Bicycle Accidents On Florida Roads

Florida’s year-round sunny weather means that one can see bicyclists on the state’s roads at basically any time of year. There are many positives to bicycling, from exercise to environmentalism, but the risks of being struck by a car or truck are high, and the injuries can be extremely serious if one is unlucky enough to be involved in an accident. If you have sustained injuries in a bicycle accident, and you believe another person was at fault, contacting an attorney can help you clarify your options in terms of compensation.

Accidents Often Caused By Driver Error

Florida has historically registered a high number of bicyclist injuries and fatalities for a variety of reasons, from the weather to the lack of infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians. Data from the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows that in 2022, Florida had the highest number of bicycle accident deaths per 100,000 people in the United States, with roughly one-third happening in Pinellas County.

The data also unfortunately shows that at least in Florida, an overwhelming percentage of those bicyclist fatalities were directly caused by collisions with motor vehicles. It is not uncommon for drivers to simply be unaware of bicyclists while on the road – for example, they may drive in the bicycle lane, or fail to signal while turning in front of them. While obviously, not every bicycle accident can be laid at the foot of an auto driver, many can, and an injured cyclist has the right to seek compensation.

Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

If you have been injured in a crash with a motorist, and you believe that their negligence caused your injuries, you may prevail in court if you can establish three things: (1) that the motorist breached their duty to exercise reasonable care while on the road; (2) their breach of duty was the direct cause of your injuries; and (3) you have tangible injuries. The right attorney can help give you the best possible chance to recover damages.

That said, it is important to keep in mind that under state law, a bicyclist has “all of the rights and all of the duties” of any other road user. If you act in a way that contributes to your own injuries, Florida law may prohibit you from recovering damages if you are ruled more than 50 percent at fault. Every road user must exercise due care toward every other, regardless of differences in size or strength.

Call An Orlando Bicycle Accident Attorney

Riding a bicycle can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be dangerous if an accident occurs. If you have questions or concerns about a bicycle crash, an Orlando bicycle accident attorney from the Hornsby Law Group can help get them managed. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

wfla.com/news/florida/florida-leads-us-for-bicycle-fatalities-data-shows/