Miami Bicycle Accident Attorney

Even with the best precautions, bicyclists must remain vigilant.  Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and wearing proper safety equipment is the best way to reduce the risk of getting hurt in an accident. While crashes between bicyclists and motor vehicles can lead to various types of injuries, some of the most serious are traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries.

Who could be liable for a bicycle accident?

Determining liability, or who is ultimately responsible, for every accident depends on the facts of the case. Claims involving bicycle accidents are no different. Some considerations will include vehicle speeds, whether there was a failure to yield or follow a traffic signal, road and traffic conditions, and the rules of the road imposed by Florida statutes. In some cases, cities, municipalities, and private entities charged with a legal responsibility to properly maintain safe conditions on roadways can also be held legally responsible for bicycle accidents.

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, it’s difficult to imagine ever forgetting any of the grisly details; however, personal injury claims can be drawn out for quite some time. Your bicycle accident lawyer in Miami may advise you to put off accepting a settlement offer until you have reached maximum medical improvement. As such, your memories of the incident will start to fade over time. Keeping a personal injury journal that explains the accident and how it has affected you will ensure vital details and memories are recorded.

Below are a few examples of what to include in your daily journal:

• Your Exact Recollection of the Accident: As soon as possible after the bike accident, write down exactly how and when it happened. Record every detail you can remember, no matter how insignificant it may seem. For instance, if you saw surveillance cameras in the vicinity, make a note of that. Write down the steps you took after the accident, as well, which might include calling the police or going to the emergency room. Make a note of what the other party did afterward, too. Finally, record any witnesses, as well as whether you spoke to them and their contact information if you managed to get it. Witness statements could be useful when your injury attorney is corroborating your story. All this information will help your bike accident lawyer map out the incident and determine what evidence will be needed to strengthen your case.
• Every Doctor’s Visit: Keep a record of all your doctor’s visits, the instructions your doctor gives you, the treatments you receive, if you go for physiotherapy, and what medications you take. These details will serve as evidence of the medical costs incurred and may also help prove that you are doing everything you can to mitigate damages.
• Symptoms You Experience: Make a note of the symptoms and pain levels you experience daily. Explain how your injuries have affected your everyday life, routines, and limits. You may be able to recover intangible losses as part of your claim, and these details will help prove those damages suffered.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What are some common causes of bicycle accidents?

While there are countless causes of bicycle accidents in Miami, many are caused by Miami’s around-the-clock traffic, aggressive and distracted drivers, or wet roads.  Day and night, Miami’s roads are filled with cars. With the growing number of vehicles packed onto the city’s streets and operated by distracted drivers, it is easy to see why so many bicyclists are injured or killed each year.  For drivers who are not fully focused on the road, cyclists can be easy to miss.

Another reason for the high number of bicycle-related accidents and deaths in Miami is that many drivers do not know the rules of the road that apply to cyclists. This can lead to unexpected driving maneuvers and subsequent crashes.

What kinds of injuries are common in bicycle accidents?

Unfortunately, many bicycle accidents result in catastrophic injury, permanent physical impairment, or death. Safety precautions, such as properly fitted helmets, bright clothes, and reflective lights and gear, are critical for cyclists.

Even with the best precautions, bicyclists must remain vigilant.  Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and wearing proper safety equipment is the best way to reduce the risk of getting hurt in an accident. While crashes between bicyclists and motor vehicles can lead to various types of injuries, some of the most serious are traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries.

Who could be liable for a bicycle accident?

Determining liability, or who is ultimately responsible, for every accident depends on the facts of the case. Claims involving bicycle accidents are no different. Some considerations will include vehicle speeds, whether there was a failure to yield or follow a traffic signal, road and traffic conditions, and the rules of the road imposed by Florida statutes. In some cases, cities, municipalities, and private entities charged with a legal responsibility to properly maintain safe conditions on roadways can also be held legally responsible for bicycle accidents.