Were you recently injured in a bicycle accident in Wellington, Florida? Our experienced Wellington bicycle accident lawyers at Shiner Law Group are ready to help fight for your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (561) 777-7700 to speak with an attorney for a 100% free consultation.
You may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, loss of income, pain, and suffering, and more. Contact our Wellington law offices to discuss the legal options that might be available to you following your bicycle accident. The next steps are very important. Let Shiner Law Group help you with your bicycle accident case today.
Were You Injured In A Truck Accident In Wellington?
Did you or a loved one get injured in a bicycle accident in Wellington, FL? If so, you may get compensated for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The experienced bicycle injury attorneys at Shiner Law Group can help you fight for your legal rights and recover damages. Contact our Wellington law offices for a free case evaluation.
Were You Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Wellington, FL?
Whether you want to explore the Canal Greenway trail or see other attractions in Wellington, a bicycle will come in handy. When you set off on your bike, the last thing you expect is to get knocked down by negligent motorists. However, as convenient as it is, cycling isn’t without its dangers.
Multiple bicycle accidents are reported daily throughout Florida, especially on busy streets during peak traffic times. Due to the relatively small size of a bicycle compared to vehicles, these accidents often result in serious injuries. Some victims end up having a lifetime of debilitating pain and suffering.
After a bicycle accident in Wellington or elsewhere in Florida, you’ll undoubtedly be overwhelmed with medical expenses and other bills. Not to mention being out of work for a while undergoing treatment for your injuries. At this difficult time of your life, you need an aggressive and experienced Wellington bicycle accident lawyer in your corner.
Our team has the experience and resources to build a compelling case and ensure you get fairly compensated for your injuries. The best part is that we operate on a contingency-fee-basis, so we’ll only charge you after helping you to recover your damages.
Bicycle Accident Laws in Wellington
In recent years, the Sunshine State has been reporting the highest number of bicycle accidents in America. Negligence remains the most significant factor in these crashes. According to Florida law, bicycles are categorized as vehicles that must observe local and state traffic laws. This includes stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic lights, and the right of way.
When cycling on a sidewalk, you’ll be considered a pedestrian. Thus, you must obey all the safety requirements associated with using sidewalks. For instance, you must yield the right of way and alert pedestrians when passing them from behind.
When cycling on a public street or motorway, other road users will treat you as a vehicle. You also need to treat yourself as such. Therefore, you should observe these rules:
- Direction – Never cycle against the flow of traffic. If the motorway doesn’t have a dedicated bike, stay on the right lane provided it’s safe and clear. Always ride in the same direction as the vehicles.
- Traffic Signals – Although you’re not an automobile, all traffic signs and signals apply to you when cycling on the motorway. Never ride straight through stop signs or intersections without checking if it’s safe to do so and whether you have the right of way.
- Straight Paths – When cycling on the motorway, maintain a straight path and avoid weaving between vehicles to get ahead of the traffic. Also, avoid riding too close to parked cars because someone may swing a door open unexpectedly, causing an accident.
- Manual Signals – Vehicles have turn signals and similar warning lights, something your bike doesn’t have. However, you can still use manual signals to clue other road users when you intend to turn or change lanes. An easy way to do so is by using hand signals.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Wellington
As with pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents can occur in different ways. Likewise, they’re influenced by various factors. Most of the bicycle accidents in Florida that cause personal injury or death are caused by negligence and environmental factors such as poor weather and road conditions. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists these factors as the leading causes of bicycle accidents:
- Distracted driving/cycling
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Cycling/driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Making improper turns
- Driving on designated bike lanes
- Failing to adhere to stoplights and traffic signs
More accidents occur in urban areas and on weekdays in the evening. In recent years, Florida’s Department of Transportation has stepped up efforts to create awareness about biker safety. Similarly, cyclists are always encouraged to follow traffic rules, wear a helmet and bright reflective clothing, and use protective gear when out on the road.
Unfortunately, these safety measures aren’t enough to prevent an accident and the resultant injuries. This is particularly the case if the accident is caused by another road user’s negligence. A bicycle accident injury can cause serious injury, disfigurement, disability, or death even when wearing protective gear. Most victims find themselves struggling to cover huge bills with or without medical insurance cover. Under Florida law, bicycle accident victims may be entitled to seek damages for their injuries by filing a compensation lawsuit against the at-fault party.
In these lawsuits, the theory of negligence comes into play. It’s assumed that the at-fault party’s negligence or reckless behavior caused the accident that led to your injuries. Thus, they’re legally obligated to compensate you for your injuries and losses.
Since Florida is a no-fault state, bicycle accidents can pursue personal injury claims with their insurers. However, certain provisions must be met for the claim to go through. If you get injured or suffer losses in a bicycle accident in Wellington and don’t have an auto insurance policy, our experienced attorneys can help you pursue other options. This may include filing a civil lawsuit against the responsible parties.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Wellington
Regardless of how safe you try to be when cycling, an accident can occur at any time. The actions you take after an accident can have a huge difference in how you protect yourself and your right to compensation. So, these are the steps to take after the crash:
Contact 911
It’s advisable to contact the police and emergency services immediately after the crash. This way, the accident will be on the record, and you’ll also notify EMS if you or someone else needs medical assistance. When the police arrive at the scene, they’ll start to investigate the crash and document relevant evidence. If you choose to pursue a compensation claim against the responsible party, the initial response to the incident will come in handy.
Gather Relevant Evidence at the Scene
If possible, try to collect as much evidence from the crash scene. Try to take many photos and videos of the crash scene, your damaged bike, vehicles at the scene, skid marks, and your visible injuries. Document all the evidence that shows what could have happened.
Seek Medical Help
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries. Even if your injuries appear minor, it’s essential to see a doctor after the accident. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the deadlier your symptoms might get. Seeking medical attention can also be helpful for your compensation claim because it proves your injuries resulted from the accident. If you fail to get examined immediately, the at-fault party’s insurer may find a reason to deny your claim.
Obtain Driver Details
Since most bicycle accidents, ensure you obtain the name, contact information, license number, and insurance information of all the drivers involved in the crash.
Obtain Witness Information
Bike accidents mostly happen during peak traffic hours. So, there’s always a chance that someone saw what happened. If possible, get their names and contact information. Witness statements can be valuable, especially when trying to prove fault. Nonetheless, if these individuals don’t want to provide you with their names or contact information, the attorneys at Shiner Law Group can obtain the details for you.
Comepnsation For A Wellington Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents in Florida occur under different conditions. Each compensation claim is unique, making it difficult to tell how much compensation you can claim from the at-fault party. The critical elements that determine how much compensation you can receive include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Total insurance amount available
- Cost of medical treatment and expected medical care
- Whether you’ve lost wages or your income earning capacity
- The at-fault party’s culpability
Speak With A Wellington Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me
After seeking medical attention, you should contact a bicycle accident attorney in Wellington, FL. Under Florida law, you have two years to file a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident and two years to file a wrongful death if a loved one died in a crash.
There are two courses of action an attorney can pursue in court, negligence per se and negligence. With the attorneys from the law offices of Shiner Law Group fighting in your corner, recovering damages will be much more straightforward.
Bike accident laws in Florida are complex, thanks to the multiple protections and legal standards that apply to cyclists. It takes an aggressive attorney who clearly understands Florida’s personal injury laws for your rights to be respected. With a combined 50 plus years of hands-on experience, we have what it takes to stand up for you and fight for your rights. So, contact us today to schedule a free case review with our team.