Florida has a bicycle accident problem. The state’s warm climate makes biking an increasingly popular form of transportation. In fact, since 2016, the number of people in Florida choosing to ride a bike, rather than drive a car, has increased by 15 percent. Unfortunately, Florida’s roads have proven to be incredibly dangerous for bicyclists. According to the CDC, Florida has the highest bicyclist fatality rate in the country.

If you have been injured in a Florida bicycle accident do not hesitate to contact Lavent Law, P.A. for help. Our experienced Florida bicycle accident attorneys will fight to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. The money you recover from a personal injury lawsuit can be instrumental in paying for medical bills, making up for lost wages, and compensating for the emotional trauma of your crash. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.

Bicycle Accidents in Florida

Bicycle accidents are incredibly common throughout the state of Florida. Each year, there are an average of 6,955 crashes, nearly all of which result in rider injury. Approximately two percent of all crashes are fatal. A report by the CDC determined that between 2008 and 2012 the state touted a bike fatality rate of .57 per 100,000 people. No other state in the country had more deaths per capita.

Where are Bicycle Accidents Happening in Florida?

The American League of Bicyclists reports that bike riding has become increasingly popular in many Florida cities, including Gainesville, Miami Beach, Deerfield Beach, St. Petersburg, and Fort Lauderdale

Interestingly, survey statistics show that most bicycle accidents in the state occur most frequently in these areas. Over the past few years, the following counties have registered the highest average number of bicycle accidents in the state:

Broward (810)
Duval (290)
Hillsborough (518)
Lee (225)
Miami-Dade (879)
Orange (490)
Palm Beach (490), and
Pinellas (601).

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicyclists are much more likely than other drivers on the road to die in a traffic accident. Even when accidents are not fatal, bicyclists are at an increased risk of suffering a wide range of serious injuries. At Lavent Law, P.A., our Florida personal injury attorneys have helped bicycle accident victims recover meaningful compensation through personal injury lawsuit for injuries including:

Broken bones
Concussion
Burns and road rash
Chest injury
Degloving injury
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord damage
Amputation
Paralysis
Wrongful death, and more.

Have you been injured in a Florida bike accident? Call Lavent Law, P.A. today for immediate help filing a legal claim for damages. Our Florida bike accident attorneys can help you get the money you deserve after your accident.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Florida

Why does Florida lead the nation in the rate of fatal bike accidents? Why are there so many bicycle-related traffic accidents on Florida’s roads? While bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, some causes are more commonly reported than others.

Inexperienced Riders: While more bicyclists are hitting the road, few take the time to become familiar with their legal obligations as a rider. At the very least, riders must be fully aware of which vehicle has the right of way, how to properly pass through an intersection, and when turns can be safely executed. Bicyclists who do understand Florida bicycle laws and customs are more likely to impede traffic and cause an accident.

Aggressive Drivers: Drivers in Florida have an obligation to share the road with bicyclists. Unfortunately, many drivers do not use appropriate caution when driving alongside bicyclists. Speeding, refusing to yield, and failing to leave an appropriate cushion between a vehicle and bike often result in bicycle crashes.

Road Design: Generally speaking, Florida’s roads are not designed for bicycle transit. Instead, Florida’s roads are built for high-speed motor vehicle traffic. While many cities are making an effort to make roads safer for bicyclists by installing dedicated lanes and safety barriers, the majority of the state is still a dangerous place of cyclists.

Drugs and Alcohol: Drivers and bicyclists can both become dangerous after consuming drugs or alcohol. Driving or riding while impaired increases the chances of a fatal bicycle accident. Drivers under the influence are less likely to see cyclists on the road, and riders under the influence are less likely to maintain their lane.

Why Should I File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?

Approximately 94 percent of all Florida bicycle accidents result in an injury. As a bicyclist, you have very little to protect you from suffering serious bodily harm. As a result, bicyclists often sustain injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Medical bills often pile up in the wake of an accident. Making matters worse, serious injuries often force injured riders to miss time at work. Riders often become overwhelmed as they struggle with a life-changing injury and face mounting financial burdens.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit for damages can be instrumental in your bicycle accident recovery. In Florida, you may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages, including those for:

Medical bills
Rehabilitation
Prescription medication
Property damage
Disability
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disfigurement
Lost wages
Loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

Contact the Florida bicycle accident attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A. to learn more about how we can help you maximize the amount of money you are awarded.

Filing a Timely Bicycle Accident Claim

If another person’s negligence caused your Florida bicycle accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim for damages. However, the state limits the amount of time you have to file this claim. In most cases, the statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims will be four years from the date of your crash. If you don’t file your claim before time expires you will not be able to recover anything, at all.

Certain exceptions may apply to your case that can cause the statute of limitations to change. For example, if you believe that the government is liable for your injuries because they failed to fix a dangerous road condition, you will have less time to file your claim.

You can make sure that you get the money you deserve after your accident by contacting an attorney immediately after your Florida bicycle accident. Call Lavent Law, P.A. today to learn more.

Call Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney Boris Lavent

Have you been injured in a Florida bicycle accident? Has another person’s negligence caused you to suffer an injury? Contact the Florida bicycle accident attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A. for help filing a legal claim for damages.

Insurance companies will want to limit the amount of money you get in a lawsuit. Our attorneys will fight to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more. We will thoroughly review your case, explain your rights as an accident victim, and answer any questions you have.