There are dozens of trails for Coral Springs bicycle enthusiasts to enjoy, including along Quiet Waters and Markham parks. But many cyclists share the road with motor vehicles. And when they do, risk a bike crash. Bicycle accidents result in serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. When you face these challenges, hire a dedicated and experienced team of Coral Springs bicycle accident lawyers.
At Kaiser Romanello, P.A., we understand the challenges and complexities that follow a bicycle accident, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process with confidence and compassion. Our legal team is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation and to hear your legal options.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Kaiser Romanello, P.A., for Your Bicycle Accident Claim?
- Florida Bicycle Accident Laws
- Do I have a Bicycle Accident Case?
- Who Can You Hold Responsible for Your Bike Accident Injuries?
- Who Pays for the Bike Accident Injuries?
- How Can a Lawyer Help with My Bicycle Accident Claim?
- Contact a Coral Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Kaiser Romanello, P.A., Today
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello, P.A., for Your Bicycle Accident Claim?
The personal injury lawyers at Kaiser Romanello, P.A., are dedicated to helping Coral Springs accident victims and their families seek justice and recover compensation for their injuries.
We have years of experience and a proven track record of success, having secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We are passionate advocates for helping accident victims and are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation, and let us explain how we can assist with your bicycle accident claim.
Florida Bicycle Accident Laws
other road users. Bicyclists are considered vehicles under Florida law and have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. So, they must follow traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, and yielding to pedestrians on crosswalks and sidewalks.
Here is a summary of some of the key bicycle laws in Florida:
Equipment:
- Every bicycle needs working brakes
- When riding after sunset and before sunrise, bicycles need a white headlight and a red reflector and lamp.
- Bicyclists under 16 years old must wear a helmet.
Riding on the road:
- Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic and as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as practicable.
- They may ride two abreast, but only if they can do so safely and without impeding traffic.
- Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and red lights.
Riding on sidewalks:
- Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians when riding on a sidewalk and give an audible signal before overtaking a pedestrian.
- Cyclists should ride at a reasonable speed on sidewalks.
Other notable laws:
- Bicyclists may not carry more persons at one time than the number for which the bicycle is designed or equipped.
- Bicycle riders may not wear a headset, headphones, or other listening devices other than a hearing aid while riding.
- Cyclists may not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bicycle Rules for Motor Vehicle Drivers
- Occupants of motor vehicles may not open or leave open any door on the vehicle in moving traffic for longer than necessary to load or unload passengers without first checking that it is reasonably safe to do so and isn’t interfering with the movement of traffic.
- Motor vehicle drivers must allow at least three feet clearance when overtaking a cyclist.
Do I have a Bicycle Accident Case?
Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles are considered personal injury cases and are typically based on negligence.
To establish negligence in a pedestrian accident case, plaintiffs must prove:
- Duty of Care: The first element demonstrates that the defendant (the person responsible for the accident) owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (the injured pedestrian). In pedestrian accident cases, all individuals, including drivers of vehicles, owe a duty of care to exercise reasonable caution and follow traffic laws to avoid causing harm to pedestrians.
- Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must show that the defendant breached their duty of care. This means that the defendant failed to act reasonably or violated a specific duty, such as failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian at a crosswalk or driving recklessly in a residential area where pedestrians are likely to be present.
- Causation: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s breach of duty caused the pedestrian accident. In other words, the accident would not have occurred if the defendant had not acted negligently.
- Damages: Lastly, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered actual damages due to the pedestrian accident. Damages can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, property damage, and other losses directly related to the accident.
Who Can You Hold Responsible for Your Bike Accident Injuries?
In a bicycle accident, various parties can share liability for the accident and resulting injuries. In some cases, you may seek compensation from more than one party. Here are some common parties you may hold liable in a bicycle accident:
Motor Vehicle Drivers
Motor vehicle drivers are often the primary parties liable for bicycle accidents, especially when they are in collisions with cyclists. Drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care and follow traffic laws to ensure the safety of all road users, including cyclists. Common driver-related factors that may lead to liability include speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, running red lights or stop signs, and drunk driving.
Property Owners
Property owners, such as businesses or municipalities, may be held liable if a hazardous condition on their property contributes to a bicycle accident. For example, if a poorly maintained sidewalk or road defect causes a cyclist to crash, the property owner may be responsible for the resulting injuries.
Manufacturers
If a defect in the bicycle itself or its components contributed to the accident, you can hold the manufacturer or distributor of the bicycle or its parts liable. This includes cases of faulty brakes, defective frames, or other product-related issues.
Government Entities
Government entities responsible for road maintenance and safety may be held liable if the accident is a result of dangerous road conditions or inadequate signage. However, legal immunities often protect government entities, so you need an experienced lawyer to pursue claims against them.
Pedestrians or Other Cyclists
In some situations, liability may also involve other cyclists or pedestrians. For example, if a pedestrian suddenly steps into a bike lane without looking, causing a cyclist to crash, you can hold the pedestrian liable for the accident.
Who Pays for the Bike Accident Injuries?
If a negligent motorist injured you while riding your bicycle, you shouldn’t pay for your accident-related medical bills and lost earnings while recovering. But what insurance covers your damages?
Your Health Insurance
Your first option may be your health insurance. However, your provider may not cover all your expenses and you’ll likely be stuck with a significant deductible. So, your next option is your car insurance policy.
Your PIP Car Insurance
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that each party involved in a motor vehicle accident, including cyclists, must carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP insurance typically covers a portion of the injured party’s medical expenses and lost wages, up to the policy limit, regardless of fault.
This means that if you are a cyclist injured in a collision with a motor vehicle, you can typically turn to your own PIP insurance for coverage of your initial medical expenses and wage losses. Unfortunately, your PIP coverage only pays 80 percent of your crash-related medical bills up to your policy limits. If you have the minimum coverage, that’s only $10,000, which doesn’t cover much if you’ve been seriously injured. So, you may need to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If your injuries are significant, likely, your policy won’t fully cover your medical bills and lost wages. In that case, you may file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the driver caused the accident, it’s only fair that they pay for your injuries. If your injuries are significant and meet certain criteria, you may also seek additional damages, such as for pain and suffering.
Your UM/UIM Insurance
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or not enough to cover all your accident-related medical bills and lost wages, you may turn to your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, provided you purchased it. UM/UIM insurance provides compensation when the at-fault party lacks insurance or carries inadequate coverage.
Third-Party Insurance Companies
In some circumstances, you can bring a third-party claim against other parties who may have played a role in the accident. For example, if a property owner or a construction company’s negligence contributed to the accident, their liability insurance may come into play to compensate for your injuries.
Navigating insurance claims and seeking compensation for bike accident injuries can be complex, especially when multiple parties and insurance policies are involved. Our bicycle accident lawyers are experienced in handling bicycle accident cases in Florida. We can explain your rights, determine liability, and pursue the appropriate avenues for compensation on your behalf.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Bicycle Accident Claim?
A lawyer can be instrumental in helping you with your bicycle accident claim in several ways. Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, medical expenses, property damage, and emotional distress, so legal representation can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Here’s how a lawyer from Kaiser Romanello, P.A. can assist you:
Legal Knowledge
Bicycle accident cases involve complex legal issues, including liability determination, insurance coverage, and applicable traffic laws. Our experienced lawyers understand the nuances of these laws and can apply them to your case effectively.
Investigation
Our bicycle accident attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to gather evidence. This may involve interviewing witnesses, obtaining accident reports, analyzing photographs, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault.
Documentation and Evidence Preservation
Your lawyer will help you gather and preserve essential evidence, such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, ensuring that nothing is lost or overlooked.
Determining Liability
Your attorney will work to establish liability by proving that the other party’s negligence or wrongful actions caused your bicycle accident. This could involve showing that a driver failed to yield, ran a red light, was distracted, or violated traffic laws.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who can engage with insurance adjusters on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. They will know how to handle tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.
Calculating Damages
Our lawyers can help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future costs related to your injuries. They will use this information to determine the appropriate amount of compensation you should seek.
Legal Filing and Court Representation
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. They will handle all legal paperwork and proceedings, including trial if necessary.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement can be beneficial as it doesn’t require upfront fees, making legal representation more accessible to accident victims.
Maximizing Compensation
Your experienced attorney will work diligently to maximize the compensation you receive. They can leverage their knowledge of personal injury law and negotiation skills to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Peace of Mind
Having a lawyer by your side throughout the claims process can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.
Contact a Coral Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Kaiser Romanello, P.A., Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, don’t wait another moment to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. The experienced Coral Springs bicycle accident lawyers from Kaiser Romanello, P.A., are ready to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you on the path to recovery.
Contact us today at (844) 877-8679 or through our online form for your free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Remember, time is of the essence, and evidence can fade over time, so the sooner you reach out to personal injury attorney in Coral Springs the stronger your case.
