West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Florida roadways offer daily proof of the popularity of bicycles among adults. Whether used for commuting to work, going shopping, going to the beach, or simply to get out for an enjoyable ride and a little exercise, bicycles offer an economical alternative to cars and other motor vehicles.
Florida law designates bicycles as vehicles, so they must share the roads with cars, trucks, and other motorized vehicles while obeying the same traffic laws. When bicycle accidents occur, the harm done to riders can be devastating. In a single calendar year, 6,263 bicycle riders were injured and another 128 of them were killed in accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., is ready to help by forcing the party responsible for causing the accident to pay compensation for the damages you suffered.
Common causes of West Palm Beach bicycle accidents
If you drive along the roads in West Palm Beach and observe the behavior of the drivers of cars and trucks, you have a pretty good understanding of the risks someone on a bicycle faces. Drivers distracted by texting on their cellphones or looking at their vehicle’s navigation system routinely take their eyes off the road or fail to concentrate on maintaining control over their vehicles – putting bicycle riders at risk of being hit. Other driver behaviors that cause collisions with bicyclists include:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Speeding
- Disobeying stop signs
- Red traffic light violations
- Reckless driving
- Failing to signal turns and lane changes
- Encroaching upon designated bike lanes
- Opening car doors without looking for approaching bicycles
- Driving while abilities to do so are impaired by alcohol or drugs
After a bicycle accident, you need time to recover from your injuries without being bothered by insurance company claims adjusters trying to get you to accept a fraction of what your claim for compensation is really worth. We take care of investigating the accident and take care of the claim while you focus on recovering from the harm that was done to you.
Injuries suffered by bicycle riders and the damages recoverable
You should be evaluated by a physician immediately after a bicycle accident. Do not assume you did not suffer a serious injury based upon how you feel. A concussion or a traumatic brain injury could take hours or days before you realize you were injured, so don’t wait for symptoms to develop before getting a complete physical examination. Other injuries frequently occurring in bicycle accidents may include broken bones, neck and back injuries, cuts and lacerations, and sprains and bruising.
Road rash is another common injury caused when a bicycle rider is dragged or slides along the ground. The contact with the ground or road surface causes a painful skin abrasion that can become infected if not thoroughly cleaned and properly medicated. Cuts, lacerations, and road rash could cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, so we assist with filing a claim with your auto insurance carrier or, if you do not have auto insurance, with the company issuing the no-fault insurance coverage for the vehicle that hit you. Florida no-fault, which is also referred to as personal injury protection coverage, pays a portion of your medical bills, lost earnings, rehabilitation costs, and other expenses you incur for the treatment of your injuries.
Serious, permanent injuries give you the right to sue the negligent or reckless party who caused the accident. Suing the other party allows us to aggressively pursue damages not covered through no-fault, including:
- Lost or reduced future earnings
- Future medical expenses, including those associated with scar revision surgery
- Damage to personal property, including your bicycle
- Pain and suffering, including emotional harm and distress
Florida is a contributory fault state, so even if your conduct contributed to causing the accident, we may still be able to recover damages for you. The law apportions liability and reduces your total compensation by the percentage of your fault in causing the accident or the injuries.
For example, if a jury decides you were 10 percent at fault and the other party was 90 percent at fault, the total compensation will be reduced by 10 percent. Our investigation focuses on identifying the cause of your bicycle accident and gathering the evidence proving fault on the part of the other party while minimizing contributory fault.
Contact An Experienced West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When a bicycle accident leaves you with serious injuries, you need legal advice and guidance you can trust and rely upon. David M. Benenfeld, from the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., has the experience, the knowledge, and the skills to get you the compensation you need and deserve. Find out what a West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyer can do for you by calling 866-943-5766 today, or use the online contact form to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.
