In Florida, it’s estimated that there are nearly 6,400 bicycle accidents per year. If you were injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of another, you likely want compensation for any injuries or lost wages.
Unfortunately, bicycle accident lawsuits aren’t as straightforward as other types of personal injury claims, like automobile accidents. So why are bicycle accidents different? And what are some things you can do to ensure that you get the money for damages that you deserve?
If you want to learn the answer to these questions, you’re in the right place. This guide will give you a quick breakdown of bicycle accident lawsuits in the Tampa area.
Bicycle Accident Injuries Are More Severe
The first way that bicycle accidents differ from other personal injury types is the injuries themselves. It’s true that because of the high speeds, auto injuries have the potential to cause serious brain injuries, spinal injuries, and even death.
However, the difference is that in a car accident, you’re protected by a large metal vehicle, as well as seat belts and airbags. With a bicycle, on the other hand, you’re completely exposed. When a car hits a bicycle it’s rarely a question of who is more hurt. It’s always the cyclist.
Being hit and thrown from your vehicle means you face all the same potential injuries of a car accident to a heightened degree. Even minor bicycle injuries, like road rash, fractures, and dislocations can take weeks or even months to heal from.
So right off the bat, bicycle accident lawsuits usually require more money from insurance companies. And, when more money is involved, these companies are sure to fight back harder. That’s why even for something like road rash it’s still important to get a lawyer.
Cyclists Typically Don’t Carry Insurance
In most states, including Florida, drivers are required to carry vehicle insurance. This insurance can be invaluable in the event of an accident with injuries. Unfortunately, cyclists aren’t required to carry insurance.
The good news is that if the other party was at fault you can still file a bicycle accident claim with their insurance provider. The bad news is that these providers often do everything in their power to deprive you of money to cover your injuries.
And, even when they do provide you with your injury claim the amount is rarely enough to cover the medical costs associated with bicycle injuries. The issue gets even thornier if you hit a pedestrian on your bike with no insurance.
If you caused injuries, they may sue you directly for a personal injury case. In these cases, your best bet is a lawyer to help defend against these charges.
The Laws Surrounding Cyclists Are Different
It’s fairly known that bicycles often have the same rights as motor vehicles on the roadways. However, the reality is that there are a lot of different laws that cyclists need to follow under Florida regulations.
And if you don’t follow them, there’s a good chance the defendant will use it against you in court. For example, lawyers might use the fact that you were driving on a roadway that you didn’t belong on.
They might latch on to the fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet which caused your injuries to be worse. Age, cycling style, or the time of day to show that you were breaking bicycle laws and causing unsafe conditions.
While some of these accusations are easy to defend against, others (like cycling under the influence) are a lot harder. A professional lawyer can help you use legal precedents to fight against bike laws that might be used against you in the lawsuit.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
After a bicycle accident, the first thing you should do is get your injuries checked out by a medical professional. This not only helps you learn the extent of the damages, but it provides a paper trail for your lawyers. Speaking of legal help, you need to hire a lawyer quickly.
Why? Because the other party’s insurance company will likely be reaching out to you almost directly after the accident. You need to be very careful about any statements you give them because they can be used against you.
Instead, provide them with your lawyer’s contact information. It’s also important to be as upfront with your lawyers as you can be. Don’t exaggerate or minimize the injuries you sustained. The best way they can represent you is if you give them a 100% honest depiction of the accident.
How to Find a Lawyer for Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawsuits
As we mentioned, there are a variety of laws surrounding how bicycles can be operated, as well as the way drivers need to interact with them. As such, when searching for a lawyer you want to make sure that they have experience with a wide range of injury cases, including bicycle accidents.
Ideally, they will have a proven track record they can show you and specific strategies related to your case. Remember that your lawyer will be investigating, negotiating, and, in some cases, litigating on your behalf.
As such, you want to make sure you can trust them. Pay close attention when you schedule your first consultation. Does the bicycle accident lawyer provide you with all the information, including the good and the bad? Or do they sugarcoat everything for you?
Avoid lawyers who are just in it for the money. You want a legal professional who cares about you and the personal ordeal you’re going through after your accident.
Here At RHINO Lawyers, We Make Personal Injury Law Simple
We hope this guide helped you learn more about how bicycle accident lawsuits are different from other injury cases. Whether it’s the severe injuries, complicated laws, or lack of insurance, there’s no denying that dealing with this type of lawsuit can be a hassle.
That’s why we at RHINO Lawyers, make the process easy for you. We provide all the benefits of legal expertise and face-to-face interactions without the pain of traditional methods of communication.
Whether it’s through Facetime or social media, we meet you where you’re at to provide you with the quickest response times possible. So if you’re ready to get the compensation you deserve, schedule your consultation with us today.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a bike-car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
