- Who Are Our Sarasota Bicycle Accident Attorneys?
- What Should You Do Right After a Bicycle Accident?
- 2024 Bicycle Accident Statistics in Sarasota
- What Are the Main Factors That Contribute to Bicycle Accidents?
- What Injuries Is a Cyclist Most Likely to Sustain in a Bicycle Accident?
- What Losses Can a Bicyclist Recover After an Accident?
- What Is My Biking Accident Settlement?
- Our Recent Case Settlements
- What Do You Need to Prove Liability in a Bike Accident?
- How Can the Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group Help You Win a Case?
- What Are the Main Cycling Laws in Florida?
- What Is the Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Florida?
- Contact a Sarasota Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today!
- Get a FREE case evaluation today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Cycling has always been a popular activity in Sarasota. In fact, it is the oldest running BMX track in the country. Local authorities seem to put a lot of means and effort into maintaining the legacy and promoting this healthy mode of transportation. However, with the increasing number of riders on the road comes a spike in biking incidents.
A bicycle accident, no matter how small and unimportant it initially seems, can have serious implications. Injured cyclists often have to deal with mounting expenses and personal losses. That is why it is vital to be aware of your rights and obligations if misfortune strikes, and a skilled Sarasota bicycle accident lawyer can assist you with this.
Who Are Our Sarasota Bicycle Accident Attorneys?
Our law firm is a team of committed justice advocates. Over the years in the field, we’ve represented numerous injured clients and won substantial settlements. We treat every case as a learning opportunity to discover potential risks and challenges that cyclists may face.
At Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, we know how to prove negligence, negotiate with insurance companies who usually want to lowball claims, and secure the maximum compensation that a victim deserves.
Moreover, we understand all the difficulties that the injured party has to deal with, and we try to shield our clients from unnecessary legal hassles so that they can focus on their recovery instead!
What Should You Do Right After a Bicycle Accident?
When a peaceful ride turns into a chaotic cycling accident, many victims feel at a loss as to what to do next. However, your first steps after the incident can make a difference so that damage recovery does not turn into a legal nightmare. Here’s what you may want to do:
- Move away from the middle of the street. If you feel that your injuries may be more serious than they seem, you should remain where you are but make sure that other traffic participants can see you.
- You should report the accident straight away. The overall commotion of the collision can cloud your judgment, but the emergency services can professionally assess your damages.
- After you have been checked out by a medic and shared your version of events with a police officer, you may want to ask them to provide you with a copy of your medical records and police reports. These documents will help you solidify your future personal injury claim.
- As you are giving a statement or communicating with an involved party, you should always stick to facts. In no case should you apologize or admit your fault – this may be used against you later on.
2024 Bicycle Accident Statistics in Sarasota
Despite the countless perks and benefits of cycling in Florida, navigating the streets of cities like Sarasota remains quite a gamble. In fact, according to recent US bicycle accident statistics, the state has enlisted alarming numbers of cyclist fatalities. In 2023, there were over 200 deadly cycling crashes recorded in the state – eight of them in Sarasota County (3,6%).
Many bicyclists tend to discard statistical data, viewing it as mere figures. However, these numbers help to spread awareness in the community, make the streets of the city safer for all road users, and hold the liable parties accountable. Over the past few years, bicyclist crashes have grown by almost 15%, and a few locations seem to be the epicenters of cycling accidents. These are the following:
- North Washington Boulevard: This north-south corridor is known for its high speed limits. Paired with multiple intersections and a lack of proper cycling infrastructure, the area poses significant threats to bike riders in the city.
- North Tamiami Trail: Many tourists take the route on a daily basis. Lack of understanding of local bicycle laws, fast pace, and multiple lanes are among the reasons that contribute to the unfavorable cycling statistics.
- Fruitville Road: This is one of the busiest streets in the area. Speeding vehicles, multiple right turns, and narrow bike lanes often lead to deadly accidents.
What Are the Main Factors That Contribute to Bicycle Accidents?
City authorities plan to eliminate all traffic fatalities in the near future. However, many dangers still lurk on the streets of the city. The more aware a rider is of those, the easier it may be to prevent a bicycle accident. Our Sarasota bicycle accident lawyers suggest you keep an eye out for the following:
- Distracted drivers: Almost 300 people died on Florida roads in 2022 because of driver negligence. Many vehicle operators are often distracted by their devices, other passengers, and some external factors.
- Hit-and-runs: Cyclists often become victims of hit-and-run accidents. In 2023, 47 bicyclists were injured in such collisions, which makes up almost 30% of all hit-and-run incidents in the state.
- Dooring accidents: A bicycle collision with a motor vehicle does not always imply a moving vehicle. In fact, parked cars are as dangerous. If a driver fails to check the side mirror for an approaching rider and suddenly opens the door, they may not only hit the cyclist but also send them under the wheels of the approaching traffic.
- Failure to yield: One of the primary reasons why intersections are exceptionally dangerous for cyclists is because not every vehicle operator knows that they owe bicyclists a right of way and falsely assumes it is the other way round.
What Injuries Is a Cyclist Most Likely to Sustain in a Bicycle Accident?
Although bicyclists share the same rights as other motor vehicle operators, they lack similar protection. No matter the type of collision, a rider is always the one who absorbs the full impact of it, which often leads to serious traumas, such as:
- Head injuries: Over 60% of cyclists’ deaths happen because of severe head trauma. Various scale traumatic brain injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeds can have a life-altering, if not deadly, impact on the rider.
- Back traumas: A serious blow to the back as a result of a collision with a moving vehicle can crush a rider’s vertebrae. Such a severe spinal cord injury can leave a person paralyzed for life.
- Road rash: Serious skin laceration is a type of road defect injury that seems minor as opposed to the conditions described above. However, if you fail to disinfect the wound on time, it may get infected and lead to permanent scarring.
- Fractures: When falling off their bike, a person may instinctively reach out their hands, which often results in broken bones. Besides, direct impact with a car can result in complex leg, pelvis, and rib fractures.
What Losses Can a Bicyclist Recover After an Accident?
A successful recovery after a bike accident does not only stand for physical and mental healing. It encompasses fair compensation for the tangible and intangible losses that the victim suffered. So, what types of damages are up for recovery?
-
Medical expenses
It does not matter if you had a few stitches or underwent reconstructive surgery — all the past and future medical costs are to be covered by the at-fault party or their insurance provider.
-
Damaged property
- An accident can seriously damage your expensive bicycle and other cycling gear. However, you can seek compensation that fully covers the costs of repairs or replacement.
-
Lost wages
Often, the aftermath of a cycling accident has a long-term impact on a person’s ability to work. Suppose you can’t go to work because of an injury or can’t fulfill your professional duties in the future. In that case, the responsible entity is bound to cover the loss of income as well as the decrease of your earning potential.
-
Pain and suffering
A cycling incident can have a severe psychological effect on the victim. The amount of pain that a person faces, along with the inability to live their lives to the fullest, triggers such serious mental conditions as emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Although these are intangible losses, with professional legal assistance, an injured party can obtain them in full.
What Is My Biking Accident Settlement?
The most precise way to calculate your bicycle accident settlement would be to consult an expert Sarasota bicycle accident lawyer. There are multiple underlying conditions that can either increase or decrease your case’s worth. For example:
- Severity of injuries: There is a huge difference between a scraped elbow and a shattered arm. The first may require a brief emergency room visit, while the other may need complex reconstructive surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation, or even permanent lifestyle alterations. So, the more serious the sustained trauma, the higher the compensation.
- Comparative negligence: In some cases, both parties may contribute to the accident. According to state laws, an injured party can recover rightful compensation as long as they are less than 50% to blame. Based on your contribution, a corresponding percentage will be deducted from the final reimbursement.
- Insurance limit: Some insurance companies may have a specific policy cap. This cap signifies the total maximum you can recover from the provider. Sometimes, the victim’s losses exceed the offered settlement, but if you understand those limits, you can aim the claim at more effective compensation sources.
Our Recent Case Settlements
What Do You Need to Prove Liability in a Bike Accident?
Most bicycle accident cases resemble a winding road with countless obstacles. It takes clarity, precision, and palpable evidence to prove the other party’s liability. There are four major aspects to go over to build a solid claim:
- Duty of care: All road users share the responsibility of preventing dangerous situations and safeguarding others’ lives. It is their legal duty to adhere to state and federal laws.
- Breach of duty: Any reckless behavior, such as speeding or texting behind the wheel, means that a road user violates the rules and thus breaches their duty of care. Such negligent acts often lead to serious accidents that could have been avoided.
- Connection: Every bicycle incident is a chain reaction. For example, a driver ignores a stop sign and rams into a rider, causing them serious injuries. However, as an injured party, you must illustrate the connection. You can use a police report, surveillance footage, witness statements, expert conclusions, and other pieces of evidence to succeed in the task.
- Losses: Bicycle accident victims also have to support all the tangible and intangible consequences of the incident. You can use medical bills, repair receipts, lost wages, and other available documents to demonstrate the extent of your damages.
How Can the Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group Help You Win a Case?
Cycling accidents make one of the major Sarasota personal injury practice areas that our firm specializes in. However, our team goes beyond skilled legal representation. Working with our legal advisors, you can reap the following perks:
-
In-depth investigation
We are more than just well-versed accident lawyers. We are true detectives on a mission. Our experts will assess the accident scene, obtain missing evidence, and weave a winning strategy tailored to your case.
-
Fierce and persuasive negotiation
After so many years in the field, we know all the maneuvers and tactics that insurance companies might use to lure you into accepting a lowball offer. Our attorneys will tirelessly negotiate with insurance adjusters until they suggest the fair compensation you deserve.
-
Court representation
Should an insurance provider reject your claim, we will go to extreme lengths and represent your interests at trial. Our legal assistants possess the necessary courtroom experience to secure the just reimbursement of your losses.
-
Individual guidance and support
We believe that it takes more than legal expertise to build a genuine partnership, especially under such traumatic circumstances. We’ll explain every step of the process, keeping you posted about any changes or updates, yet our lawyers will shield you from the strain of this legal battle.
What Are the Main Cycling Laws in Florida?
It is not enough to ride your bicycle well when you’re out there on the city streets. You must understand local and general cycling laws to ensure your safety in the first place. The main rules are the following:
- Every bike rider is a rightful road user, like any motor vehicle operator.
- Local cyclists must obey all traffic rules and regulations.
- Bicyclists can ride on sidewalks in the city as long as they yield to pedestrians.
- A rider must signal lane changes, stops, and turns using hand signals.
- Bike riders under 16 must wear protective helmets at all times. Adult riders are also advised to wear protective gear.
- If there are no equipped bike lanes in the vicinity, cyclists can use full lanes.
- During the darker hours of the day, a rider must switch on the front and rear lights or reflectors.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Florida?
To receive fair compensation for your losses, you have to file a correct and well-documented claim on time. In Florida, the deadline is usually two years from the day of the accident. There may be case-tailored exceptions based on the underlying conditions of the collision. So, it is never a waste to discuss the timeframe with a legal expert. Keep in mind that if you miss the deadline, you may lose your chance for a rightful settlement.
Contact a Sarasota Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today!
A biking accident is a stressful experience that no one has to deal with alone. Our law firm is an ally you can count on in your time of need. We know all the intricacies of the local legal system and have designed a success-programmed negotiation algorithm aimed at maximum settlements. All it takes is to reach out and tell us your story — we’ll do the rest. Call us for a free consultation today and start your journey to healing and rightful recovery!
Share the details of your situation with us so we can begin advocating on your behalf. We customize our approach to fit the unique needs of each client.
