Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Riding your bicycle throughout Port St. Lucie is one of the best ways to exercise, stay healthy, and help the environment all at once. Despite the benefits, riding a bicycle is incredibly dangerous. There is no protection provided for the rider, even if you are wearing a helmet. If you suffer an injury in a bicycle accident, you need a Port St. Lucie bicycle accident attorney from Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa on your side in the fight for compensation.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen without warning and for many different reasons. The most common types of bicycle accidents include the following:
- A driver makes a left turn in front of an oncoming bicycle
- A driver opens their door without looking for an oncoming bicyclist
- A vehicle backs up into a bicycle
- A vehicle fails to yield the right of way to an oncoming bicycle
- While merging, a driver fails to notice a passing bicycle
- A vehicle collides with a bicycle from the rear
Common Injuries to Port St. Lucie Bicyclists
Per Florida law, people under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Should you decide to wear a helmet when riding, it can only protect you so much. An accident with a motor vehicle can be catastrophic and deadly. You could wind up with lifelong injuries that require extensive rehabilitation or extensive care. The most common injuries to Port St. Lucie bicyclists include the following:
- Road rash
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Damage to your internal organs and internal bleeding
- Cuts
- Crushing injuries
- Broken jaw
Steps to Take if Injured in a Bicycle Accident
You must protect your rights after suffering an injury in a bicycle accident. The actions you take following the accident can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful personal injury claim. Our Port St. Lucie bicycle accident attorneys recommend you do the following immediately after an accident:
- Call 911
- Let the EMTs evaluate you for injuries and take you to the hospital
- Make sure the police file a report
- Ask for the contact and insurance information of the driver who hit you
- Talk to witnesses and have them give statements to the police
- Take pictures of your bicycle, the car, your injuries, and any other evidence
- Refrain from saying too much about the accident, including admitting any level of fault
- Follow all the doctor’s instructions for care
- Call a Port St. Lucie bicycle accident attorney
Who Can be Held Liable for a Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident?
Determining liability in a Port St. Lucie bicycle accident can be challenging because multiple parties can be held responsible. The injuries you suffer can lead to an overwhelming amount of medical debt, which is why you want to know who caused the crash. The following can be held liable in a bicycle accident:
- A driver who fails to yield the right of way
- The employer of the driver who caused the accident while working
- Drunk drivers
- Distracted, aggressive, and drowsy drivers
- Government agencies
- Property owners
- Vehicle manufacturers (defective parts)
Determining Liability in a Bicycle Accident
To determine liability in a bicycle accident, the following must be present:
- There was a duty of care between the defendant and the plaintiff
- The duty of care was breached by the defendant
- The bicycle accident would not have happened if the defendant hadn’t acted in a particular way
- The plaintiff suffered injuries because of the actions of the defendant
- The accident led to damages suffered by the plaintiff
In a claim of negligence per se, the plaintiff will need to prove the following:
- That the defendant violated a traffic law
- That cause is present: the violation of the traffic law by the defendant led to damages suffered by the plaintiff
- There are damages present: the plaintiff suffered injuries or property damage that can be compensated
Compensation You Can Recover in a Bicycle Accident
Victims of Port St. Lucie bicycle accidents can recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Ambulance fees
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Lost wages and benefits
- Damaged property
Obtaining compensation following a bicycle accident is not always easy and clear-cut. That is why you need to consult with a Port St. Lucie bicycle accident attorney from Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa about your case.
Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney For My Case?
The short answer is yes. Whenever you suffer an injury in any type of accident, you should protect your rights with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will be able to review your case and provide an honest assessment. When you work with an attorney, you can expect the following:
- An investigation into the cause of the crash
- Obtaining the police report and your medical records
- Drafting and sending demand letters
- Communicating on your behalf with the insurance companies involved
- Speaking to witnesses and obtaining their testimony
- Acquiring expert witnesses
- Negotiating a settlement with the defendant
- Representing you at trial if a settlement cannot be reached
The chances of securing an award in a personal injury claim increase when you are represented by an attorney instead of representing yourself. Now is not the time to try your luck with the law. Representing yourself in an injury case can wind up costing you a strong settlement with the defendant’s insurance company. You want to acquire as much compensation for your injuries as possible, so you do not have to worry about paying the medical bills or your income while you recover.
Call a Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Did you or a loved one suffer an injury in a bicycle accident? Port St. Lucie has a lot of fun things to do for residents and visitors alike. However, suffering an injury in a bicycle accident can derail your plans. Call the office of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa today to schedule a consultation with a Port St. Lucie bicycle accident attorney.