West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Attorney
As vulnerable road users, cyclists are prone to much more serious injury than those traveling in an automobile. As such, extra care should be given to cyclists and greater vigilance should be taken by drivers. The same goes for pedestrians and motorcyclists: drivers know they are more difficult to see due to their size, and drivers know that they are more vulnerable in collisions. However, in most circumstances, automobiles fail to take these known facts into account when driving around cyclists. They often pass too closely, fail to yield the right of way by pulling in front of cyclists, or cut them off with a “right hook” by passing the cyclist on the left and making a right turn onto a different street directly in front of the cyclist. If you or a family member has been injured by a negligent driver while riding your bike, contact an experienced West Palm Beach bicycle attorney to discuss your options. The personal injury attorneys at Pike and Lustig, LLP – Pike & Lustig, LLP have extensive experience with bicycle-injury claims and handling lawsuits on behalf of injured-bicycle riders. Whether run off the road or directly struck by a car or truck, our personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you need and deserve to recover from the damages done to you. Contact our West Palm Beach bicycle accident attorneys today.
Understanding Your Rights as a Cyclist And The Obligation to Yourself to Stay at The Scene and Call The Police
It is not uncommon for a cyclist to feel at fault after getting hit by a car. Some cyclists, and drivers, do not fully understand the rules of the road, and inexperienced cyclists may feel that they were not supposed to be riding where they got hit. In addition to this, a cyclist who has just been hit is in a position of weakness compared to the driver. The driver will of course be in a large, powerful car and completely uninjured, while the cyclist, who possibly already felt ostracized because of loud, fast-moving, and often angry traffic, is likely injured, shaken, and in a state of shock. This state of shock creates an irrational thought process that makes cyclists want to get away from the crash, and fast. Because of this, they might brush themselves off and plead with the driver to let them flee the scene of the crash, even if they were not at fault, injured, and their bike was seriously damaged. However, it is most likely that you, the cyclist, were not at fault in the collision, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data published in Bicycle Retailer, and that the driver should be held responsible for their negligent actions.
Two Primary Examples of Driver-Caused Bike Accidents in West Palm Beach
The right hook that was previously mentioned is one of the primary types of driver-caused bike collisions. In Portland, Oregon, an LED traffic signal warning drivers of their obligation to yield to the cyclists to their right has reduced the number of right hooks by 60 percent, according to an article in Bike Portland. While most streets do not have this type of signage, it is still somewhat possible for a cyclist to avoid a right hook by attempting to attempting to not be to the side of a vehicle during an intersection and by keeping an eye on the car to the left and both hands on the brakes, ready to react quickly if necessary. Additionally, cars pulling out from side roads to make a left or right turn onto the street that the cyclist is travelling on leads to many crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. Cyclists can avoid this by slowing down and watching the car carefully if one is perpendicular to them on a side street.
Palm Beach Bicycle Accidents Caused by Negligent Drivers
Bicyclists are entitled to operate on most public roadways in Florida, and are expected to follow all of Florida’s automobile laws including certain specified rules and regulations. However, most unfortunate crashes involve the negligence of the driver of the vehicle or truck due to his or her failure to keep a proper lookout. These automobile and trucking accidents result in significant injuries, including brain injuries, road rash, scarring, fractures, spine injuries and even wrongful death. It is often necessary to conduct a thorough investigation of the crash in order to determine who is liable and collect the evidence necessary to hold them accountable for their negligence. Sometimes, the driver responsible for causing the accident doesn’t even stop, making the process even more challenging and complex.
Recovery for Bicycle Accident Injures Under Florida PIP Law
Bicyclists may be entitled to certain insurance benefits when involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, including bodily injury benefits under the negligent driver’s policy of insurance maintained on the vehicle or truck involved in the accident. Under Florida Law, bicyclists who are struck by a motor vehicle can use their PIP insurance purchased under their automobile policy of insurance to pay for certain medical treatment; however, it is always smart to hire an experienced attorney to make sure the PIP carrier is paying the appropriate amount of medical bills.
Contact Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyers for Your West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Palm Beach, South Beach or Pompano Beach, protect your rights by contacting the attorneys at Pike and Lustig, LLP-Pike & Lustig, LLP. Your initial consultation is free, and we do not charge a fee unless and until we get a settlement or verdict on your behalf. You can reach our West Palm Beach bicycle accident attorneys directly by calling 561-291-8298, or fill out our online form if you would like us to contact you.
