Wellington
Bicycle Accident
WELLINGTON BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER
Bicycling is very popular in South Florida, as it provides a way for people to exercise while avoiding traffic at the same time. Unfortunately, cyclists face many dangers when they are on the road and of those, drivers pose the greatest risk. Drivers simply do not pay attention to cyclists and some even become aggressive and frustrated when there is a cyclist nearby.
There are many causes of bicycle accidents and when they occur, it is always the cyclist that will suffer the worst injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt, a Wellington bicycle accident lawyer can help you recover damages for your injuries.
What Rights Do Cyclists Have in Florida?
Florida law recognizes that individuals on bicycles have just as many rights and responsibilities as drivers of other types of vehicles. Cyclists should ride in a bike lane when there is one available and when they are traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic. When no bike lane exists, cyclists are required to ride as far to the right as possible.
Even though cyclists have many rights under the law, motorists do not always uphold them. Drivers negligently make right turns that injure cyclists, and not all motorists recognize that bike lanes are still lanes of traffic. In these cases, injured cyclists can hold negligent drivers liable for paying damages.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accident Claims
Injuries stemming from a bicycle accident are some of the most serious. Of all serious injuries that result from these crashes, traumatic brain injuries top the list. After a cyclist is hit, they usually fall off their bike and onto the ground. Even with a helmet, the force of the impact is too much for the skull and brain, resulting in serious injury. Of course, when a biker is not wearing a helmet, the severity of the injury will increase.
While brain injuries are very common in bicycle accidents, there are other injuries bicycle accident victims sustain, as well. These are as follows:
- Facial, eye, and dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Punctured lungs
- Injuries to the abdomen, including bowel ruptures and contusions
Many factors will determine the severity of injuries. These include a cyclist’s age and gender, the time of day, the amount of safety gear the cyclist was using, and more.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Driver negligence is the main cause of bicycle accidents in Wellington, but that negligence can take many forms. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Inattentive drivers
- Failure to yield to cyclists
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Dooring
In some cases, improper roads and weather conditions can also contribute to a crash. When this is the case, injured individuals may still file a claim against the negligent driver, or a government agency.
Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Wellington Can Advise on Your Case
If you have been hurt in a crash, our Wellington bicycle accident lawyers at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC can provide the sound legal advice you need. Call us today at 561-472-8165 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.
