucial to note that there is a statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident injury claim in Florida. This means Florida bicycle accident victims have a certain amount of time to file their claims post-accident. If they do not file within this time frame, they may not be able to recover damages.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for an injury claim is two years from the accident date. This means that you need to file your lawsuit within two years of the bicycle accident date. If you do not, you may not be able to recover damages.
COMMON CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS IN FLORIDA
There are a few different factors that can contribute to a bicycle accident. One of the most common causes is distracted driving. This refers to when a driver is not paying attention to the road and does not see the cyclist. Another common cause of Florida bicycle accidents is speeding. When drivers are going too fast, they may not have time to stop or swerve around a cyclist.
Weather can also play a role in bicycle accidents. If it is raining or the roads are slick, it can be more difficult for drivers to see cyclists and stop in time. Poorly maintained roadways can also cause problems for cyclists. If there are potholes or debris on the road, it could cause the cyclist to lose control and crash.
MOST COMMON BICYCLE CRASH INJURIES
Bicycle crash victims often suffer more serious injuries than in car accidents. They are also happening with a higher level of frequency, with more fatalities throughout the state. According to preliminary data provided by the FLHSMV, in 2022 there was a five year record for bicycle crashes and fatalities in the state of Florida with a total of 7,117 bicycle crashes resulting in 209 fatalities. That represents an year over year increase of 11% and 6% respectively. It also means that 3 out of every 100 bicycle crashes resulted in a fatality in Florida in 2022 and over a 30% increase compared to both 2018 and 2019.
There are a few different injuries that cyclists can sustain in an accident. Some of the most common include:
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones
Fatal Bicycle Accidents
Florida bicycle riders are also more likely to suffer from fatal injuries. This is because they have little protection from the road. If you have been in a bicycle accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get checked out.
WHAT OUR FLORIDA BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS CAN DO FOR YOU
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping Florida cyclists and their families recover from bicycle accidents. We pursue personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, etc.
Our bicycle accident attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
We Get You the Compensation You Deserve
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, our bicycle accident attorneys understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.
We have obtained multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases involving auto accidents and claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
CONTACT A FLORIDA BICYCLE ACCIDENTS LAWYER TODAY
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and bicycle, rideshare, and semi-truck accident victims.
If you feel you have been the victim of a serious bicycle accident through no fault of your own. Our bicycle accident attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 390-0123 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
