Whether riding a bicycle for exercise, pleasure, or commuting, bicyclists are using their bikes more often now than they did several years ago. Over a period of a decade, the League of American Bicyclists estimates the number of people who were commuting to work via bicycle in the state of Florida grew 40% to 69%.
With the incredible year-round weather in Florida, bicyclists are frequently found on trails and roadways. However, when riding on roadways, bicyclists must share the space with motor vehicles, which unfortunately increases the likelihood of an accident that will result in serious injury to the unprotected cyclist.
If you were involved in a bicycle accident, consider hiring a Kissimmee bicycle accident lawyer to protect your right to seek damages for your pain, suffering, and medical bills. You also can receive compensation for your emotional trauma related to the accident. Call Bogin, Munns & Munns at (407) 870-1919 for a free case review today.
Risk Factors for Bicycle Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,000 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles in 2015, while another 467,000 bicyclists suffered injuries in these crashes. Children ages nineteen and under account for about one-third of all bicycle injuries, and adults aged fifty to fifty-nine have the highest death rate after a collision with a motor vehicle.
Some of the ways bicyclists can better protect themselves and avoid collisions with motor vehicles include:
- Riding a bike that is appropriately sized
- Riding a bike that has functioning brakes
- Wearing a helmet
- Wearing bright-colored clothing
- Wearing reflective strips on clothing
- Using lights and reflectors on the bicycle
- Choosing to ride on roads with wide shoulders or dedicated bike lanes
- Choosing to ride on roads with less motor vehicle traffic
- Choosing to ride on trails or bike paths whenever possible
Defending Your Right to Receive Compensation
Even when you take every precaution while riding your bicycle, there may be times where a motor vehicle driver is acting negligently behind the wheel. A negligent driver can create a dangerous situation in which you are unable to take evasive action in time, resulting in an accident.
You did not do anything wrong, yet, in the moment it takes for the automobile driver to make an error, you now are faced with a long rehabilitation and multiple potentially life-changing injuries. Count on a trustworthy Kissimmee bicycle accident lawyer, such as the team at Bogin, Munns & Munns, to help you receive the fairest possible settlement.
We have seen the devastating effects these types of accidents can have, and we are ready to stand by your side throughout negotiations with the negligent driver’s insurance company. Should the insurer fail to deliver a settlement amount that is satisfactory to you, we will defend your rights in court. Call us for a free review of your case today at (407) 870-1919.
To consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer serving Kissimmee, call 855-780-9986
Why a Car Hits a Bicycle
The majority of drivers behave safely behind the wheel, and they are especially careful when sharing the road with bicycles, ensuring the cyclists are safe.
Other times, though, the vehicle driver is not behaving appropriately and not paying attention to the road, essentially turning the automobile into a weapon.
Proving Negligence
A key component in winning a fair settlement in a personal injury case involving a bicycle accident is proving that the driver who caused the accident was behaving negligently.
Proving negligence simply means that you and your attorney need to use the facts to show that the driver could have taken a different action or made a different decision while behind the wheel. Had the driver taken this change in action, your accident and injuries would have been prevented.
When a driver is behaving negligently, any cyclist in the area is in significant danger. There are multiple ways a driver can be found negligent, including:
- Drunken driving: where drinking alcohol or taking drugs before driving leaves the driver less able to make proper decisions and judgments while behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving: a driver who is using a smartphone or paying attention to something else inside the car will not be watching the road, meaning they may not see a bicyclist.
- Failing to yield the right of way: a driver turning right at an intersection must yield to cyclists in the crosswalk, and the failure to do so could result in a crash.
- Violating traffic laws: a driver who is speeding or driving recklessly may not be able to stop in time or be unable to swerve at the last minute to avoid a bicyclist.
Kissimmee Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986
Understanding Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
As a trusted Kissimmee bicycle accident lawyer, unfortunately, we have seen the devastating results that can happen when a vehicle strikes a bicyclist. Some of the injuries a cyclist ends up with can be life-altering, leaving the cyclist unable to enjoy life as they did before the accident.
Some common injuries after a bicycle accident include:
- Facial trauma
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations and road rash
We Are Ready to Help with Your Case
After an injury, the team at Bogin, Munns & Munns is ready to help. We know how difficult cycling injuries can be for you and your family. Not only are you facing significant medical bills, but you also may be facing a loss of income because you are unable to work while you recover.
Contact us as soon as possible at (407) 870-1919 for a free review of your case. We know how insurance companies treat victims in cases like this, using several techniques to try to convince victims to accept a smaller settlement than they deserve. We will fight for your right to receive a fair settlement. We will be on your side throughout the personal injury claim process.
Should the worst-case scenario have occurred, and your loved one suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a car, Florida Statutes, paragraph 95.11 allows family members two-years after the death to begin a wrongful death lawsuit. We can help with this type of case as well.
Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today
