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Bicycle Accidents

Millions Recovered

Since 1990

Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Boca Raton, FL

There are so many reasons to ride a bicycle in Florida: the warm climate, flat terrain, the vistas. That’s not to mention that riding a bicycle is fun, convenient, and relatively cheap. Bikes provide a sense of individuality, a low environmental impact, and a healthy way of exercising. But choosing to use this mode of transportation also presents many safety concerns. In fact, Florida has the highest rate of bicycling deaths in the United States at more than double the national average. 

Cars, buses, and trucks who are careless, distracted, or negligent could cause a bicyclist to sustain life-altering injuries if they fail to share the road. A bicyclist is especially at risk when you consider that they’re not protected by the same robust metal cages that shelter drivers and passengers on the road. Nevertheless, bicyclists still mostly have the same rights on the road as other motor vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, partner with an expert Boca Raton personal injury lawyer who can fight for your legal rights.

Understanding Pure Comparative Fault in Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Cases

In Florida, courts apply the doctrine of pure comparative fault when determining liability.  Fortunately for plaintiffs, pure comparative fault allows those who suffer harm in accidents caused by others to recover damages even when they’re partially responsible for their own injuries. In other words, even if the jury finds that you’re 99 percent at fault for the accident, you would still be able to recover one percent of your damages from the other party.

If you’ve been in any type of bicycle accident in Florida, you should speak with an attorney to discuss your potential liability and what you can do to maximize your recovery. When it comes to bicycle accidents, traffic camera footage, car computer data, phone records, and eyewitness statements tend to be the most supportive evidence. Your attorney may be able to help you minimize the amount of fault you absorb for the accident, thereby increasing your overall recovery.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Boca Raton

Bicyclists are much more likely than other drivers on the road to suffer a wide range of serious injuries after an accident because of their lack of protection. Some of the most common injuries after a bicycle accident include: 

  • Broken bones
  • Concussions
  • Burns and road rash
  • Chest injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Amputation
  • Paralysis
  • Wrongful death

Bicycle accidents occur at such a high rate in Florida and across the rest of the country for a variety of reasons. As more bicyclists are hitting the road, fewer are taking the time to become familiar with their legal obligations as a rider. Bicyclists who don’t understand Florida bicycle laws and customs are more likely to impede traffic and cause an accident. 

Likewise, when other drivers speed, refuse to yield, or fail to leave an appropriate cushion between a vehicle and bike, bicycle crashes are common. Many Florida roads aren’t designed for bicycle transit and can thus be a dangerous place for cyclists.

How to Stay Safe While Biking in Boca Raton

As bicycles have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Florida, the state has tried to add safer bike lanes and put forth legislation with the goal of improving safety for bicyclists. Unfortunately, however, many motorists still don’t know how to share the road. Drivers who are careless, distracted, or negligent could cause devastating—even fatal—injuries to cyclists. This isn’t a surprise, considering that bicycles must compete with cars and large trucks, often in congested traffic on roads where there aren’t any designated bike paths.

Here are just a few steps that you can take to ensure you and your family members ride safely:

  • Always wear a helmet
  • Add a headlight and taillights to your bike and wear bright reflective clothing, if possible
  • Understand and utilize hand turn signals and use a bell or call out to warn pedestrians as you approach
  • Ride with traffic, not against it, and make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you
  • Don’t hug the curb on narrow roads in order to prevent riding into an opening car door
  • Understand the rules of the road that are applicable in your area and follow them

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident because of someone else’s negligence—especially if you’ve followed all relevant Florida biking rules and regulations—contact a Boca Raton personal injury attorney who may be able to help you recover the compensation you need.

Expert Florida Bicycle Injury Lawyers at Baker Legal Team

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident and need help putting together a case against the at-fault party, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Baker Legal Team. Robert B. Baker is a trusted trial attorney with more than 30 years of experience helping injured bicycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Robert will help fight for your rights, no matter the case. 

We understand that recovering from a bicycle injury can be a challenging and emotional experience. As a board-certified personal injury lawyer with experience handling complex claims and tricky insurance companies, Robert has represented South Florida residents for more than three decades. He’s dedicated to helping you recover the damages you deserve. Give us a call at (561) 320-0000 or complete our contact form today!

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