Depending on where you live, some areas have designated cycling lanes to minimize the risk of bicycle accident injuries. In other areas, drivers are expected to share the road with cyclists, as if they were another driver.
Orlando Bicycle Accident Lawyer
We'll help you get the compensation you deserveUnfortunately, many drivers do not see it this way and do not drive in a proper manner. This mindset often results in the injury of cyclists, and is subject to legal prosecution.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident as a result of poor driving, Florida Car Accident Lawyer Team can get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
This means those who ride their bicycles must obey all traffic signals/laws, and share the roadway with other motorists the same way they would if they were driving a motor vehicle.
Bicycle laws in Orlando
Just like for motorcycles, Florida has its own laws concerning cyclists. These laws were established to protect cyclists, as well as motor vehicle drivers. In Florida, a bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle, and the cyclist is considered a driver. This means those who ride their bicycles most obey all traffic signals/laws, and share the roadway with other motorists the same way they would if they were driving a motor vehicle.
If in an area with a designated bike lane, cyclists should use the bike lane for their safety. It is also important to note that no cyclist is allowed to operate their bicycle on an interstate highway in the state of Florida. Due to the higher speed limits on interstate highways, a bicycle injury accident would most likely result in serious harm or even death.
What to do if you're injured in a bicycle accident in Orlando
First and foremost, you should seek medical attention if you are injured in a bicycle accident. Your health is priority number one, and more important than any other aspect of the accident. Even if you feel you are not seriously injured, call 911 and have a medical professional clear you. Often times, when a person is involved in a bicycle accident, they don’t even realize the extent of their injuries because of the sheer shock of the accident.
Once you have received the proper medical treatment and have been cleared by a medical professional, the next thing you should do is consult with an expert bicycle accident injury lawyer. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you will most likely be stuck with significant medical bills, as well as footing the bill for your property being damaged.
We get clients the compensation they deserve when they are injured in a bicycle accident. Many of our clients have won their cases due to driver negligence, driver impairment, or other driving infraction. No cyclist should be stuck with hefty medical bills as a result of another person’s negligence, and our firm is dedicated to fighting for your claim.
How do bicycle accidents happen?
Bicycle accidents happen in a variety of different ways. Some accidents are more common than others, and they vary in severity. Here are the most common ways we see bicycle accidents occurring:
Many vehicle drivers get irritated following behind cyclists, and try to illegally pass the cyclist. This can cause serious harm to the cyclist, and is completely avoidable.
In Florida, motor vehicles are allowed to use the bike lane for specific purposes (like turning at an intersection). However, some motorists use this lane as a traffic-free driving lane, and drive recklessly in the lane. This is a significant risk to cyclists who use the bike lane, and often results in injury.
As a bicycle enthusiast, it is your responsibility to obey the laws of traffic. This includes signaling to other people on the road when you intend to turn, and is often overlooked. Not using hand signals causes a significant amount of bicycle accidents in Orlando, and is avoidable if you obey the law.
Common injuries caused by a bicycle accident
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to major. The severity of the injury usually depends on how fast the cyclist is riding, and how fast a motor vehicle is going when it collides with a bicycle. Here are some common injuries we see when a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle:
Hitting the pavement can scrape an individual’s body, though this is usually a relatively minor injury.
When a person’s body is impacted by another hard object, bruising occurs.
When a person is hit at a significant speed, the impact can cause bleeding of your internal organs. This is a very serious injury, and requires surgery as soon as possible.
Usually the result of an individual’s head hitting the pavement, a concussion is one of the most common injuries we see with bicycle accidents. Unfortunately, more severe head trauma can also occur.
Next steps
If you are injured in a bicycle accident as a result of another motorist, Florida Car Accident Lawyer Team provides multiple avenues that you can contact the firm through. To get a free initial consultation for your bicycle accident injury claim, you can call us any time of the day, or use the contact form provided on our website.
Contact us as soon as possible, and give your bicycle accident injury attorney a detailed description of your claim. We will then discuss the best legal options for you, and how we can help you get the compensation you are entitled to!