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Florida’s mild weather and flat terrain make it the perfect place for cyclists to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Perhaps that’s why Florida also has the largest number of bicycle-related fatalities in the country.
While any collision is a cause for concern, bike accidents tend to be especially damaging. Cars are designed to absorb the impact of a crash and minimize injury to the passengers. However, bicycles leave their riders perilously unprotected.
Even when wearing a helmet, road rash, broken bones, and head injuries are common following a bicycle accident—and the cost of medical treatment can be staggering.
At Beers & Gordon, we understand the obstacles facing you after your bicycle accident, from recovering from your injuries to seeking justice from the at-fault driver. This struggle is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping you receive the full compensation you deserve.
When put up against a car, more often than not, it’s the cyclist that bears the brunt of the injuries. How severe these injuries are depends on many factors, but some of the more common cycling injuries include:
As Orlando personal injury lawyers, David Beers and Jim Gordon are well acquainted with the many factors affecting bicycle crashes.
While our attorneys have past experience working on behalf of insurance companies, today our law firm is solely focused on helping injured bicyclists receive the compensation, representation, and assistance they deserve.
With more than 70 years of combined legal experience, our bicycle accident attorneys not only understand how insurance companies value your claim, we can provide expert advice and guidance on pursuing legal action. When necessary, we will even collaborate with accident reconstruction and biomechanical experts to strengthen your case and give you the best possible chance of winning.
When accidents involve motor vehicles—such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles—the drivers usually know to file a claim with their auto insurance policy. Bicycle accidents are different.
If the crash involved a motor vehicle, you will file a claim on behalf of the other driver’s car insurance policy for compensation. However, if the crash involved another cyclist or a pedestrian, you may need to turn towards a home or renter’s insurance policy.
Even though Florida is a No Fault state, determining who was at fault for your crash will play an important role in determining whose insurance company will pay.
Things are further complicated when the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance. Here in Florida, an estimated 20% of drivers lack the minimum amount of car insurance required by law. This means that if you are injured in a bicycle accident with an uninsured motorist, you will need legal representation to file a lawsuit directly against the driver.
Additionally, even if you do not have a vehicle and insurance, you should qualify for PIP benefits through the at-fault party’s PIP insurance. So, you can seek the necessary treatment even if you do not have a vehicle or even health insurance.
Understanding the many nuances at play is key to receiving due compensation for your bicycle accident injuries.
The actions you take immediately following your bike accident will set the tone for your case. For this reason, it is imperative that you follow these steps in order to both expedite and maximize your settlement.
First, check for injuries and seek emergency medical treatment, if needed. While it can be tempting to “wait it out” and see if your injuries improve, it is much better for your case (not to mention your recovery) to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Then, call 911 and file an accident report. This report will act as a neutral third-party “witness” to the crash and can come in handy when dealing with the insurance company. You should also collect the other driver’s information as well as that of any witnesses to the crash.
Next, take detailed pictures of the scene—as many as you can. We have seen many accident cases where pictures ended up being the deciding factor at getting our clients a fair settlement.
Finally, work with a bicycle accident attorney. Even with car accident insurance, many accident victims find themselves in a legal battle with their insurance company, fighting for the full benefits of their policy.
Handling an injury case on your own without an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is essentially a guarantee that your case will either be lost or dramatically undervalued. From our experience, the best chance you have at winning your claim is by working with an Orlando bicycle accident lawyer right from the start.
At Beers & Gordon, P.A., we go the extra mile to make sure you are aware of all the insurance coverage available to you and will fight for your right to compensation—whether your fight is against your own insurance company or a third party’s.
Less experienced attorneys may push you to settle your case, but our bicycle accident lawyers are no strangers to the inside of a courtroom. From the first settlement offer to the final ruling, we put the needs of our clients first.
According to Florida traffic laws, bicycles have the same privileges, rights, and responsibilities as any other vehicle on the road. Furthermore, motorists are obligated to yield to bicycles when turning and must give adequate clearance on the road.
Yet cyclists continue to be ignored, overlooked, and put in danger on Florida roads.
With a bicycle accident, there’s no such thing as a “fender bender.” (After all, helmets and reflective gear are no match for a two-ton vehicle made of steel.) If you’re struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering due to your injuries, call our bicycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Contact us for a free consultation to see how we can assist you.
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