Fractured Bones in Bicycle Accidents

When a bicyclist is involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, the potential for serious injuries is high. Among these injuries are almost always broken or fractured bones. Fractured bones in bicycle accidents may not only mean a victim is stuck in a cast, but it can also be accompanied by multiple surgeries and other costly procedures. When another’s negligence leads to a victim’s injury, that person should be held accountable for the financial impact. Miami bicycle accident attorney Robert Dixon assists those who have suffered broken and fractured bones file the appropriate claim to receive the compensation they are entitled to. Mr. Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are committed to making sure victims have the resources they need in the aftermath of a serious bicycle accident. Our firm prides itself on offering knowledgeable and comprehensive legal services for clients in their time of need. If you have questions after being injured in an accident in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, please contact our office today. We serve clients throughout South Florida and offer free, no obligation consultations so that you can learn about your potential legal options.

If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while riding a bike, there is a good chance you will be left with one, or more, fractures. Broken bones are some of the most common injuries that result from motor vehicle collisions, including those involving bicyclists. Most common fractures affect a victim’s legs or arms, as bicyclists are likely to use their limbs to brace any fall or ejection off a bike. Since bicycle helmets are also not universally required in Florida, a skull fracture could also result from a collision.

There are various kinds of fractured bones in bicycle accidents, some of which require more healing time than others and differing levels of treatment. For instance, stress, or hairline, fractures are small breaks that occur in the bone whereas open fractures pierce the skin. Almost all breaks require at least resting of the affected area. Some minor fractures can be treated by being immobilize with casts or braces, while the more serious breaks may require surgeries to place metal plates or screws, or other internal devices to aid with the healing process.

Negligence is usually involved in bicycle accidents. This negligence is usually that of a driver who fails to pay attention to the road, or the cyclists on it. There are some elements victims must show to prevail on a personal injury claim against a negligent driver. First that the driver owed a duty of reasonable care to the victim, and second that that duty was breached by the driver’s actions. All drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists owe each other the duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would in their situation. A breach of this duty could include a driver who is texting while driving, or just fails to look for a bicyclist before making a maneuver in traffic. It must also be shown that the driver’s breach was the cause of the bicyclist’s injuries, as well as resulting in damages.

Once a victim shows negligence, he or she can be awarded damages for the medical expenses related to their fractured bone or other injuries. This can include compensation for surgeries, as well as future medical costs that are foreseeable to treat the injury. Victims may also be compensated for time they had to miss from work, or any permanent impact their injury might have on their ability to work.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, consulting an attorney as soon as possible is vital to making sure your legal rights are preserved. The lawyers at our firm can help you determine what your next legal step is. We offer comprehensive legal representation from investigation into the cause of the accident to the conclusion of any necessary trial or legal proceeding. We work tirelessly to make sure victims receive the financial support they need in their recovery. If you’ve suffered a fractured bone as a result of a bicycle accident, please call our Miami office at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.