In some situations, these claims are similar to typical car crashes. This is usually true when a cyclist was on the road when the vehicle-bicycle accident occurred. However, bicycling accidents also happen on sidewalks and bike paths, in which case they are more likely to involve pedestrians and different rules and standards.
Whether you were riding through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, down the Cyprus Creek bike path, or were simply riding down East Las Olas Boulevard, you should work with an attorney that is experienced in investigating and litigating bicycle crashes. At our firm, Fort Lauderdale bike accident lawyer David Fuchs will find out why the accident occurred, who was negligent, and whether you have a valid claim for compensation.
To schedule a consultation with one of our skilled injury attorneys, do not hesitate to reach out to us today.
What Might Cause a Local Bike Accident?
David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. has handled many bicycle collision cases. Many of these crashes occur because a driver:
- Speeds
- Texts while driving
- Engages in distracted behaviors
- Drives through stop signs and red lights
- Fails to yield to the right-of-way
- Fails to look out for cyclists
- Opens their doors into cyclists
- Drives too close to bikes
- Rear-ends a biker who stops ahead of them
- Turns left into a cyclist or their path
- Turns right in front of or into a cyclist
- Pulls out without looking behind them
- Drives while intoxicated
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accident injuries range in severity. Typical examples of injuries caused by a wreck include:
- Bone fractures
- Concussions and more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head and face injuries, including lacerations
- Dental injuries, including lost and chipped teeth
- Neck and back injuries including herniated discs and fractured vertebrae
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Dislocated joints, such as dislocated shoulders
- Road rash
When you get hit by a car while on your bike, you are at a disadvantage. Whether you are in leisurewear or cycling gear, your clothing cannot protect you from the force of an impact with a moving vehicle. The collision with the vehicle and then the probable second impact between you and the pavement can lead to serious injuries. You should call a bicycle injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale right away to discuss pursuing compensation.
What to do After Getting Hit by a Car on a Bike
If you are on a bike and get hit by a car, or you are a pedestrian hit by a bicycle on a sidewalk or path, you should take the following steps:
Obtain Medical Care
Whether you know you are suffering from serious injuries, or you feel like the accident caused minor harm, you should be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. After an accident, take stock of your condition. Do not move if you think it will cause further injuries. The other party or a witness should call 911. However, if you are able to move, get somewhere safe and call 911. This ensures emergency responders and the police arrive as soon as possible.
Get The Other Party’s Information
Whether a person hit you on their bike or a with their car, get their name and contact information. If they were driving a vehicle, ask to see their license and proof of insurance. Write down or snap a photo of their license number, insurance company information, and policy number.
Get Information from Witnesses
If other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians witnessed the collision and stayed at the scene, ask for their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Your bicycle accident attorney may contact them for their statements in the near future.
Document the Accident Scene
If you or a witness are able to, take photos and video of the accident scene. You should take photos of the property damage, your injuries, and any other signs of the crash, like tire marks on the pavement.
Call a Bicycle Crash Attorney
If you are confident that the accident was the other driver or bicycle rider’s fault, and you have suffered injuries, then call bike crash lawyer in Fort Lauderdale as soon as possible. An attorney will review your situation and advise you on making an auto insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney also will discuss with you the potential value of your claim.
Can a Cyclist Be at Fault in an Accident?
Drivers are often fully or mostly at fault for accidents involving both cars and bikes. However, there are some situations where a motorist might not be fully responsible for a crash. For instance, bicycle accident cases in which the cyclist failed to follow a rule of the road and was determined to be partially or fully at-fault frequently occur. Cyclists can also cause accidents by failing to yield the right of way, running a stop sign or stoplight, or by being distracted or intoxicated.
You should know that Florida is a pure comparative negligence state. This means if you were also negligent during a crash, your financial recovery would be limited by your percentage of fault. During an insurance claim or court case, the insurer or judge will determine how responsible each of you were for the accident. If the vehicle driver was 75 percent responsible and you were 25 percent at fault, then your compensation will be reduced by 25 percent.
If you are part of a vehicle-bicycle accident, you should have a lawyer investigate the circumstances. If you believe the other person is at-fault, your bike accident representative will strive to find evidence demonstrating the other party’s negligence and liability for your injuries. Due to his experience with such a wide range of situations, attorney David Fuchs is prepared to take on your bicycle accident claim no matter the complexities.
Compensation for a Cyclist Hit by a Car
If you are injured while riding your bike because you are hit by a car, speak with a bicycle collision attorney in Fort Lauderdale about pursuing compensation for your injuries, including:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced earning potential
What About Collisions Between Pedestrians and Bicycles?
David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. is often contacted by cyclists who are hit in a crosswalk, intersection, or road by negligent drivers. However, pedestrians who are injured by careless cyclists often seek our firm to pursue their cases.
Attorney Fuchs is here to help if you were struck by a bike and suffered serious injuries. Call today so he can begin the investigation into the incident right away. He will gather evidence of the cyclist’s negligence to use in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Wrongful Death Claims After Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Crashes
When a pedestrian is hit by a bicycle or a cyclist is struck by a vehicle, the impact can be severe enough to cause fatal injuries. Your loved one may have passed away at the scene of the accident or died days or weeks later due to their injuries.
If you believe your spouse, parent, or child was killed by a negligent driver or cyclist, do not hesitate to call a bike accident lawyer at David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A.. With experience in handling wrongful death claims in Fort Lauderdale, David Fuchs will fight hard for you and your family to receive appropriate compensation.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Attorney for Help Today
When you are involved in a bicycle accident, whether you were on a bike at the time or were struck by a cyclist, you should call our office to speak with a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer. You should also speak to an attorney before you talk with an insurance company. If you have already conversed with an insurer, it is important you consult with a bike accident lawyer before accepting a settlement or cashing a check.
To speak with a member of our legal team, reach out to our office today.
If you cannot come to our Fort Lauderdale law office, accident attorney David I. Fuchs will send a representative to see you. His staff speaks English and Spanish.
