Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Being in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. Unfortunately, Florida ranks as one of the top states for bicycle accidents.
With such great weather throughout much of the year, it is no surprise that there are so many cyclists on the road.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2020 crash report, there were 5,934 bicycle accidents and 160 deaths that year.
If you are one of the thousands injured in a bicycle accident, seek legal support from an experienced Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
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What Are Your Options After a Bicycle Accident?
If you are in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand your legal options. If your injuries were caused by the negligence of another person or entity, you may be entitled to compensation.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, expenses related to treatment, and your prognosis, you may require more compensation than what an insurance company is willing to give you.
Do not settle for less than you deserve. Your best option is to talk to an experienced Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer to evaluate the best course of action for your case.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lakeland
There are a lot of potential threats for bicyclists. Riding a bike is a vulnerable activity. Even with the addition of protective gear such as a helmet and pads, you are still very exposed and not always easy to see in traffic. There are several common causes of bicycle accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle collisions. These accidents also include bicycles. The most common cause of distracted driving is using the phone to text, email, or dial a number.
Lane Splitting and Driving Too Close
Cars and cyclists make the common mistake of riding too close to one another. This can be the fault of either party. Bicycle riders who split lanes of traffic put themselves in a dangerous position just as vehicles that ride too close to bicycles are also more likely to have a collision.
Inclement Weather and Dangerous Road Conditions
Weather can cause slippery and unpredictable conditions. The most common issues are reduced visibility and brake malfunctions. Wet brakes and roadways can cause problems for both cyclists and car drivers.
Driving Impaired
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or in any other state of decreased alertness can greatly increase the chances of an accident. Bicycles are already difficult to see.
When a driver is impaired, they are less likely to notice the details of traffic around them and respond quickly to dangerous situations.
Riding in a Vehicle’s Blind Spot
When a driver can’t see a bicycle, they can’t be expected to respond appropriately to the proximity of the cyclist. Accidents often happen when the driver tries to change lanes and does not see the bicycle.
Speeding
High-speed accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries. Speeding increases the amount of time it takes to come to a stop or react quickly. Even low-speed accidents can cause death. High-speed accidents are often fatal.
Running a Red Light or a Stop Sign
Failing to obey traffic laws is a common cause of many vehicle accidents. When a vehicle hits a bicycle in an intersection, it is often severe.
Proving Fault in a Bicycle Accident
There are many ways that an accident can take place. There are some situations where both the cyclist and the other party could have exercised better judgment.
In Florida, you can still bring a claim against the other party, even if you were partially to blame for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage by which you were responsible. This is the rule of “comparative negligence.”
Insurance companies will always try to make it appear as if their client was not at fault. That is why it is important to have a Lakeland bicycle accident attorney who can conduct a thorough investigation of what happened and argue on your behalf.
What Kind of Compensation Is Available for a Bicycle Accident?
If you are injured due to the negligent behavior of another person or entity, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover damages.
Economic Damages
The actual monetary expenses associated with your injury and property damage are called “economic damages.” These damages cover costs that have a tangible number associated with them. Some examples include:
- Medical treatment,
- Physical therapy,
- Property damage, and
- Lost wages.
You should not have to be responsible for expenses that you would not have incurred had the other party not acted negligently.
Non-Economic Damages
The hardest part of being in a bicycle accident is not always the costs associated with the injury or property damage. Non-economic damages cover the mental and emotional costs that arise from the experience. These may include:
- Pain and suffering,
- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- Post-traumatic stress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, they could be life-changing. No amount of money can make that better, but it is the closest remedy the court has. Because these damages do not come with a receipt or invoice, they are more difficult to prove. A Lakeland bicycle accident attorney will be able to help you prove these damages.
Choosing a Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Your priority should be to focus on healing, while your attorney focuses on the details of your claim. The experienced team at Abrahamson and Uiterwyk has served over 20,000 injured clients and understands how difficult this time can be. We provide a free consultation to discuss your bicycle accident and determine what options may be available.
Once you retain our services, we will conduct an independent investigation into your accident. This involves gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, expenses, and more.
We want to make sure we have a clear understanding of how much compensation you deserve so that we can negotiate on your behalf. If we cannot negotiate for fair compensation, we will prepare your case for litigation.
You should never settle for less than what you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation. We can also assist you with motorcycle accidents, car accidents, medical malpractice cases and more.
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Lakeland, FL Case Types
The highly-experienced Lakeland personal injury law firm of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk provides:
- Personal injury lawyers in Lakeland
- Car accident lawyers in Lakeland
- Motorcycle accident attorneys in Lakeland
- Slip & fall lawyers in Lakeland
- Truck accident lawyers in Florida
- Bicycle accident lawyers in Lakeland
- Brain injury lawyers in Florida
- Birth injury lawyers in Florida
- Pedestrian accident lawyers in Florida
- Construction accident lawyers in Florida
- Wrongful death lawyers in Lakeland
- Actos injury lawyers in Florida
- Boating accident lawyers in Florida
- Business interruption insurance lawyers in Florida
- Defective drugs medical device lawyers in Florida
- Dog bite lawyers in Florida
- Drunk driving accident lawyers in Florida
- Insurance disputes lawyers in Florida
- Medical malpractice lawyers in Florida
- Metal hip knee implant lawyers in Florida
- Nursing home abuse lawyers in Florida
- Product liability lawyers in Florida
- Work injury / workers comp lawyers in Florida
Service Area for Bike Accident Attorneys Near You
If you’ve been hurt in a Florida bike accident, we’re ready to help you. Here are just some of the areas we serve: