Biking can be an affordable way to relieve stress, help the environment, and keep in shape. However, this pastime can also put individuals at a unique risk of injuries due to motor vehicle accidents.
If you sustained injuries in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the drivers whose negligence led to your injuries. However, the timeframe for filing a claim is limited, and the process can be complicated without help from a personal injury attorney. Reach out to a Dunedin bicycle accident lawyer to see if you have a case.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Dunedin
Many of the same situations that lead to motor vehicle accidents also cause bicycle accidents. Some of these scenarios include:
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to follow traffic signs and signals
Due to the small size of bicycles compared to motor vehicles, drivers must be vigilant in spotting and protecting the safety of cyclists. Particularly for drivers who are distracted by cell phones or GPS devices, a moment of inattention can have disastrous results. A bicycle accident lawyer in Dunedin may be able to assist riders who have suffered injuries as a result of driver inattention or distraction.
Negligence in Bike Accidents
Under Florida Statutes § 316.130(15), drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists and give a warning when necessary. Drivers have an even higher duty of care when it comes to children riding bicycles, as children may not always appreciate the risks or danger of riding near cars or on city streets. When drivers violate this duty of care and cause an accident that injures a bicyclist, they may be negligent and thus responsible for the costs of the resulting injuries.
To prove negligence in a bicycle accident case, the victim must show that the driver failed to act as other reasonable drivers would in the same circumstances. Therefore, if a driver took actions that violated this duty of due care, and a bicyclist suffered injuries as a direct result, this negligent conduct may make them financially responsible for the costs of injuries to the bicyclists. Negligence can be difficult to prove, but a Dunedin bike accident attorney has the knowledge and experience needed to build a compelling case.
Bicycle Accidents and Insurance Claims
Bicycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. Cyclists are likely to incur significant medical expenses and lose income when they are unable to work due to their injuries. Collisions between motor vehicles and bikes can lead to head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or even death.
Dealing with an insurance company over a personal injury claim can be a lengthy and complicated process. While many companies are willing to agree to a financial settlement to avoid the costs of a trial, they often use delay tactics and protracted negotiations to avoid paying quickly. In many cases, the insurance company may drag out the settlement process in hopes that the injury victims will run out of money and agree to a lesser settlement amount.
In this situation, assistance from a bicycle accident attorney in Dunedin may be crucial. With the help of legal counsel, injured riders may seek a full range of economic and non-economic damages, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental trauma. Legal representation and advocacy can mean the difference between a fair and timely settlement and months or even years spent arguing with insurance companies.
Seek a Dunedin Bicycle Accident Attorney for Advice
Bicyclists injured at the hands of negligent drivers may be entitled to compensation, but seeking fair payment is often difficult and complicated. A Dunedin bicycle accident lawyer could take on the insurance companies and negotiate your claim while you focus on your health.
By pursuing a personal injury claim, you can hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions and secure your financial future. Call today to schedule a consultation.