Key West Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Key West Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle accidents are more likely to end in severe injuries than car crashes because while drivers and their passengers have airbags, seat belts, and all sorts of other protections, bicyclists have nothing to protect them from injury should they be hit by cars. If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike, you should seek out a Key West bicycle accident lawyer immediately.

Trust the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA

The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, is committed to protecting our clients’ rights and helping them seek the personal injury compensation they need and deserve to move on following accidents, including bike accidents. Our team is assertive and knowledgeable, having taken on all sorts of bicycle accident cases in our years in practice. We have ample courtroom experience and can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Your chances of sustaining a severe injury or dying in a bicycle accident are much higher than those of a motorist. In 2023, 1,166 cyclists were killed in the US while riding their bikes, accounting for 2.9 percent of all traffic fatalities. An additional 49,489 American cyclists sustained injuries requiring medical care. Florida leads the nation in bicycle accidents, and an average of 18 people get in a bike crash every day.

Because bicyclists tend to sustain more severe injuries than motorists when they get in accidents, they also wind up with extensive medical bills, lost wages, and other economic damages. You can hire a bicycle accident lawyer to help you recover lost wages, pay hospital bills, and make up for the pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of your injuries.

A Key West bicycle accident attorney can explain the laws and provide representation in negotiations or at court.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

It’s often the case that motor vehicle operators are found to be at fault for accidents involving bicyclists. Unfortunately, bicyclists are at the mercy of motorists and have nothing but plastic helmets to protect them from injury. It’s not always the motorist’s fault, though. Sometimes, bicyclists are also found to be at fault. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failing to ride in designated bike lanes
• Cyclists who ride into oncoming traffic

Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you should speak with a bike accident lawyer about your options for getting compensated for your injuries.

Common Bike Accident Injuries

Bicycle riders are at an increased risk of sustaining serious injuries during crashes. Some of the most common of them include:

• Back injuries. Herniated discs and back sprains are common following accidents. They may require physical therapy or even surgery.
• Traumatic brain injuries. TBIs occur when cyclists sustain severe blows to the head. Many victims of TBIs never regain normal levels of functioning.
• Broken bones. Broken arms, legs, wrists, and ankles are all commonplace injuries that occur during bicycle accidents.
• Lacerations and contusions. Even in a minor crash, you’ll usually walk away with a few cuts and bruises. Thankfully, lacerations and contusions rarely require extensive medical treatment at the Lower Keys Medical Center.
• Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are arguably the most serious type of injury you can sustain in a bicycle crash. They can lead to long-term paralysis.
• Whiplash. Any type of collision can cause whiplash, including a bicycle accident. This injury occurs when your neck gets stretched too far. It can heal quickly and cause no permanent injury in some cases, but in other instances, the damage can be severe and long-lasting.

No matter what type of injury you’ve sustained, it’s worth speaking with a bicycle accident attorney about your options for pursuing compensation. If you’ve suffered as a result of your accident, you deserve to receive remuneration.

FAQs

What Is the Bicycle Law in Florida?

The bicycle law in Florida is that bicycles are considered vehicles, which means they must obey the same traffic laws as all other motorists. Florida also has a helmet law in place for riders under 16, requires the use of lights at night, and has a law in place requiring bicycles to yield to pedestrians on sidewalks. For cars, the rule is that you must leave a three-foot clearance when passing a cyclist.

Do Bicyclists Always Have the Right-of-Way?

Bicyclists do not always have the right of way. They are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists, which include stopping at stop lights and signs and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. Bicyclists who fail to cede the right of way when appropriate are subject to ticketing, just like drivers.

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Cost in Florida?

How much accident attorneys cost in Florida varies based on factors such as the circumstances and complexity of your case and the experience level of your lawyer. Most accident attorneys charge contingency fees, which means you won’t be charged anything unless you win your case. At that point, the lawyer takes a certain percentage of the settlement to cover their legal costs.

What Happens if You Hit a Cyclist in Florida?

If you hit a cyclist in Key West, Florida, you should report the accident to the police and stay at the scene. You may need to help the bicyclist seek medical attention if they have sustained severe injuries. Failing to stop after hitting a bicyclist is considered a hit-and-run, which comes with high penalties. You could face both criminal charges and civil liability.

Your Key West Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bicycle, you need a skilled Key West bicycle lawyer on your side. The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, has been representing victims of car accidents, including bicyclists, for years. Our team has extensive experience representing clients in bicycle accident cases because we’ve seen it all. You can get the help you need to understand bicycle accident laws and how they apply to you. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.

Key West Bicycle Accident Lawyer Review