Located on Florida’s southeastern coast, Fort Lauderdale boasts long stretches of beaches, sidewalks and trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, and pleasantly warm weather. It invites outdoor activities year-round.
Unfortunately, Broward County’s popularity also means heavy traffic. Bicyclists often find that motorists are not adept at sharing the road safely, leading to accidents, injuries, and even wrongful death because of a bicycle accident.
If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a bicycle accident, you may have a personal injury claim.
The Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyers at Kaiser Romanello are skilled at handling bicycle accident claims and understand the unique challenges and legal intricacies involved in such cases. We have a history of successfully representing clients in bicycle accident claims, securing fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Our track record speaks to our commitment to achieving positive outcomes for our clients.
Call us today at (844) 877-8679.
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello for Your Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Claim?
Selecting the right law firm will give you peace of mind as you recover from injuries or deal with the death of a loved one because of a bicycle accident. The Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyers at Kaiser Romanello understand the physical and emotional toll that a bicycle accident can have on your life. Our compassionate legal team will support you every step of the way, providing guidance and assistance during this challenging time.
We believe in clear and transparent communication. We will keep you informed about the progress of your case, explain legal matters in plain language, and answer any questions you may have. Your case is unique, and we treat it as such. We will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor our legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for your bicycle accident claim.
Our Fort Lauderdale office serves clients throughout South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. We are familiar with the local laws, courts, and procedures. This local knowledge can be a significant advantage for your case. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.
Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Statistics
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), on its Florida Crash Dashboard, reports there were 276,492 traffic crashes in the state as of September 2023, accounting for 2,331 deaths and 176,029 injuries. Broward County reported 28,249 traffic crashes with 135 fatalities and 17,264 injuries.
There were 5,714 total reported bicycle crashes in Florida as of September 2023, with 151 bicycle fatalities. In Broward County, there were 506 bicycle crashes with 7 reported bicyclist deaths.
FLHSMV also reported 6,399 bicycle crashes statewide in one recent year, 53 of them fatal. Preliminary data for last year showed 79 fatal bicycle crashes across the state, with 3,102 total bicycle crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that from 2012-2021 cyclist fatalities accounted for 5 percent of the total 29,945 traffic deaths in Florida. In 2021 alone, there were 197 pedacyclist fatalities in Florida out of a total of 3,738 traffic fatalities, accounting for 5.3 percent of the total fatalities. Florida had a 12.7 percent increase in overall fatalities on the road in 2021, according to NHTSA.
NHTSA reported that in 2021, 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 in 2021, followed by 38 from pickup trucks and 32 from SUVs. They report 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.
Where Do Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accidents Occur?
Motorists should always be vigilant and share the road safely with cyclists to help prevent accidents. If only this were an ideal world. In reality, bicycle accidents occur regularly in Fort Lauderdale, often resulting in serious injuries and sometimes death. Common locations in Broward County where bicycle crashes occur include:
Roadways: Bicycle accidents often occur on city streets and roads. These accidents may involve collisions with motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses. Motorists should be cautious around cyclists, provide safe passing distances, and avoid distracted or impaired driving. Infrastructure improvements, such as dedicated bike lanes and cyclist-friendly road design, can help enhance safety for all road users.
Intersections: Intersections are points where multiple paths intersect. Confusion or misjudgment by either cyclists or motorists regarding who has the right of way can lead to accidents when vehicles and bicycle riders cross paths.
Bike Lanes and Paths: Fort Lauderdale has designated bike lanes and paths, but accidents can still happen here, especially if they are poorly maintained or not clearly marked.
Municipalities and organizations responsible for maintaining bike lanes and paths should ensure regular upkeep, clear signage, and proper design to enhance safety. Additionally, public education and awareness campaigns can help both cyclists and pedestrians understand and respect each other’s rights and responsibilities in these shared spaces.
Parking Lots: Accidents can happen in parking lots, where cyclists may cross paths with vehicles entering or exiting parking areas. Motorists should drive at safe speeds, avoid distractions, and be aware of their surroundings.
Proper use of mirrors and checking blind spots when backing up are essential to prevent accidents. Parking lot owners and operators can also contribute to safety by maintaining clear signage, proper lighting, and well-marked crosswalks.
Tourist Areas: Fort Lauderdale is a popular tourist destination, and bicycle accidents can occur in areas frequented by tourists, such as along the beachfront or in downtown areas. Tourists should be educated about local traffic rules and the importance of being aware of cyclists on the road.
Local authorities can enhance safety by implementing dedicated bike lanes or paths in tourist-heavy areas, improving signage, and conducting public awareness campaigns aimed at both tourists and locals to promote safe interactions among all road users.
Large tour buses and trolleys often operate in tourist areas, and their frequent stops and turns can create challenges for cyclists sharing the road. Also, double-parked cars in tourist areas or vehicles stopping abruptly to let passengers out can create hazards for cyclists trying to pass safely.
Construction Zones: Construction zones can present hazards for cyclists due to altered traffic patterns and road conditions. Construction zone operators and contractors should prioritize safety by providing clear signage, maintaining safe road surfaces, and ensuring that cyclists have a clear path through the construction area. They should also communicate any changes in traffic patterns to cyclists and motorists in advance.
Residential Areas: Bicycle accidents can also occur in residential neighborhoods, particularly when children are riding bicycles on local streets. Narrow residential streets may not provide sufficient space for cyclists and motor vehicles to safely share the road, increasing the potential for collisions. Sudden and unpredictable movements by children can lead to accidents if drivers are not alert.
Types of Bicycle Collisions
Most of the locations where bicycle accidents occur have common factors that lead to a crash. Typical types of collisions include:
- Right-Hook Collisions: This occurs when a motor vehicle, typically making a right turn at an intersection or driveway, fails to notice a cyclist traveling in the same direction on the right side of the road. The vehicle turns across the cyclist’s path, leading to a collision.
- Left-Turn Collisions: In this scenario, a motorist making a left turn at an intersection or driveway may not see an oncoming cyclist, leading to a collision when the cyclist continues straight through the intersection.
- Dooring Incidents: Doorings happen when a driver or passenger in a parked vehicle opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision.
- Rear-End Collisions: A cyclist stopped at an intersection or slowed down in traffic can be vulnerable to a motorist who doesn’t notice them and rear-ends the bicycle.
- Intersection Crashes: Confusion at intersections, failure to yield the right of way, or running red lights or stop signs can lead to accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles.
- Unsafe Overtaking: Motorists passing cyclists without providing a safe distance (often referred to as “buzzing”) can result in collisions if the vehicle gets too close or cuts off the cyclist.
- Impaired or Distracted Driving: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or distracted by activities like texting are more likely to fail to notice cyclists on the road.
- Poor Road Conditions: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can contribute to bicycle accidents.
- Speeding: Motorists driving at excessive speeds have less time to react to cyclists or may misjudge the cyclist’s speed, leading to accidents.
- Inadequate Visibility: Low light conditions, such as at dawn, dusk, or night, can reduce visibility for both cyclists and drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle riders may be injured severely in the event of a collision. A cyclist has little protection beyond a helmet, and tangling with a heavy passenger car, SUV, truck, or commercial vehicle can have deadly consequences.
Minor scrapes, cuts, and road rash are common injuries when a cyclist falls or is thrown from their bicycle during an accident. These injuries may require cleaning and dressing but are usually not severe, but they should not be discounted. An injured bicyclist should always seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Sometimes the severity of an injury does not immediately appear.
Internal injuries to organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys can happen in high-impact accidents. These injuries may not immediately present symptoms and can kill a bicyclist without prompt treatment.
Cyclists may experience bruises or contusions from impacts with vehicles, objects, or the ground. Head injuries are a significant concern in bicycle accidents. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Treat any head injury as potentially serious.
Sprains, strains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons can occur in bicycle accidents, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions or retinal detachments, can occur from debris or impact during a bicycle accident.
Broken bones can occur in bicycle accidents, with fractures often involving the arms, wrists, collarbones, or legs. More severe accidents can result in multiple fractures or broken ribs. Facial injuries, including fractures of the jaw or facial bones, lacerations, and dental injuries, can also result from impacts with vehicles or the road.
Severe accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially causing paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site. These injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s mobility and daily life.
Beyond physical injuries, many individuals involved in bicycle accidents may experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety related to the accident.
After a bicycle accident, seek prompt medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, as some injuries may have delayed or hidden symptoms. Seeing a doctor also will create an official medical record connecting your injuries to the accident, which you need to pursue a personal injury claim.
A bicycle accident attorney can work on your behalf to pursue compensation for injuries and damages in cases where another party’s negligence contributed to the accident.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Bicycle Accident?
A lawyer can protect your rights, pursue fair compensation, and ensure that you receive the support and guidance you need after a bicycle accident. A skilled attorney can work to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can provide you peace of mind. Your lawyer will know the process for collecting information about the accident and determining liability to prove your claim.
Things your lawyer can handle include:
- Investigation: Lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, photographs, and medical records to establish liability.
- Identifying Liability: Determining who is liable for the accident is crucial. A lawyer can assess the circumstances and identify responsible parties, which could include motorists, pedestrians, property owners, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance.
- Calculating Damages: Lawyers can help you calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and future expenses related to your injuries.
- Negotiation: Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can engage with insurance companies and the responsible parties to seek a fair settlement on your behalf. They can negotiate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Legal Advocacy: If negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory settlement, lawyers can handle all aspects of filing a lawsuit. This includes preparing legal documents, adhering to filing deadlines, and representing you in court proceedings. They will build a strong case, present evidence, and advocate for your rights during litigation.
- Mediation and Settlement: In some cases, mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods may be appropriate. A lawyer can represent your interests in these proceedings to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.
Lawyers have experience dealing with various types of bicycle accident cases, including those involving complex liability issues or catastrophic injuries. Their knowledge can build a strong case. Having a lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during a stressful time. You can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Fort Lauderdale?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury or wrongful death claim is typically two years. If you don’t file your claim within the required timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Your lawyer will advise you about the statute of limitations as it applies to your claim.
How Much Does a Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Attorney Cost?
Kaiser Romanello works with clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees depend on the successful outcome of the case. There are no upfront costs to you. The attorney only gets paid if we obtain a favorable settlement or win the case in court.
Contingency fee arrangements level the playing field, making it possible for individuals to obtain fair compensation from a big insurance company and its team of lawyers. They also align the attorney’s interests with the client’s by incentivizing the attorney to secure the best possible outcome, tying their fee to the success of the case.
Contact Kaiser Romanello Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury after a bicycle accident, or if someone tragically died as a result of this type of accident, contact the experienced team of Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at Kaiser Romanello today. We have 20 years of experience and know what to look for in establishing liability for your bicycle accident claim.
Bicycle accidents may result in catastrophic physical and emotional injuries, medical costs, chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and lost income. They also can result in wrongful death.
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. Our legal team will fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one.
