Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Representation From a Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents happen at any time. Even a small cycling collision can be traumatic and life-altering. Any collision can lead to severe injuries due to the lack of protection bicycles provide.

At the Leon Law Firm, our Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to advocating for victims of such accidents. We understand these cases’ unique challenges and have extensive experience navigating Florida’s complex traffic and insurance laws.

We strive to alleviate your burden by taking care of the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We work diligently to investigate the accident, determine liability, negotiate with the insurance company, and, if necessary, represent you in court to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Statistics on Bicycle Accidents in Jacksonville

Bicycle accidents are a significant concern in Jacksonville and throughout Florida. According to the United States Department of Transportation, Florida consistently has one of the nation’s highest rates of bicycle fatalities.

In Jacksonville, many people are injured and killed in bicycle accidents yearly, indicating the need for greater awareness and adherence to traffic rules by all road users.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents is vital, as it not only aids in prevention but also highlights areas where legal intervention may be necessary:

• Distracted or Negligent Driving: One of the most frequent causes of bicycle accidents is distracted or negligent driving. This can include drivers speeding, failing to yield to bicyclists, or engaging in activities like texting while driving. These actions can lead to drivers failing to notice bicyclists on the road or insufficient time to react, resulting in accidents.
• Dooring Accidents: Dooring accidents occur when a car door suddenly opens into a bicyclist’s path. This is particularly common in urban areas where bicyclists often travel in a lane adjacent to parked cars. Drivers and passengers may not check for approaching bicyclists before opening their doors, leading to severe accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Inadequate road conditions can significantly increase the risk of bicycle accidents. This includes issues like potholes, which can cause a bicyclist to lose control, and inadequate signage or road markings that fail to separate or guide vehicle and bicycle traffic adequately. The absence of bike lanes can also contribute to accidents, as bicyclists are forced to share the road with cars and other larger vehicles.
• Impaired Driving: Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious issue that leads to numerous accidents each year, including those involving bicyclists. Impaired drivers may have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and lowered inhibitions, resulting in dangerous driving behaviors.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents

Due to their vulnerability, bicyclists can suffer severe, life-altering injuries in accidents. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and can have long-term implications:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Bicyclists are particularly susceptible to head and brain injuries, even when wearing helmets. These can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can have many physical and psychological effects, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, mood changes, and permanent disability.
• Broken or Fractured Bones: The impact of a collision with a vehicle or the ground can cause bicyclists to suffer broken or fractured bones. These injuries can range from minor fractures requiring casting to severe breaks requiring surgery. Victims may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility, depending on the location and severity of the fracture.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents can cause injuries to the spinal cord, potentially leading to temporary or permanent paralysis. This type of injury can drastically alter a victim’s life, necessitating long-term medical care, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
• Road Rash and Other Severe Skin Abrasions: When bicyclists are thrown from their bikes onto the pavement, they can suffer severe skin abrasions, also known as road rash. These injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgical intervention if debris needs to be removed or the damage is extensive.
• Psychological Trauma: The psychological impact of a bicycle accident should not be underestimated. Many victims have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional and mental health issues following their accident. These conditions can be as debilitating as physical injuries and often require professional treatment.

Legal Considerations in Bicycle Accident Cases in Jacksonville, FL

Following a bicycle accident, there are a lot of moving parts involved. The law surrounding bicycle and motor vehicle accidents is complicated, so working with a Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer is helpful. Some of the key points to note include:

Bicycle Laws and Regulations

Bicycles are legally defined as vehicles in Florida, and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. This includes obeying traffic signs and signals, riding with the traffic flow, using lights at night, and more. Violations of these laws can impact liability in a bicycle accident case.

Comparative Negligence and Its Impact on Compensation

Florida follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning that if a bicyclist is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Even if you were partly responsible, you could still recover damages proportionate to the other party’s fault.

Liability Issues Involving Drivers, Pedestrians, and Road Authorities

Liability in bicycle accidents can be complex and may involve multiple parties, including drivers, pedestrians, and even local government or private entities responsible for road maintenance. We will work with you to make sure that liability is assigned appropriately.

Insurance Coverage and Claims Process

Navigating insurance claims after a bicycle accident can be challenging. Whether your auto or health insurance applies, dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance and understanding what costs are covered can be complicated, so rely on our legal assistance.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you find yourself involved in a bicycle accident, it can be a stressful and disorienting experience. Remember, your safety and health should always be your primary concern. The most important steps to follow include:

• Be Safe: The first thing to do is to ensure your immediate safety. If possible, move out of the roadway to avoid further harm from oncoming traffic. However, do so only if you can move safely and without causing more injury to yourself.
• See a doctor: Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions and internal organ trauma, may not exhibit symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Additionally, having a medical record linking your injuries to the accident can be crucial in your legal claim.
• Call the Police: It’s essential to report the accident to the police. A police report will document the incident and can provide a third-party perspective on what happened. Be sure to provide your account of the events to the responding officer.
• Collect Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including your bicycle, any vehicles involved, and the surrounding area. Also, it’s helpful to gather contact information from any witnesses present. This evidence can be beneficial in building your case.
• Exchange Information: Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. This should include their name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration information. Do not discuss fault or apologize at the scene, as this can be used against you later.
• Document Your Injuries and Damages: Keep a detailed record of your injuries and any damages. This would include medical bills, prescription costs, receipts for any repairs to your bicycle, and records of lost wages if you had to miss work.
• Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: It’s vital to consult a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents after a bicycle accident. We can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Seeking Compensation for Bicycle Accidents in Jacksonville, FL

Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation. You should work with a Jacksonville bicycle accident attorney who can help you maximize your compensation. A few examples include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are damages that can be objectively defined using invoices and receipts. These damages cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify but are no less important. They include non-tangible losses, such as emotional trauma and the loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages could be awarded if the circumstances surrounding your bicycle accident were particularly egregious. These are not available in every case, but they could significantly increase the value of your settlement. We will explore the possibility of punitive damages with you.

Our Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Attorney at Leon Law Firm Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve | Call Us Today!

At Leon Law Firm, we understand the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial impact a bicycle accident can have. Our dedicated and experienced Jacksonville bicycle accident attorneys are here to provide the support and representation you need during this challenging time.

We are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve. Once you seek medical care, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.