Cyclists are at significant risk of injury and fatality when riding along the streets of Florida. Compared to cars, cyclists travel at much lower speeds and have much less protection. As a result, when an accident occurs, bike riders are likely to suffer more serious injuries than drivers. Taking extra precautions on the road and taking the right steps after an accident can help keep you protected
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Florida
Across the nation, deaths caused by bike accidents are much higher than they should be. However, Florida is home to more accidents than other states. In fact, in 2015, Florida had more fatalities than any other state, with 150 crashes resulting in death. Florida also had the highest per-capita bicycle accident fatality rate, with about 7.4 deaths per million residents. Experts believe that crashes could be on the rise due to an increase in vehicles on the road. Cyclists are also impacted by impatient and inattentive drivers.
What to Do After an Accident
Prevention is the best medicine, but in some cases, bicycle accidents are unavoidable. If you’re victimized by a crash, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and your health.
- Call the police and report the crash.It does not matter if you feel fine or the crash seems minor. Adrenaline can prevent you from feeling the immediate impact of injuries, and it’s crucial to have a paper trail of the collision. The same is true for bike damage, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
- Write down your account as soon as possible. In the hours and days following the accident, you might forget many key details. As soon as you have a few minutes, jot down everything you remember, including weather conditions, anything said by the other party, and how the crash occurred.
- Contact your vehicle insurance company. Per Florida law, insurance companies must offer no-fault benefits that cover your lost wages or medical bills. T
- Reach out to a reputable law firm. The bills can pile up quickly after a crash. To make sure that the responsible party covers your lost wages, bicycle damages, medical bills, and other costs, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney.
Protecting Your Rights
Anything you say about the accident can be used against you by the other party’s insurance company. Keep comments about the accident off social media, don’t communicate with the other party’s insurance company, and do not go to the media. Let your attorney handle the negotiations. Even giving a simple account of the bicycle accident to the other person’s insurance company might be detrimental to your case. Seemingly innocent statements can be twisted in the other person’s favor.
Get Legal Advice from an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
There’s no substitute for a personal injury lawyer who has handled bicycle accident cases in your area. An attorney can assist you in getting the care you need and navigating through the complexities of the insurance system in Florida. If you or someone you love is involved in a bike crash, get a free case review from the experienced lawyers at Fetterman & Associates by calling 561-845-2510 today.