Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

As the number of bicyclists in South Florida grows, so do the injuries that those bicyclists suffer in accidents. Unfortunately, Florida has the highest number of bicycle-related fatalities nationwide, doubling the national average. Common injuries in bicycle accidents are usually some of the most serious, and victims may need many months to recover or may suffer from permanent impairments. Miami bicycle accident lawyer Robert Dixon is dedicated to making sure that victims receive the compensation to which they are entitled from those responsible for their harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we offer compassionate and experienced legal representation throughout all the stages of a case, from the initial investigation until the resolution of a client’s claim. Serving people in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, our attorneys have an excellent reputation assisting South Florida residents in personal injury and wrongful death claims arising out of bicycle accidents.

In Florida, there is no universal law requiring bike riders to wear a helmet. However, children under the age of 16 must wear helmets that comply with federal safety standards. Even if riders are wearing helmets, injuries are common if they are struck by a vehicle. Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious and common injuries in bicycle accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, these types of injuries account for 60 percent of the fatalities in emergency rooms nationwide from bicycle accidents, as well as 67 percent of hospital admissions and over 30 percent of injuries.

Other common bike accident injuries include those affecting the face, eyes, or mouth. Broken bones and dislocations are also likely to occur, as well as punctured lungs and abdominal injuries. In addition to causing pain and requiring immediate medical treatment, which could include surgery, some of these injuries may lead to a permanent disability or disfigurement. When another party’s negligence has caused a bicyclist’s injuries, that party should be held legally accountable.

Negligence exists when someone breaches his or her duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would act, causing a victim’s injuries. Many times, it is a vehicle’s driver who is negligent in causing a bicycle accident, possibly by driving too closely to the bicyclist, failing to yield the right of way, or otherwise failing to adhere to the rules of the road. Damages available to a victim injured in a bicycle accident can include past and future medical expenses, as well as lost income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Even if a bicyclist was partly at fault for causing his or her injuries, he or she may still be awarded damages from another at-fault party. For example, if an investigation shows that the bicyclist failed to look for traffic when turning, but the car’s driver was speeding and therefore also negligent, the driver would be responsible for part of the damages award. In Florida, a pure comparative negligence scheme is followed, which means that parties receive and are responsible for compensation in proportion to their relative degrees of fault. As a result, a bicycle accident victim who was found 40 percent at fault may still receive 60 percent of his or her damages from another culpable party.

Bicycle accident victims face a long road to recovery, and some victims may be forced to deal with a lifetime of adjustment. It is important that drivers and other people who are responsible for these injuries contribute to the costs of a victim’s treatment and are held accountable under the law. Miami attorney Robert Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are available to assist you in the aftermath of a serious bike accident. We advocate for victims in Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and other South Florida cities. If you have been injured and have questions regarding your legal rights and options, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free consultation.