Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Florida law requires legal requirements on vehicle operators and their interactions with bicyclists and pedestrians. As Florida bicycle accident lawyers & attorneys that practices in pedestrian accidents, we hold motorists accountable for causing injury to bicycle riders and pedestrians.
Bicyclists have the exact same rights as motor vehicle drivers on Florida's roadways. Sadly, motorists do not always respect the legal rights of bicyclists. Negligent or reckless driving behaviors oftentimes cause serious accidents resulting in damages to cyclists and pedestrians. Even if bikers wear proper safety equipment, they are still highly vulnerable. What might seem like a minor collision to the automobile operator can lead to serious or even life-changing damages for the bicyclist.
Though pedestrians are typically not moving at speeds as fast as bicyclists, they are much more vulnerable since they often don't wear protective equipment like a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 500 pedestrians are killed, and about 7,000 are injured in Florida traffic accidents annually. What's most disconcerting is that a lot of those accidents are avoidable.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in Florida, you are entitled to compensation. Our bicycle accidents lawyers and pedestrian accident lawyers can help you acquire the fair settlement you deserve for your losses, distress, and suffering.
Rights and Responsibilities of Pedestrians in Florida
Pedestrians in Florida have the right of way when crossing the road. Even if an intersection has no crossing signals, drivers are accountable for yielding to pedestrians on the crosswalk. If, however, a pedestrian crosses the road where there is no marked crosswalk, they should yield to drivers. A pedestrian who darts into traffic or J-walks could be to some extent accountable if an accident happens. Florida is a comparative fault state, so their portion of fault could lessen the pedestrian's claim. Thus, it's most ideal to contact a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss the distinct facts of your case.
Florida Pedestrian Incident Lawyers Devoted to Supporting People Damaged by Motorist Negligence Recover
The injuries bicyclists and pedestrians can sustain in car accidents can be serious. They may lead to past and future health care expenses, lost or reduced salaries from inability to work after the incident, having to deal with property damage, lessened quality of life, and more. Luckily for victims of such accidents, our Florida Bike accident lawyers can assist them to recover losses through a personal injury lawsuit. In addition, our pedestrian accident attorneys are devoted to assisting injured victims obtain the settlement they are worthy of for their damages.
Holding Negligent Drivers Liable
Bikers and pedestrians recognize that many vehicle drivers are not always as aware as they should be of their surroundings. Even though many metropolitan areas have set up designated bicycle and pedestrian lanes in heavy traffic zones, accidents still occur. Bicyclists and pedestrians can exercise specific safety measures to make themselves more noticeable to drivers and reduce the possibility of being in an unfortunate incident. However, drivers are in the long run obliged to drive safely and securely and in a manner that does not threaten others. The following are some routine driver transgressions that cause cycle and pedestrian incidents:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding.
- Texting while driving.
- Opening a door into an oncoming bicyclist.
- Turning right and hitting a bicyclist or pedestrian.
- Side-swiping a bicyclist or pedestrian.
To ascertain if you have justifiable justifications for a personal injury claim, you should really consult with an knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney or pedestrian accident lawyer immediately. If you hesitate to file a claim, you might lose evidence and hinder the outcomes of your claim. Therefore, talk to a bike accident lawyer or a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as you can for your best odds at collecting a honest deal.
Measures to Take After Being Damaged in a Cycle or Pedestrian Accident
Each time bicyclists and pedestrians are on the roadways, accidents are always feasible. You might probably feel perplexed and overwhelmed in the initial moments following an accident. It's optimal to proceed carefully to secure your legal rights immediately after the unfortunate incident. The following are some techniques to remember immediately after you've been injured or hurt in a bicycle or pedestrian accident.
- Get to a secure place - look around and find a safe and secure place to transfer to, out of the way of transit, to prevent more harm.
- Keep your cool - take a moment to calm down prior to taking any action. Most importantly, do not ever admit fault or leave the area.
- Examine your damages - You'll more than likely have adrenaline running high and find yourself in shock in the aftermath of an incident, affecting your pain perception. See to it to inspect yourself for major signs of injury meticulously. Contact an ambulance straight away if you think there is any chance you've been harmed.
- Get in touch with the police - stay on the scene up until law enforcement arrive and make certain all parties involved remain. If the driver goes away, get their license plate number.
- File an accident report - Make sure that you give the cops your statement for the incident report. If the police officer only take a motorist's statement, you may seek to have the document modified later.
- Obtain contact information - get telephone numbers, addresses, and insurance information of all vehicle owners involved and any witnesses nearby.
- Take pictures - even if your accident was small, take pictures of the scene. Photograph yourself, your bike, any automobiles involved, and the collision scene. Be certain that you get pictures of any damage to the automobile and your bike. Your bicycle accident attorney can use photographs to build your case later.
- Preserve evidence - this consists of your bicycle, which you should not try to have fixed until after your claim has been resolved. Keep the clothing you were wearing at the time of the incident unwashed and avoid fixing any damages. Only share evidence with your bicycle accident attorney.
- Receive medical care - Even if you think your injuries don't require treatment, still see a medical professional. Minor injuries can become more severe over time, and you'll want to have documentation of any potentially major injuries.
- Maintain records - keep a record of all hospital visits, correspondences with insurance companies, or any other activity associated with the accident. Your bicycle accident lawyer will need these records as evidence to help assist with your claim.
- Do not communicate with insurance adjusters - the vehicle driver's insurance provider might try to reach out to you, but you should let your bicycle accident attorney communicate with them in your place.
- Reach out to a Florida bicycle accident lawyer or pedestrian accident lawyer. While it is feasible that you had partial responsibility in the incident, most accidents happen because of negligent or inconsiderate motorists. Despite the situation, if a vehicle driver caused you injuries or property damage, they should be called to account. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident or pedestrian accident, get in touch with an experienced bicycle accident attorney or pedestrian accident lawyer to find out if you have a valid case.
Consult With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney or a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Florida
In the event that you've sustained an injury in a pedestrian or bike accident, our Florida pedestrian accident lawyers and bicycle accident lawyers can help.
We know that this is a difficult time, and we will do everything in our power to accommodate you and your loved ones. Before anything else, we'll bring you peace of mind by taking care of communications and dealing with the legal engagement on your behalf. Then we will win you the settlement you are entitled to.
St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas
5858 Central Ave, Suite A
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 381-2300
www.727injury.com
Riverview Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas
12953 U.S. 301 Suite 102a
Riverview, FL 33578
(813) 639-8111
www.727injury.com