Headphones, sunset, the view of the falling at the end of the afternoon. You are on your bike, moving across a slope. Sunglasses protect you from the sun's rays. It's a weekend. It's just the music, the scenery, and you. Finally, you are enjoying your time. The tranquility of riding through some corner of Florida, where nature still seems to rule over man. What could go wrong?
Although they convey freedom and free us from car dependence, bicycles are still a highly vulnerable means of transportation. Unfortunately, cities in our country have not been designed for cyclists. Most of the time, there are very few exclusive roads for cyclists, so they have to overcome a series of obstacles crossing roads that they share with cars at full speed.
Davie, Florida, seems to be no exception to these less-than-favorable conditions for cyclists. It is not possible to find an area exclusively for bicycle enthusiasts. As a result, accidents involving bicyclists are occurring more frequently. Cars are often unaware that there are people who do not want to move around in large vehicles or motorized vehicles and sometimes negligently hit a cyclist who makes his way through a makeshift road.
Broward County statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) indicate that bicycle accidents occur frequently. In 2022, there were more than 600 bike crashes for different reasons.
Injured parties may file personal injury claims to pursue damages for their pain and suffering, as well as other crash-related losses. To be successful, the claim must provide proof that the accident was not their fault and that their injuries were the result of it.
At The Ward Law Group, we have seen hundreds of cases involving bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, public transportation vehicles, and more. We know how to proceed according to the challenges presented by each particular case. We accompany the victims of these events holistically.
We focus not only on pursuing compensation, which is important but also on helping our clients reorganize their lives after an emotional impact that is difficult to process.
Cyclists are our friends. We believe that choosing a means of transportation that generates less ecological impact on planet Earth is an altruistic attitude that does our community a lot of good.
We hope that many more people around the country will always choose the most environmentally sustainable option. However, that is not possible for everyone. We also know that everyone has different needs, so cycling is not always an option.
We must work on preventing this type of accident. We must raise awareness among future drivers from a young age and understand that achieving harmony as a community is everyone's job.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Davie, FL
When reviewing the causes of these events, we can see that they range from human error to technical aspects of the vehicles involved. Our experts have seen any number of cases over the years. However, each particular case brings its challenges and context.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Davie that our experts have identified are as follows:
- Distracted Driving:
Motorists distracted by phones, navigation systems, or other factors may fail to notice cyclists, leading to accidents.
- Failure to Yield:
Drivers not yielding to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks can result in collisions and serious injuries for cyclists.
- Dooring Accidents:
Opening car doors without checking for approaching cyclists can cause riders to collide with the door, leading to accidents.
- Unsafe Lane Changes:
Drivers abruptly changing lanes without checking blind spots may collide with cyclists sharing the road.
- Speeding:
Excessive speed reduces reaction time for drivers, making it challenging to avoid cyclists or respond to sudden road changes.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs:
Drivers disregarding traffic signals pose a significant threat to cyclists who may have the right of way.
- Poor Road Conditions:
Potholes, uneven surfaces, or lack of proper signage can contribute to bicycle accidents, especially if cyclists lose control.
- Impaired Driving:
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may exhibit erratic behavior, increasing the risk of accidents involving cyclists.
- Inadequate Bicycle Infrastructure:
Insufficient bike lanes, poorly designed intersections, or lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents involving cyclists.
- Left-Turn Accidents:
Motorists making left turns at intersections may not notice oncoming cyclists, leading to collisions.
The Role of a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Davie
Can you imagine running a Grand Prix blindfolded? Or traveling through an extremely dangerous part of the world without someone you know in the area? Or diving into a pool without water? These are just a few metaphors for getting involved in a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation without a competent attorney.
That is why the advice of our professionals at The Ward Law Group is part of an authentic and human-centered service. We do not work with clients, nor with people who represent just another code in our organization, we work to serve human beings. And that means listening to be heard. First, the human being, then everything else.
Some specific aspects in which we can help you are the following:
- Legal Consultation:
Offering expert legal advice to cyclists involved in accidents, guiding them on their rights and potential courses of action.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering:
Conducting a thorough investigation into the bicycle accident, collecting evidence such as witness statements and accident scene details.
- Insurance Claim Assistance:
Assisting cyclists in navigating the complexities of insurance claims, ensuring fair compensation for injuries and damages.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies:
Negotiating with insurance companies to secure optimal settlements for clients affected by bicycle accidents.
- Litigation Representation:
Representing cyclists in legal proceedings, including filing lawsuits and advocating for their rights in court.
- Identifying Liability:
Determining and establishing liability, whether it involves negligent drivers, defective bicycle equipment, or poorly maintained roads.
- Medical Records Review:
Scrutinizing medical records to understand the full extent of injuries and using this information to build a strong legal case.
- Expert Witness Coordination:
Collaborating with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to strengthen the client's case.
- Damage Assessment:
Assessing economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Client Advocacy:
Serving as a dedicated advocate for cyclists, ensuring their voice is heard and their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
- Communication Facilitation:
Facilitating effective communication between clients, insurance companies, and other relevant parties to streamline legal proceedings.
- Post-Accident Support:
Providing ongoing support to clients beyond legal proceedings, connecting them with resources for rehabilitation, counseling, or any necessary assistance.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Davie
One of the most common questions our experts receive is: What should I do after a bicycle accident?
We know that the answer to this question is not entirely simple. You may find yourself in shock after the event. That is natural. An impact of that nature can trigger all kinds of unconscious emotions and survival instincts that could generate more than one blockage.
Normally, you do not know how to act at the beginning. You may find yourself immobile and with a strong desire to cry or with a feeling of anger because your peace of mind has been disturbed.
You just have to accept these emotions, breathe deeply, and begin to work out a rational solution to what has just happened.
That's what we are here for, too, to guide you through the process so that you don't have to deal with the consequences of a negative experience, like being hit by a car or a motor vehicle while enjoying your bike ride.
Let us recommend some actions you should take if you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Davie.
- Ensure Safety First:
If possible, prioritize safety by moving to a secure location, especially if you are still on the road or in a potentially hazardous area.
- Seek Medical Attention:
Obtain immediate medical assistance, even for minor injuries, to address potential internal injuries and create a medical record.
- Contact Law Enforcement:
Call the police to report the accident and ensure an official accident report is filed, capturing essential details for legal purposes.
- Exchange Information:
Exchange contact and insurance details with involved parties, including drivers, pedestrians, or other cyclists.
- Document the Scene:
Photograph the accident scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant signage.
- Gather Witness Information:
Collect contact information from witnesses at the scene, as their statements may be crucial for your case.
- Avoid Admitting Fault:
Refrain from admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt, both at the scene and in subsequent conversations.
- Preserve Evidence:
Keep any damaged bicycle or equipment as evidence, and preserve clothing worn during the accident, as they may be relevant to your case.
- Obtain Driver Information:
Record the driver's license plate number, details of the driver's license, and insurance information of any involved motor vehicles.
- Don't Discuss the Accident:
Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with anyone other than law enforcement, your attorney, or medical professionals.
- File an Accident Report:
If the police are not present, file a bicycle accident report with the local police department as soon as possible.
As you can see, all these recommendations aim to ensure your integrity's safety. First, you should verify whether you are physically stable enough to proceed and make decisions about the next steps to consider at the moment.
But if you feel that you cannot get up or that you need emergency medical help, do not force the situation. Wait for medical assistance where you are without sudden movements or hasty decisions.
Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer in Davie
It is a point in your favor to have the support of a local attorney who knows how Florida law works and has successfully handled similar cases in the past.
Prioritizing local attorneys allows you to establish contact with professionals who know the realities of the place where the accident took place. They will know how to proceed efficiently in the search for compensation that favors you.
Do not hesitate to contact The Ward Law Group at 855-DOLOR-55 if you are looking for experienced Florida accident attorneys. We have many years of working on these types of accidents in this part of the country, so we know specifically how to proceed in each of the cases that knock on our firm's door.