More cyclists are taking to the street than ever these days as cities attempt to make their streets bicycle friendly. However, more cyclists raise the chances of an accident as not every motorist follows the traffic laws that require them to yield to bicycles. While Florida law aims to protect cyclists, drivers do not always do their part.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Florida
Florida is the deadliest state in the country for bicyclists. Even though it is not the most populous state in the U.S., Florida has the most cyclist fatality of any state. In 2017, there were 125 cyclists killed in Florida. This accounted for nearly one out of every six fatalities in the entire country. For every bicyclist who is killed in an accident, many more are injured. Just in the first quarter of 2019, almost 1,600 cyclists were injured.
A study of the data shows that the common causes of bicycle accidents in Florida included:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Drivers failed to obey traffic signs and signals
- Drivers making illegal turns
In addition, the surge in distracted driving has also made life dangerous for bicyclists. Too many drivers are taking their eyes off the road to use their mobile device behind the wheel.
Bicycle Traffic Laws in Florida
Florida has a number of laws that protect bikers from the possible dangers posed by vehicles. They include:
- Drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of space when they are trying to pass.
- Bicyclists have the same right to use the roadway as anyone else since they are considered a motorist.
- The biker may be entitled to the full use of the lane when they are making a left turn from the lane.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
Unfortunately, bikers are often critically injured in crashes with vehicles. Since there is no car to protect them, bicyclists take the full brunt of impact in a crash with a car. In addition, they may also be thrown from the bike onto the pavement. Statistics show that bicyclists are almost always hurt in crashes, and the injuries vary in severity. Common bicycle injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries such as concussions, hematomas, and brain damage
- Serious cuts, lacerations, and abrasions anywhere on the body
- Fractured bones
- Head, neck, and back injuries
Even if injuries are not apparent at the scene of the accident, injured cyclists need to always get checked out by a physician after an accident. This is especially true since many of the injuries affect the brain. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, and signs may not show up until days or weeks later. The sooner you discover your injuries, the more effective medical treatment you can receive. Some brain injuries can get worse if they are not treated.
At 388CEDA, we have physicians that can give you a full examination after a bicycle accident. Some tests and services that we offer include:
- Computerized Tomography
- MRIs
- Nerve-Conductive Studies
- Chiropractic treatment
- Interventional medicine
- Orthopedic treatment
After your injuries have been diagnosed, and you have a sense of the damages that you have suffered, you can seek financial compensation for the accident. This is where you would file a claim with the insurance company to recover. However, dealing with the insurance company is not always easy. Injured cyclists need an attorney to guide them through the legal process and negotiate with the insurance company on their behalf.
While there are many attorneys out there who say that they can handle your case, you may not know which lawyer is right for you. Sometimes, a good recommendation can make all the difference in the world in your bicycle accident case. At 388CEDA, we work with a network of experienced lawyers with a track record of fighting for the rights of injured clients. When you call us and ask, we can recommend an attorney to you from our vast network. This can save you time and hassle and is helpful when you are dealing with injuries.
388CEDA Recommends Experienced Attorneys Upon Request
Call us at 1.800.388.CEDA as soon as you are able, so you can begin to get a full diagnosis of your injuries that you would need to pave the way for an insurance claim. If you want, we can also recommend to you an attorney who can assist you with the claims process. You may be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries if you were in a bicycle accident.
*388CEDA is not a law firm or an attorney referral service. 388CEDA does not provide legal advice, services, or legal representation to anyone including but not limited to visitors to this site or individuals/persons responding to our advertisements. In Florida, 388CEDA provides the following types of physician services: M.D., Orthopedic Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, & D.C., Chiropractic Physicians that document and treat individuals that have suffered injuries. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call one of our agents at 388CEDA. We work with experienced attorneys.
