Question: My son rides his bike everywhere. Of course I have concerns if he was ever in a bicycle accident in South Florida. Is a bicycle accident treated the same as an auto accident? How does my insurance come into play?
Answer: Under Florida law, a bicycle is defined as a vehicle and therefore bicyclists must obey the rules of the road. A bicyclist must obey and observe signs, signals and other traffic laws. For example, a bicyclist must yield for other traffic and pedestrians and have a headlight and tail light that is in operating condition that can be seen in the dark.
If a bicycle accident in South Florida or any other area happens, and it is found that he or she did not follow or observe the traffic laws, it could make a significant difference in the outcome of a personal injury claim.
Some of the leading causes of bicycle accidents include being blindsided, reckless driving of a motorist, a car door swinging open, potholes in the road, defects in the sidewalks, and debris on the streets and roads.
If a South Florida bicycle accident is caused by a motorist there is recourse that can be taken. There does not necessarily have to be any contact between the bicyclist and the vehicle in order for the driver of the vehicle to be liable for a bicycle injury accident. For example, if the driver of a vehicle causes a bicyclist to be injured by forcing the bicyclist off the road due to negligence on the part of the driver and the bicyclist crashes into something and is injured, the motorist can be held liable.
If your bicycle accident involved a vehicle and you currently own an automobile, then the Personal Injury Protection benefits you have would apply.
If you have had serious injuries, or if the accident resulted in permanent damage, it is important to contact a South Florida personal injury lawyer who specializes in bicycle cases. An experienced bicycle attorney in South Florida may be able to help by investigating your case and seeking compensation that is owed to you. Hiring an attorney is a personal decision you must make if you are considering filing a claim.
Please contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld for a FREE consultation regarding a South Florida bicycle accident to help you in dealing with the insurance company.
Call today at: (561) 960-5515(561) 960-5515.
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