Florida Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bicycles are an excellent form of transportation that cuts down on emissions from cars and promotes the physical and mental health of the riders. Riding a bike can be dangerous, however, particularly on busy Florida roadways. Even the most careful and attentive bike riders are at the mercy of the skill and attentiveness of auto drivers on the road. If a driver is behaving unsafely, failing to check a blind spot, or properly using a turn signal before making a sudden maneuver, adjacent bicycle riders are at risk of severe personal injury or worse. Bicycle riders lack the protection of an automobile, meaning that any collision exposes them to a direct impact on the car, the street, and other objects.
The dedicated Florida bicycle accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., have years of experience helping injured bicyclists recover damages for the injuries they suffer at the hands of negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident in Naples, Fort Myers, Orlando, or the surrounding areas, reach out to a seasoned Florida bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to start building your case for recovery now.
Florida Leads the Nation in Bicycle Fatalities
Bike riding on public roadways is dangerous. Bike lanes may be narrow or nonexistent, the traffic rules may be unclear or unknown to the rider at a busy intersection, and inattentive drivers may not notice or think to look out for a bike rider before making a sudden movement. In Florida, the danger is even more severe than in the rest of the country.
Over the last decade, Florida and California have traded off being the most dangerous state in the country for bike riders. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida led the nation in the number of bicyclist deaths in 2017. There were 125 bike riders killed across the state. In 2018, the numbers got worse: there were 6,568 bicycle crashes in Florida, leading to 148 deaths and 6,175 injuries. The preliminary statistics for 2024 look to be similar or worse.
If your loved one is killed in a bicycle accident by a negligent driver, a defective car part, or a negligently designed traffic intersection, you have the right to be compensated for the harm your family has suffered. The Florida bicycle accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. are here to help.
What Do I Do After a Florida Bike Crash?
If you were hurt in a bicycle collision in Florida, the first thing you should do is call 911. If your injuries are serious, you need immediate medical attention. If you do not go straight to an emergency room after the accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. You not only need treatment and diagnosis for your visible injuries; you also need to get checked out for possible latent injuries such as internal bleeding or organ damage that may not be readily apparent.
Moreover, the sooner you get medical care, the stronger your injury claims will be. Seeing a doctor immediately after a crash will prevent an insurance company or defendant from claiming that your injuries were unrelated to the accident. Make sure to keep copies of any documents generated in connection with your crash, including medical records, bills, police reports, and photographs of the scene of the accident. Keep a written log of any pain or discomfort you suffer.
While you do want to file a report with the proper insurance companies, you should first contact a knowledgeable Florida bicycle accident lawyer. Insurance claims adjusters work for the insurance provider, and they are looking for any reason to avoid or minimize a payout. Your bicycle injury attorney will help you make the most persuasive case to the insurance companies and any negligent defendants in order to maximize your claim and avoid being underpaid for your injuries.
Trusted Advice and Representation By Your Florida Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a bicycle accident in Naples, Orlando, Fort Myers, or throughout the state, reach out to a seasoned Florida bicycle accident attorney for help. The competent and compassionate Florida bike accident legal team at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., is ready to hear from you. Call us today at 239-649-8050 for a free consultation and learn whether you may be entitled to compensation after your Florida bicycle crash.
