You know there are risks when you ride a bicycle. Even when you wear a helmet, your body is exposed. There is just no protection from a vehicle impact. Even at slow speeds, you can suffer major injuries. Hopefully, any injury will be minor, but there is also the possibility of severe internal injuries.
If you get struck by a vehicle, you could suffer short or long-term disabilities that require extensive rehabilitation times.
Other Drivers
Other drivers are the main risk for bicyclists. 2016 in Florida saw nearly 7,000 bicycle accidents. Out of those:
- 6,668 were injured
- 140 were killed
In almost all bicycle accidents someone was hurt or killed.
Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or distracted by their phones are much more likely to cause bicycle accidents.
Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists when they should or who are driving too fast are a danger. If they fail to yield to cyclists who have the right-of-way at intersections, they could cause serious injuries, even at lower speeds.
Roadway and Sidewalk Conditions
Another major problem for bicycle riders is poor road and sidewalk conditions. When you ride, you have the expectation of the riding surfaces being safe. Sometimes, though, the road or sidewalk is cracked and broken.
Sometimes tree roots cause a sidewalk to buckle. Sometimes potholes become severe.
No matter the cause of a road or sidewalk problem, they can seriously hurt cyclists if they hit them and crash.
The agencies responsible for maintaining the roadways and sidewalks, whether private or governmental, have a duty to fix any problems or properly warn rides with signs. If they fail to do so, they could be held liable for any injuries riders sustain.
Take Action Now
Don’t wait to hear from the insurance companies before you seek legal assistance. Medical bills and other expenses can pile up quickly after a bike accident. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, the Dante Law Firm will work to get you the compensation you need for medical expenses.
But we won’t stop there.
If you have to miss work, we’ll get money to cover your lost income as well as pain and suffering damages. Our best Opa-Locka bicycle accident lawyers will be by your side from the beginning of your case until the end. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 305-949-2526 for a free consultation.