Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicyclists in Fort Lauderdale deserve safe roads, but accidents still happen all too often. When a collision occurs, the injuries can be severe. Cyclists have little protection against larger vehicles so that crashes can lead to long recovery times and significant financial strain. 

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the crash. You need a skilled and experienced Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer.

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Why Choose Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. for a Fort Lauderdale Bike Wreck

Finding a law firm that understands the unique challenges cyclists face is crucial when seeking legal help after a bicycle accident. At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., personal attention and client care are a priority. 

With deep experience in personal injury law, the team is committed to advocating for clients and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.

• Client-centered approach
  Every case is approached with the client’s specific needs at the forefront. The legal team ensures transparent communication, guiding clients at every stage of the process.
• No upfront costs
  Cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no costs unless compensation is successfully recovered for you.
• Proven results
  The firm has a history of securing substantial settlements for injured clients, allowing them to rebuild their lives and focus on recovery.
• Accessibility
  From free consultations to 24/7 availability, the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., make it easy for clients to get the legal support they need without delay.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Many bicycle accidents result from a driver’s carelessness or negligence. Identifying the cause is critical in holding the responsible party accountable.

Distracted driving

Drivers who use their phones, eat, or engage in other distractions often fail to notice cyclists. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to dangerous collisions.

Failure to yield

Bicycles are often overlooked at intersections. Drivers may turn without checking for cyclists in the bike lane or crossing the street, putting riders at risk. Got Hit by a Car Door. Can We Pursue a Claim Against That Driver? This situation may involve liability on the part of the person who opened the door without checking, especially in busy traffic areas.

Dooring incidents

Parked cars can become hazards if drivers or passengers open doors into the path of an oncoming bicycle. These sudden obstructions give cyclists no time to react, leading to crashes.

Speeding

Drivers traveling over the speed limit need more time to stop or avoid a cyclist in their path. The force of high-speed crashes also increases the severity of injuries.

Unsafe road conditions

Potholes, debris, poor lighting, and inadequate bike lane markings can create hazardous cyclist conditions. Municipalities or entities responsible for maintaining the roads may share liability when they fail to address these dangers.

Florida Laws Protecting Cyclists

Florida law provides several protections for bicyclists to promote safety and accountability on the road. Drivers and cyclists alike must follow these rules to prevent accidents and reduce injuries.

Bicycles defined as vehicles

Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles, granting cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Cyclists must ride with traffic, obey traffic signs and signals, and use lights at night.

Three-foot rule

Drivers must give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. This safe passing law is meant to reduce accidents caused by close encounters on the road.

Dedicated bike lanes

Bike lanes are intended to provide safe, separated spaces for cyclists. When using a designated bike lane, riders still have the right of way, and other vehicles must not block these paths.

Consequences for violations

Drivers who fail to comply with these laws may face fines, penalties, or increased liability if their actions cause a crash. Cyclists injured in such incidents can use these violations to support their legal claims.

Steps to Take in the Days and Weeks After a Bicycle Accident

Recovering from a bicycle accident doesn’t end after leaving the accident scene. The following days and weeks are critical in protecting your health, finances, and rights. Acting carefully during this time can affect how your case is handled and the compensation you might receive. What compensation can I receive? You may be eligible for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage depending on the details of your case.

Follow up on medical care

Doctors’ visits don’t always end after the initial emergency treatment. Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your injuries and ensure your healing properly. 

Document ongoing symptoms

Keep a journal of how your injuries affect your daily life. Write down pain levels, physical limitations, and any emotional challenges you experience. This log provides clear details about how the accident disrupted your routine and can support claims for pain and suffering.

Track all expenses

Start organizing receipts, bills, and pay stubs as soon as possible. Medical expenses, therapy costs, lost income, and even appointment transportation can all be connected to the accident. Combine these records into a file that tracks exactly how much the accident has cost you. 

Communicate carefully with insurance companies

Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident. Keep interactions polite but cautious. Provide factual information but avoid guessing details you’re not sure about, such as the exact cause of the accident or the extent of your injuries. 

Stay consistent in medical treatment

If your doctor recommends physical therapy, additional tests, or ongoing treatment, follow through with these instructions. Gaps in care may make it seem like your injuries aren’t as serious as they are. Sticking to the treatment plan also demonstrates your commitment to recovering fully and adds credibility to your case.

Avoid sharing too much

Talking about the accident on social media or in casual conversation can hurt your claim. Posts, comments, or private messages may be taken out of context and used to minimize your injuries’ severity or suggest you exaggerate. Keep details about your accident, medical recovery, and legal case private.

Watch deadlines

Personal injury cases have deadlines. Certain factors can affect this timeframe. Missing important deadlines could mean losing the right to seek compensation.

Taking these steps in the days and weeks after a bicycle accident protects your health and strengthens your claim. Careful attention to these details ensures you build a strong foundation for pursuing justice and fair compensation.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A knowledgeable attorney can play a pivotal role in obtaining justice and financial relief after a bicycle accident. From handling insurance companies to filing legal claims, lawyers offer crucial support.

Investigating the accident

Lawyers gather evidence to build a strong case. This includes analyzing police reports, collecting witness statements, and consulting crash reconstruction specialists if needed.

Determining liability

Identifying the responsible party is key to pursuing compensation. In cases involving defective bike parts, liability may rest with the driver, a municipality, or even a product manufacturer.

Negotiating with insurance companies

Insurance companies often downplay claims to reduce their payouts. Your attorney can push back, presenting evidence of damages and ensuring you receive the settlement you deserve. Can I obtain damages from after a bicycle accident? Yes, if another party’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Filing a lawsuit

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer can file a lawsuit. This process can help secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Advocating for long-term needs

Severe injuries can have lifelong consequences. Lawyers will consider future medical needs, rehabilitation, and other long-term costs to ensure you are fully compensated.

Types of Compensation Available

Depending on the extent of their injuries and losses, victims of bicycle accidents may be eligible for several types of compensation.

Medical expenses

This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and long-term medical care related to the accident.

Lost wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost income for the time spent recovering. Serious injuries may also entitle you to compensation for diminished earning capacity.

Property damage

The cost to repair or replace your damaged bicycle and other personal property, such as clothing or equipment, may be covered.

Pain and suffering

Accidents cause more than just financial losses. Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages may be part of your claim.

Wrongful death

Families who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Protecting your rights

Florida’s comparative negligence rule can affect how damages are awarded in accident cases. If the injured cyclist is found partially at fault, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. I was partially at fault for the bicycle accident, but that does not bar me from recovering damages. An experienced attorney can help minimise the fault attributed to you and maximise your compensation.

A dedicated attorney can help minimize these adjustments by building a solid case on your behalf.

Bicycle Accidents Involving Ride-Share Vehicles

Sharing the road with ride-share vehicles presents unique risks for cyclists. The frequent stops, sudden maneuvers, and potential distractions linked to ride-share services can create hazardous conditions for anyone on a bike. 

Addressing these risks is essential for ensuring safety and accountability.

Sudden stops and pick-ups

Ride-share drivers often stop unexpectedly to pick up or drop off passengers. These stops might block the bike lane or force a cyclist to swerve into traffic. This sudden behavior increases the likelihood of collisions, especially if the cyclist is riding too close to the car. 

Drivers who fail to signal their intentions leave cyclists little time to react.

Unpredictable turns

Passengers frequently request rides in areas with high traffic or limited parking. Drivers may turn abruptly into driveways or across bike lanes to quickly reach their intended location. 

These maneuvers are dangerous because they can intersect directly with a cyclist’s path. Confusion at intersections or hesitation can also lead to situations where bicycles are unintentionally struck.

Distractions from apps

Ride-share drivers depend on apps to receive calls, get directions, and adjust settings. Checking the phone repeatedly, even for a moment, takes the driver’s focus off the road. 

A distracted ride-share driver may fail to see a cyclist nearby or misjudge their position. This heightened level of distraction makes these incidents more frequent compared to traditional drivers.

Who is held responsible?

Determining who is responsible in these cases can be complex. A negligent ride-share driver may clearly be at fault, but the company may also bear some responsibility. 

While ride-share companies consider drivers independent contractors, there are cases where company policies or requirements contribute to unsafe driving conditions.

For example, ride-share operators often feel pressured to complete rides quickly to maintain good ratings. This urgency can lead to reckless driving or cutting corners at the expense of safety. A legal claim may involve exploring the driver’s actions and the company’s operating standards to determine liability.

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Bicycle accidents can change your life in an instant, leaving you to deal with injuries, financial strain, and other challenges. You don’t have to face these issues alone. 

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer to discover your legal options and take steps toward recovery. You can seek the justice and compensation you deserve with the right legal guidance. Let’s talk, (954) 677-0155.

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