Bicycling is a refreshing, healthy activity. But it can also be dangerous. Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer David Fuchs has extensive experience helping injured cyclists obtain maximum compensation for their injuries. He’s also ready to put his extensive skill and experience to work for you.
The Law Offices of David I. Fuchs delivers results. If you’ve suffered an injury in a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, please don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. David Fuchs has practiced law in Florida since 1991. He deeply understands all the complexities involved in this kind of case. When you turn to David, you’ll work with a true advocate who will passionately fight for your rights.
Reasons to Choose David Fuchs as Your Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer David Fuchs has recovered millions of dollars for his clients during his three-decade career. David works diligently to uncover the evidence needed to help those he represents achieve the best possible outcomes in their cases. Unlike some attorneys, David will respond when you have questions.
Our office is located at eight S.E. 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale, just a one-minute bike ride from Florence C. Hardy Park.
No bicycle accident lawyer will be more devoted to your case than David. You’ll receive personalized attention from an attorney with the resources to conduct comprehensive investigations, gather compelling evidence, and construct a strong case.
David also excels in negotiating with insurance companies. He’ll work to secure a settlement that not only covers your medical expenses and lost income but also compensates for the pain and suffering the negligent driver forced you to endure.
How Much is My Case Worth?
Understandably, you want to know how much money you can expect quickly. But no ethical attorney will ever make any promises without first knowing all the details of your case. You should never choose a bicycle accident lawyer who guarantees you’ll obtain a specific amount of compensation.
David Fuchs refrains from making any absolute assurances. The prospect of receiving a check valued at tens of thousands of dollars might entice you, which is understandable.
You may not realize many economic losses are associated with a bicycle accident injury. These losses, referred to in legal terms as “damages,” are tangible and intangible. Damages in a personal injury case include the following:
Medical Bills
You don’t deserve to foot the bill for medical expenses caused by someone else’s carelessness. You might have required extensive hospitalization and underwent multiple surgical procedures. More than likely, you must take pain medications. There’s also a chance you’ll need physical therapy for weeks, months, or even years.
Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer David Fuchs will fight to recover your current medical expenses and expenses for treatment you may need in the future.
Lost Income
If your injury is severe, you probably cannot work for a long time. Many accident victims worry because their bills pile up, but they’ve already exhausted their sick days and vacation time. Now, they’re losing money because they cannot return to their job.
A skilled bicycle accident lawyer will demand compensation for the money you’re losing now and the money you can lose in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Damages such as the above are also known as “economic” damages. They get their name from the fact they’re tangible. Pain and suffering is an example of “non-economic” or intangible damages. While you can prove economic damages with bills, receipts, and pay stubs, proving intangible damages is another matter.
Pain and suffering damages include compensation for the physical discomfort you’re experiencing due to your injury. You may have severe back pain, broken bones, or nerve damage. A Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer will strive to secure compensation for your current pain and any future discomfort you may experience.
You may also qualify for mental pain and suffering. If you have fear, anxiety, or other signs of emotional distress, your attorney will consider that when demanding compensation from the at-fault driver.
Is Fort Lauderdale a Dangerous Place to Ride a Bicycle?
Unfortunately, yes. Fort Lauderdale ranks No. 18 on a list of the most dangerous cities in the United States for bicyclists. Riding a bike is risky in all of Broward County. There were 722 bicycle accidents in our county in the previous year. These crashes resulted in 15 deaths and 676 injuries.
The City of Fort Lauderdale is working to make bicycle lanes wider and more visible. City leaders are also working to create safe cycling routes in parks and other areas away from traffic. However, accidents continue to occur despite their best efforts.
Why Bicycle Accidents Keep Happening
Bicycle riders constantly face danger, especially in urban areas. They must be alert at all times to arrive at their destination safely. The following are just some of the reasons a pleasant ride can quickly turn into a nightmare.
Negligent Drivers
It seems like everyone is busy. People rush to get to wherever they need to go. Bicyclists often pay the price for hurried drivers. These drivers suddenly make unexpected turns or fail to look at their blind spots before changing lanes or making other maneuvers. They often don’t expect a rider to be in the way, often with terrible consequences.
Distracted Driving
Not only are people in a hurry more than ever, they all have smartphones. Far too many of them focus on their phone rather than the road when they’re behind the wheel. Sending a text or talking to a friend often leads to disaster. Something as simple as changing the radio station can divert a driver’s eyes for just a couple of seconds. But that’s long enough for bicyclists to appear in a car’s path.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accident lawyer David Fuchs has seen almost every kind of bicycle wreck during his three decades in practice. These are some of the wrecks that happen most often.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are notorious bicycle accident hotspots. One of the main reasons is negligent drivers who don’t pay attention when making left turns. They often don’t see bicyclists before it’s too late to avoid a collision.
Rear-End Collisions
Drivers in a rush or distracted by a phone often fail to slow down when approaching a red light or traffic jam. When they hit a rider’s bike from behind, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic or even tragic.
Dooring
A dooring accident occurs when a driver parked on the side of a road fails to check oncoming traffic before opening their door. The impact of a bike hitting a car door propels the rider into the street. Not only are they at risk of severe injuries due to hitting the pavement, but they’re also in danger of other vehicles hitting them.
Side-Swipe Accidents
Inattentive motorists will sometimes change lanes without knowing a bicycle is nearby. In other instances, drivers will get too close when trying to pass a bike. Motorists often fail to respect that bicyclists are also entitled to use the road. This attitude can force a rider into obstacles or other cars.
Severe Injuries in Bicycle Wrecks
Because bicycle riders are so vulnerable, they typically suffer severe injuries when a negligent motorist hits them. Examples include:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Facial injuries
A Seasoned Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Defeat a Huge Insurance Company
While we’ve all seen insurance company commercials portraying these corporate giants as genuinely caring about their policyholders’ well-being, the truth is often different. Insurers have one goal – to make the most substantial profit possible. They will fight to achieve that goal, even if innocent people don’t receive just compensation.
But insurers don’t intimidate Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer David Fuchs, nor their highly paid adjusters and attorneys. The reason is David knows how to defeat their often-questionable tactics.
Lowball Settlement Offers
One of the most common is offering an inadequate settlement. Injury victims are naturally worried after an accident. They can’t work and face significant financial burdens. Insurers know accident victims’ stress and try to use that to their advantage.
An adjuster may have already contacted you about a settlement. That offer, at first glance, seems very attractive. It looks like it will take care of all your problems. However, accepting that offer will likely be one of the worst mistakes you’ll ever make.
Again, insurance companies only care about protecting their profits. The adjuster assigned to your case knows how much your medical and other accident-related costs will be. But if the insurer is to make a profit, it won’t automatically give you what you deserve.
They’ll lowball you instead. You might feel tempted to accept a check for tens of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, that check won’t come close to covering your future medical bills, nor will it make up for your current and future lost income. You’ll be responsible for all the expenses once the settlement money runs out.
But if you have bicycle accident lawyer David Fuchs on your side, that won’t happen. David will know the actual value of your case. He won’t let an insurer trick you into thinking you’re getting all the money you deserve. When you have an attorney by your side, you won’t have to deal with insurance company harassment. Whenever an adjuster tries to contact you, simply refer them to your legal representative.
How to Protect Your Health and Case After an Accident
Hopefully, you’ve already seen a doctor, and you’re getting the treatment you need to recover from your injury. But there are several other things you can do to not only protect your health but also your ability to obtain maximum compensation. Please keep the following in mind:
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations: You must listen to your doctor’s advice and do everything they say. If the insurance company finds out you’ve deviated from your treatment plan, they’ll use that against you. That can cost you a substantial amount of money.
- Gather documentation: It might seem like a hassle, but you need to keep every piece of paper about your case. This means keeping all your receipts, medical bills, mechanic estimates, and anything else that shows how much money you’re losing due to the at-fault driver’s negligence.
- Stay away from insurers: As we covered earlier, insurance companies only care about their bottom line. The adjuster they assign to your case may seem friendly, but that person is anything but. Adjusters are only loyal to their employers and will use a lot of tricks to try and fool you into accepting blame for the accident. Let your bicycle accident lawyer handle the insurer. You focus on recovering.
- Contact an attorney: When you schedule a consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer, have all your documentation on hand. That will help your attorney determine your case’s value. Also, bring the police report and accident scene photographs if you have them.
Trust David Fuchs to Protect Your Rights
When you need a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer, David Fuchs stands ready to be your advocate. With over three decades of invaluable experience, David brings a wealth of legal knowledge and a track record of success to your case. Throughout his extensive career, he has diligently fought for his clients’ rights, securing millions in compensation. Now, he’s prepared to channel his experience and unwavering dedication to work for your best interests.
At The Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A., we understand the importance of having a legal representative who fights relentlessly for every dollar you deserve. David Fuchs embodies this dedication and strives to maximize your owed compensation.
If you’re seeking an attorney to vigorously fight for your entitled compensation, please don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale. You can take advantage of our online contact form for a complimentary case evaluation, or feel free to call us directly at (954) noswap568-3636. We are here to stand by your side and fight for your rights.
David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Office
8 SE 8th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
P: (954) noswap568-3636