Bike rides on weekends or summer afternoons in Doral are good choices to take advantage of the good weather or spend time with the family.
The residents of this area decide to use this ecological means of transportation to be in direct contact with nature, as well as to experience the sensation of freshness that comes with traveling outdoors, and not in a motorized vehicle, in which, despite the air conditioning, you will always feel a little hot, especially when getting into the vehicle.
Bicyclists in Doral share the roads with cars to take advantage of the nice weather, stay in shape, and avoid traffic. The drawback is that Florida consistently has the highest rate of bicycle fatalities in the country. Cyclists require legal counsel to safeguard their rights after catastrophic accidents.
The residents of this area decide to use this ecological means of transportation to be in direct contact with nature, as well as to experience the sensation of freshness that comes with traveling outdoors, and not in a motorized vehicle, in which, despite the air conditioning, you will always feel a little hot, especially when getting into the vehicle.
Our committed team of Doral bike accident lawyers at The Ward Law Group is aware of a cycling accident's significant effects on your life. We aim to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to following an injury, whether you ride for fun or as a means of transportation to work.
Being a Florida state interconnected by bicycle lanes is still a long-term dream for cyclists. The development of roads that cross the entire state and serve as an alternative for those who have made cycling a style is still in the pipeline. Can you imagine cycling from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico?
Florida State's ambitious project is the Coast to Coast Connector or C2C. From the Atlantic coast to the Gulf of Mexico, paved bike trails allow you to cross the state. There are 250 miles of bike lanes and trails spanning from Titusville on the east coast to St. Petersburg on the west.
Many cyclists will be excited to experience this amazing ride. However, as of this post, certain gaps still need to be filled. The South Sumter Connector in Sumter County has the biggest gap.
We believe that infrastructure that clearly distinguishes the space allocated to each mode of transport is the way to facilitate a harmonious coexistence between cyclists and motor vehicle drivers. In this way, we can prevent cyclists from invading areas where only cars circulate due to the need to get around and the lack of a roadway appropriate for their mode of transportation.
If you have been hit by a car while riding a bike in the Doral area of Florida, contact our professionals at The Ward Law Group immediately. With decades of experience in the field, they will guide you through the entire process of filing a lawsuit so that the damages caused to you can be repaired.
Join us to learn a little more about the characteristics surrounding bicycle accidents. In advance, we wish that all your rides in the pleasant environment of Doral are safe and that you are free from unfortunate moments, such as being hit by a motor vehicle or crashing into an object and causing an injury.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Doral
These types of accidental events are accompanied by a series of causes that help to trigger negative consequences. In all our years of experience, we have identified recurring causes and patterns of behavior that favor unfortunate outcomes.
Despite the work, we do in prevention together with our strategic allies, a percentage of drivers always do not take these recommendations into account and commit obvious negligence, such as driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated or riding a bicycle on highways that prohibit the flow of bicycles for safety reasons.
The causes can be, in some cases, the most unusual, such as falling asleep or not having given the car the correct maintenance. They can even include trying to drive in extreme conditions, such as hurricane warnings.
In a meeting with our team, we raised the following question: What causes have been repeating themselves over the years, and how can we raise awareness about them?
Some of the causes identified were the following:
- Failure to Yield:
Drivers failing to yield to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks can have severe consequences, as cyclists often have the right of way in these scenarios. When motorists neglect to acknowledge cyclists' presence, it heightens the risk of dangerous collisions, particularly in areas where cyclists anticipate cooperation from drivers.
- Improper Passing:
Motorists overtaking cyclists without providing sufficient space significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. The lack of a safe passing distance jeopardizes the cyclist's well-being and the driver's ability to respond to unexpected circumstances. It underscores the importance of respecting cyclists' space on the road.
- Turning Accidents:
Drivers making turns without noticing or giving cyclists the right of way pose a substantial risk. This oversight can lead to intersection collisions, where the cyclist's trajectory intersects with the vehicle's path. Such accidents underscore drivers' need to remain vigilant and yield appropriately, especially in areas with significant cyclist traffic.
- Dooring Incidents:
Opening car doors without checking for approaching cyclists, causing collisions, is a common yet preventable occurrence. Drivers and passengers must exercise caution when exiting vehicles, particularly along roads with designated bicycle lanes. Failing to do so can result in cyclists colliding with suddenly opened doors, leading to severe injuries.
- Distracted Driving:
Using mobile phones or other distractions while driving is a leading cause of accidents involving cyclists. Distracted drivers may fail to notice cyclists sharing the road, increasing the risk of collisions. Raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving is crucial to ensuring the safety of cyclists and reducing the number of related accidents.
- Traffic Signal Violations:
Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs violates traffic laws and puts cyclists at significant risk. Signal violations can result in collisions at intersections, severely injuring cyclists who have the right of way. Encouraging strict adherence to traffic regulations is essential for promoting a safer environment for cyclists.
- Right-Hook Accidents:
Vehicles overtaking cyclists in bike lanes and then making sudden right turns can lead to hazardous right-hook accidents. These incidents often occur when drivers misjudge cyclists' speed or fail to recognize their presence in the bike lane. To prevent such collisions, motorists must exercise caution and ensure the path is clear before executing right turns.
- Road Hazards:
Cyclists encountering unexpected dangers like potholes face an increased risk of accidents. Road hazards can lead to loss of control, falls, and serious injuries. Regular maintenance of roadways and increased awareness of potential hazards can create a safer environment for cyclists.
- Mechanical Failures:
Malfunctions in bike parts causing accidents, often unforeseen by cyclists, highlight the importance of regular bicycle maintenance. Cyclists should routinely inspect their bicycles for any signs of wear or malfunction to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. Properly maintained bicycles contribute to safer riding conditions.
- Failure to Look Before Opening:
Drivers or passengers opening car doors without checking for oncoming cyclists can result in dangerous collisions. This oversight is particularly common in areas with designated bike lanes. Motorists must habitually check for cyclists before opening doors to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of those sharing the road.
Determining the Value of Your Doral Bicycle Accident Case
Injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are often severe and life-altering. Recovering losses requires compensation that covers the following:
- Immediate medical expenses, including ambulance transportation, emergency room visits, and diagnostic tests as a consequence of any bicycle accident injury.
- Ongoing treatments and medical bills include surgeries, physical therapy, and home health care.
- Lost income due to an inability to work during recovery after a car accident.
- Lost earning opportunities, especially if returning to a previous job, are no longer possible for injured cyclists or bike riders.
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, permanent impairments, and disfigurement after a bike crash. A personal injury lawsuit will be necessary to obtain good results.
- Property Damage
The Ward Law Group's experienced bicycle accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for our clients. While insurance claims may cover some losses, filing a personal injury claim may be necessary to address extensive damages fully.
Common Types of Bicycling Injuries
In addition to common causes, our personal injury attorneys have also identified common injuries depending on the type of accident. Bicycles can be a vulnerable means of transportation compared with motor vehicles, which logically have greater proportions and go much faster.
This type of impact can cause serious injuries to drivers and others involved. Also, each type of injury could have a different impact on the compensation that is going to be paid by insurance companies.
Working in parallel with health professionals, we have been able to identify the following most common injuries in bicycle accidents:
- Broken Bones: Bicycle accidents often result in fractures, with broken bones being a prevalent injury. The impact of a collision or fall can lead to fractures in the arms, legs, or other vulnerable areas.
- Shattered or Crushed Limbs: Severe accidents may cause limbs to be crushed or shattered, leading to complex and debilitating injuries. The force of impact can result in long-term impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Cyclists are susceptible to spinal cord injuries, especially in accidents involving significant force. Such injuries can have lasting effects on mobility and overall quality of life.
- Facial Fractures: Impact on the ground or other objects can cause facial fractures, ranging from minor to severe. Protective gear like helmets can mitigate the risk but doesn't eliminate it.
- Skull Fractures: Head injuries are a serious concern in bicycle accidents, and skull fractures can occur in impacts where the head sustains significant force.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Bicycle accidents can result in TBIs, affecting cognitive function and overall brain health. Helmets play a crucial role in reducing the risk and severity of these injuries.
- Soft Tissue Tears: Abrasions, lacerations, and tears in soft tissues are common in bicycle accidents. Road rash, caused by friction with the road surface, is a typical soft tissue injury.
- Friction Burns (Road Rash): Road rash occurs when a cyclist's skin contacts the road surface, leading to friction burns. These injuries can be painful and may require extensive care.
- Lacerations: Sharp objects or broken glass on the road can cause lacerations to cyclists involved in accidents. Immediate medical attention is essential to prevent infections.
- Serious Contusions: Impact from a collision can result in severe contusions, causing deep bruising and potential complications. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to significant contusions.
Contact a Doral Bicycle Accident Attorney
Recovering from one of these injuries can be a challenge. With The Ward Law Group on your side, rest assured that everything will be easier and more bearable because you will feel that you will not have to carry the weight of the events alone. Still, you will have a team of experts working for your well-being, besides being constantly involved in the integral recovery of all our clients.
Contact us online for a free consultation today, or call us at 855-DOLOR-55!