Bicycle Accident Attorney
In Palm Bay

Year-round sunshine and breathtaking landscapes draw visitors and new residents to Florida yearly. Biking is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of the “Sunshine State.” Although riding a bike can be a practical means of getting around town and exercising, there is a potential dark side to traveling by bike. In 2021, the sunny state led the nation in bicycle accident deaths. Understanding the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Florida can help you remain safe on the roads in Palm Bay, FL.

Key factors in Palm Bay bicycle accidents

Bicycle accidents may seem to happen unexpectedly. However, there is often an element of predictability to specific practices that are more likely to cause an accident. Bicyclists who travel on the road facing the flow of vehicle traffic are five times more likely to be involved in a crash. Approximately 95% of urban and suburban bicycle accidents in Florida involve conflict at an intersection or driveway. Therefore, areas in which there are fewer points at which bicyclists must negotiate turns and crossings with motorists have lower accident rates. Similar to automobile accidents, bicycle accidents happen more frequently when the bicyclist travels at faster speeds. Bike riders who utilize sidewalks and sidepaths tend to travel slower than their counterparts who ride directly on the road. Traveling at a slower speed allows the bicycle rider more room to safely stop and avoid collisions with errant motorists.

Common bicycle accident injuries

Motorist-involved bicycle accidents have the potential to cause very serious injuries. The severity of injury typically depends on the nature of the accident. Common injuries include:

• skin abrasions
• broken bones
• neck and back injuries
• brain injury
• death

Minor injuries caused by bicycle accidents

Accidents that occur at low speeds are less likely to result in serious injury. A bike rider who wears protective gear may also minimize the risk of becoming severely injured. Following a minor accident, the bicyclist may have skin scrapes or cuts. The impact of falling onto the ground may cause general soreness, bruising, or minor broken bones. These injuries may not seem to warrant much more than short-term medical treatment. However, even in minor accidents, the injured bicyclist should always receive medical attention immediately after the incident occurs. Serious injuries can sometimes display minor symptoms that progress over time. Having a medical professional rule out serious injury early may mitigate further complications, including internal bleeding, concussion, and other conditions that may not otherwise be immediately detectible by visual observation.

Major injuries caused by bike wrecks

Due to the difference between the sizes of the vehicles involved, it is not uncommon for motorist-involved bicycle accidents to cause head injuries, spinal cord injuries, complex fractures in bones, internal bleeding, and even death. Head injuries may involve brain damage and cause paralysis, coma, or cognitive impairment. Neck and back injuries may also cause paralysis, nerve damage, or lingering chronic pain. In addition to receiving medical attention, every injured bicyclist should contact a Florida bicycle accident attorney as quickly as possible following an accident.

Bike accidents that cause death

In some unfortunate instances, a bicycle accident may result in the death of the bicyclist. If the accident victim is deceased, certain members of his or her family may contact an accident lawyer on the bicyclist’s behalf. Victims’ families may receive compensation for:

• accident-related medical expenses
• funeral expenses
• loss of consortium
• lost wages

A Florida bicycle accident lawyer can help the victim’s relatives understand their rights to compensation for the untimely loss of their family member. Families should contact an attorney as soon as they become aware of the victim’s injury or resulting death.

Other damages caused by bicycle accidents

Bicycle accidents that cause serious injury typically have an impact that extends beyond basic medical bills. The injured bike rider will most likely require an extended hospital stay. Aftercare and follow-up medical visits may also be necessary. The injured bike rider may be unable to return to work for an extended period. He or she may have movement restrictions, which means he or she would need to learn new ways of doing everyday activities. Oftentimes, the injured party is unable to advocate for him- or herself. A Florida accident attorney can advocate for the injured party to receive compensation to cover all short-term and long-term expenses he or she incurs as a result of the bike accident injury. A lawyer can also determine whether the individual or his or her family may be entitled to compensation due to a resulting change in quality of life or lost income.

Individuals who have minor bicycle accident injuries may require short-term medical care, pain medication, and time away from work to visit doctors and recover. Even in minor accident cases, the injured party may require ongoing physical therapy or medical supplies such as splints, braces, and ergonomic pillows to make everyday tasks easier. Accident lawyers also represent minor accident victims to ensure they receive proper compensation even if their road to recovery is comparatively shorter than the recovery process for more severe injuries. The average person is often unaware of his or her rights under the law in the event of an accident. Therefore, it is always best to call a Florida accident attorney before communicating with the other party’s insurance company.

Contacting a Brevard County accident attorney

When it comes to deciding when to contact an accident lawyer, earlier is always better. Accident attorneys must sufficiently document the plaintiff’s injury. Therefore, your attorney will work with your doctors to be sure you receive thorough examinations and treatments to prove your damages. Not only is it better to have an attorney fighting for your rights from the very beginning, but your attorney will be better positioned to adhere to all deadlines and file your case prior to the state-imposed statute of limitations.

Accident victims and their families have more than enough concerns to occupy their time and energy. Contacting a Florida accident lawyer shifts the weight of the legal process off of the victim’s family and places it onto the legal professional’s capable shoulders. Call us today to receive a free case evaluation.