Knowledgeable Bike Injury Attorneys in Coral Springs, FL Advocate For Bicycle Accident Victims in Broward County and Throughout Florida
South Florida’s moderate climate draws both visitors and residents alike out on their bicycles to enjoy the warmer temperatures. Bicycle riding is a great way to get around, whether you are commuting to work or riding for recreation. But bicycle riding is not without risk, particularly since bicyclists often share the road with motor vehicles. If you are involved in a bicycle accident that is caused by another person or entity’s negligent actions, you may seek to recover compensation for your injuries. Proving someone else is at fault for your bike accident can be difficult; we are here to help. The knowledgeable Coral Springs bicycle accident lawyers at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. successfully advocate for victims of bicycle accidents in Coral Springs and throughout South Florida, recovering full compensation for their injuries.
Common Causes Of Coral Springs Bicycle Accidents That our Coral Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyers Will Help You With
Traffic accidents between bicyclists and other vehicles are not uncommon. This is not surprising given that a non-motorized two-wheeler is sharing the road with cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Some of the most common causes of Florida bicycle accidents include the following:
- Bicycle accidents at intersections
- Bicyclists riding against traffic (which is illegal)
- Car turning left, known as the “left cross”
- Car turning right, known as the “right hook”
Why Liability In A Coral Springs Bicycle Accident Is So Important
Bicyclists are expected to obey traffic laws. Cyclists who violate traffic rules regarding signaling and right-of-way may be found at fault for their own accident. This is particularly important when considering a personal injury claim.
Personal injury law is based on the premise of negligence. When one party is negligent and this causes or contributes to an accident and someone else is hurt as a result, the injured victim can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and other damages. But if the cyclist violated traffic laws, this can be seen as negligent behavior and the cyclist may be unable to recover damages for their injuries. In fact, the cyclist may be facing a personal injury lawsuit from others injured in the accident.
Coral Springs Bicycle Accidents May Result In Serious Injury And Victims Are Entitled To Recover Fair Compensation
When we think of bicycle accidents, we generally think of falling off of a bicycle and perhaps skinning a knee. But bicycle accidents can be serious, particularly when they involve a cyclist and a motor vehicle.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may recover compensation for your injuries if another person was negligent and their reckless behavior caused your accident. Specifically, you may file a personal injury claim to recover compensation — known as “damages” — for any of the following losses:
- Emergency room expenses
- Medical bills
- Cost of surgeries
- Hospital bills
- Cost of prescription medications
- Cost of physical therapy
- Rehabilitation costs
- Cost of in-home care
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Future anticipated medical expenses as a result of the accident injuries
- Loss of income
- Lost sick time
- Lost vacation time
- Loss of future earning capacity due to the injury
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of one’s life enjoyment
Legal Deadlines For Filing A Bicycle Accident Claim in Coral Springs
Statutes of limitations set legal time limits on a person’s right to file a claim in the state’s civil court system. Statutes of limitations vary from state to state, and depend upon the type of claim that is being filed. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims — including a bicycle accident claim — is four years from the time of the accident.
If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident but fail to file your personal injury claim before this four-year window expires, the Florida court may refuse to hear your case. If this should happen, you will have lost your opportunity to receive any damages for your bicycle accident.
Accomplished Bike Injury Attorneys in Coral Springs, FL Recover Damages For Injured Victims
When riding your bicycle results in injury because a motor vehicle hit you or because a pedestrian ran out in front of you, you do not have to suffer in silence. You can recover compensation for your injuries under personal injury law. Filing a personal injury claim and proving that another person or entity was responsible for your accident can be complicated.
But that should not discourage you from seeking the compensation you deserve for your bicycle accident. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our accomplished Coral Springs bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to advocating on behalf of victims of bicycle accidents. Our bike injury attorneys in Coral Springs, FL has a track record of successfully recovering damages for those injured in Florida bicycle accidents and we offer a free case evaluation for accident victims. Schedule your confidential consultation today with one of our personal injury attorneys.
About Coral Springs, Florida
Coral Springs, Florida is located about 20 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale and close to Miami, which offers residents numerous work opportunities and a convenient commute. Visitors are drawn to the warmer temperatures of South Florida in both the winter and spring, which increases the number of individuals biking for work or pleasure and contributes to a greater number of bicycle accidents in Coral Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents In Coral Springs, Florida
Generally speaking, no. Initial settlement offers put forth by insurance companies are usually well below the compensation you rightly deserve for your injuries. While quickly accepting this initial offer may be tempting and seemingly address some of your immediate medical bills, it likely will fall short of your total medical expenses. It is in your best interest to consult with one of our experienced Coral Springs bicycle accident lawyers who will review your case and explain what types of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Yes. Under Florida’s “pure comparative negligence” rule, you can still recover damages for your injuries if you are partly at fault for your accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by a percentage that reflects your portion of the blame for the accident.