With its moderate temperatures, sunshine, and beaches, Hollywood, Florida, is an ideal environment for bicyclists. Residents and tourists can move along easily on bike paths and designated trails. Motorists are encouraged to be aware of bike traffic and share the roads responsibly. When a heavy car or truck collides with a bicycle, the results can be catastrophic injuries and even wrongful death. If a bicycle accident injured you or killed someone you love, you may file a personal injury claim with a Hollywood bicycle accident lawyer.
The Hollywood, Florida, bicycle accident lawyers at Kaiser Romanello have over 20 years of combined experience in representing clients in bicycle accident claims. We are committed to achieving positive outcomes for our clients. Our legal team is dedicated to seeking fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Call us today at (844) 877-8679.
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello for Your Hollywood Bicycle Accident Claim?
We serve clients throughout South Florida, including Hollywood. We know the local laws, courts, and procedures. We can put this local knowledge to work on your bicycle accident claim.
The Hollywood, Florida, personal injury lawyers at Kaiser Romanello also understand the physical and emotional toll that a bicycle accident can have on your life. Our compassionate legal team will provide guidance and assistance during this challenging time. We will tailor our legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for your bicycle accident claim based on your specific needs.
There is no cost or obligation to talk to one of our personal injury attorneys. Contact us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
Our Hollywood, Florida, Office Location and Headquarters
Kaiser Romanello P.A. is located at 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard in Broward County, Florida, approximately 23 miles north of Miami and 42 miles south of Palm Beach. You can call us at (844) 877-8679 to meet with one of our personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim.
Hollywood Bicycle Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its most recent report said cyclist fatalities accounted for 5 percent of the total 29,945 traffic deaths in Florida. There were 197 pedal cyclist fatalities in Florida out of a total of 3,738 traffic fatalities, accounting for 5.3 percent of the total fatalities.
NHTSA also reported that bicyclists were most often in traffic crashes involving passenger cars, followed by SUVs and pickup trucks. Crashes with light trucks (vans) and large trucks were the next most common types of vehicles involved in bicycle crashes nationwide.
In Florida, NHTSA reported 73 bicycle fatalities from single-vehicle crashes involving passenger cars, followed by 38 from pickup trucks and 32 from SUVs. The agency reported that 25 percent of fatal bicycle crashes happened at intersections, and the majority of the bicycle accidents with fatalities, 60 percent, occurred when it was dark.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) keeps a record of accident statistics on its Florida Crash Dashboard. The most recent report tallied 276,492 crashes in the state, which accounted for 2,331 deaths and 176,029 injuries. Our area reported 28,249 crashes with 135 fatalities and 17,264 injuries.
Of those numbers, FLHSMV reports 5,714 reported annual bicycle crashes in Florida, with 151 bicycle fatalities. In this area, we saw 506 bicycle crashes with seven reported bicyclist deaths.
Hazardous Locations for Hollywood Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Hollywood, Florida, can occur on various streets and intersections throughout the city.
Some common areas where these accidents may happen include:
- Busy Intersections: Intersections with heavy traffic can be dangerous for cyclists, as drivers may not always notice or yield to them when making turns.
- High-Speed Roads: Roads with high speed limits pose a greater risk to cyclists due to faster-moving vehicles.
- Poorly Maintained Bike Lanes: Bike lanes with potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can be unsafe. Riders should report these issues to local authorities.
- Narrow Shoulders: Roads with narrow or nonexistent shoulders can force cyclists into traffic, increasing their vulnerability to accidents.
- Blind Corners: Sharp or blind corners reduce visibility for both cyclists and drivers, making accidents more likely. Drivers should slow down and exercise caution in these areas.
- Parked Cars: Bicyclists have to look out for car doors suddenly opening when passing parked vehicles, as this can lead to collisions. These are called “dooring” accidents. Motorists should check carefully for approaching bicycle traffic before opening the door, especially in congested areas or locations near parks and trails where cyclists are likely to be riding.
- Construction Zones: Construction areas often have uneven surfaces and unexpected obstacles, making them hazardous for cyclists.
- Bus Stops: Buses may pull in and out unexpectedly, posing a risk to cyclists.
- Pedestrian Crosswalks: Be cautious when crossing paths with pedestrians in crosswalks, especially at busy intersections.
- Railroad Crossings: Gaps between tracks and road surfaces can be dangerous for bicycle tires.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Various types of bicycle accidents can occur, with potential injuries. Each bicycle accident has its unique causes and circumstances, which may affect legal liability and the injuries sustained.
Here are some common types of bicycle accidents:
- Vehicle Collisions: These occur when a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle, collides with a cyclist. They can result from issues like driver inattention, speeding, or failure to yield.
- Rear-End Collisions: Cyclists can be rear-ended by vehicles when both are traveling in the same direction. This can result from a driver failing to stop or yield.
- Left-Turn Accidents: When a motor vehicle makes a left turn and collides with a cyclist traveling in the opposite direction, it’s a left-turn accident. Failure to yield is often the cause.
- Right-Hook Accidents: These happen when a cyclist is traveling straight, and a right-turning vehicle crosses their path, typically at an intersection.
- Sideswipes: A sideswipe occurs when a vehicle passes a cyclist too close, resulting in contact. It can happen during lane changes or overtaking.
- Single-Bike Accidents: Not all bicycle accidents involve other vehicles. A cyclist can lose control due to hazards like potholes, gravel, or slippery road conditions, leading to a single-bike accident.
- Multi-Vehicle Collisions: In some cases, a cyclist can be involved in accidents with multiple vehicles, complicating liability issues.
- T-Bone Collisions: These accidents happen when a vehicle collides with the side of a cyclist, typically at an intersection.
- Roadway Hazards: Cyclists can be injured by roadway hazards like debris, construction zones, or poorly maintained infrastructure.
- Aggressive or Reckless Driving: Some bicycle accidents occur due to aggressive or reckless behavior by drivers, such as tailgating or road rage.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Driver distraction, such as texting or phone use, can lead to accidents involving cyclists.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
Serious bicycle accident injuries can have significant and life-altering consequences.
Some of the most serious bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can be catastrophic, even with a helmet. They may lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Every head injury, even so-called minor head injuries like concussions, should be taken seriously.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting a person’s mobility and daily life.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a bicycle accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which may require surgery.
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones, especially in the limbs, are common in bicycle accidents and may necessitate surgeries and extended rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe contusions, lacerations, and muscle injuries can lead to pain, scarring, and long recovery periods.
- Facial Injuries: Facial trauma can result in disfigurement and may require reconstructive surgery.
- Road Rash: Severe road rash, caused by skidding on the pavement, can lead to extensive skin damage, infections, and scarring.
- Amputations: In some cases, severe injuries may necessitate limb amputations to save a person’s life or improve their quality of life.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional and psychological impact of a serious bicycle accident can be substantial, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, some bicycle accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated and in need of legal support.
These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects. Bicycle accident victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bike crash, even if the injuries seem minor.
Some more serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. Medical tests and observation could catch a hidden injury like a head injury before it becomes critical. Medical records are also an important part of building a personal injury claim.
Sharing the Road Safely with Bicycles in Hollywood, Florida
In Florida, bicycles are legally considered vehicles, which means that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when using the roadways. Vehicle drivers also have certain obligations when interacting with bicycles and bike lanes.
The state has implemented bicycle-friendly laws and regulations to protect the rights and safety of cyclists on the road. Florida has a three-foot law that requires drivers to maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road.
Drivers should not attempt to overtake a bicycle if it could be unsafe due to traffic, road conditions, or other factors. Drivers are encouraged to wait for safe passing opportunities, ensuring they maintain the required three-foot distance when overtaking cyclists.
Many roads in Florida have designated bike lanes or shared lane markings called sharrows, indicating areas where drivers should expect cyclists. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicycles in bike lanes and at intersections.
In areas with multi-use paths, drivers are reminded to yield to pedestrians and cyclists when entering or crossing these paths except when turning lawfully or crossing a bike lane to enter or exit a driveway or parking lot.
Traffic signs and signals often include information regarding the presence of cyclists or specific rules for interacting with them. Drivers must recognize common hand signals used by cyclists to indicate turns or stops.
It’s important for drivers to be patient, courteous, and alert when sharing the road with bicyclists, as well as to yield the right-of-way when required. Understanding and respecting the rights of cyclists contributes to road safety and helps reduce accidents. It is illegal for drivers to harass, taunt, or throw objects at cyclists. Cyclists have the same legal right to use the road as motorists.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Hollywood, Florida, it’s advisable to consult with a local attorney who focuses on bike accident cases. Your lawyer will be familiar with the specific laws and regulations in Florida and will know about any changes or local ordinances that may affect your personal injury claim.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Florida Bicycle Accident?
Our bicycle accident lawyers can relieve you of much of the stress associated with legal and insurance matters, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Knowing that you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side can provide peace of mind during a challenging time. You can trust that your lawyer is working in your best interests.
Local lawyers have a strong understanding of the area, its road conditions, and potential factors that may have contributed to your accident, making them well-suited to represent you effectively. Our local lawyers are familiar with the specific laws and complex procedures in Hollywood, Florida, and can correctly handle your case.
Your attorney can negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. They’ll work to ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If negotiations cannot reach a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They’ll present your case and fight for your rights during the legal process.
Your attorney’s goal is to help you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. They’ll consider all aspects of your case, including past and future damages, to achieve this.
Kaiser Romanello injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless they secure a settlement or judgment in your favor.
By hiring a local personal injury lawyer, you can increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your bicycle accident injuries. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process with professionalism and compassion, helping you on your road to recovery.
Contact Kaiser Romanello Today
Bicycle accidents may result in catastrophic physical and emotional injuries, medical costs, chronic pain, reduced quality of life, lost wages, or even wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury after a bicycle accident, or if someone tragically died in this type of accident, contact the experienced team of Hollywood, Florida, personal injury lawyers at Kaiser Romanello today.
Our legal team will fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one. We know the area and are familiar with the traffic laws and regulations that may affect your claim. Talk to us.
Kaiser Romanello P.A. offers a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our lawyers to evaluate your potential claim. Call us today at (844) 877-8679 to set up a free consultation or fill out the contact form on our website.
