Commuter Bicycle Accidents

Commuting by bicycle is a great way for South Florida residents to assist in environmental endeavors, but also to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Bike commuting is gaining popularity nationwide, however, with more bicyclists on the road, the potential for a rise in more serious bicycle accidents also increases. The Miami bicycle accident attorneys at our law firm assist those injured by negligent drivers, road hazards, and other dangerous conditions with the legal action necessary to aid in their recovery. Unfortunately, all too often commuter bicycle accidents lead to fatalities. Our firm offers compassionate and experienced legal support to families dealing with the aftermath of such a devastating loss. As healing is, and should be, the main focus for injured victims as well as families who have lost loved ones, we focus on what needs to happen legally so that clients’ rights are protected and pursued during such a difficult time. We represent clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as across South Florida. If you’ve lost a family member as a result of a bicycle accident, please contact our office today to set up a free consultation and discuss your possible legal claims.

More cars during rush hour traffic combined with more bicyclists also commuting during that time period increases the likelihood of bicycle accidents. Bicyclists are, of course, responsible for keeping themselves as safe as possible and should always take certain precautions while commuting. Some of these steps should include:

• Wearing a helmet and bright clothing
• Use lights on your bike and reflective clothing when riding during dark hours
• Try to stay away from busier streets during your commute
• Adhere to rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs and traffic lights

Unfortunately, even the most careful commuter bicyclists can be victims of negligent drivers who do not take reasonable steps to share the road. If you’ve been injured on your bike, you may be entitled to damages from multiple parties, depending on the circumstances. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Miami can help you determine whether you have a claim for negligence.

Negligent acts are those that breach the duty of reasonable care owed to all road-users, causing a victim’s injuries and result in damages. For instance, when a car “buzzes” a bicyclist by passing him or her too closely, travelling at a high speed, that would be considered a negligent act. Not only is it unreasonable, but “buzzing” a cyclist violates Florida’s “three foot law,” which requires motorists to maintain at least three feet of distance when attempting to pass a bicycle rider. Negligent drivers can also be held responsible for deaths they cause through their actions, and a Miami attorney knowledgeable about bicycle accidents can assist in bringing a claim under these circumstances. Unfortunately, Florida has the greatest amount of fatal bicycle accidents compared to any other state, with three times more bicycle-related deaths than the national average. When a bicyclist is injured or killed by a negligent driver, victims and families can pursue legal action against the at-fault party to recover damages for medical costs, burial or funeral expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, loss of consortium, as well as pain and suffering.

Commuter bicyclists have the same rights to travel the roads as motorists. When a driver’s carelessness hinders those rights and causes injury, that driver should be held accountable. Our experienced injury lawyers are dedicated to making sure victims of commuter bicycle accidents are properly compensated for the harm caused by negligent parties. We serve residents of communities including Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and other cities in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free, no obligation consultation to find out more about how we can help.