Road Rage Bike Accidents

Bicyclists have the right to use the roadways as much as any other motorist or pedestrian. However, sometimes, motorists do not recognize this right, or even go beyond ignorance to act in a hostile manner towards bikers. Aggressive actions or road rage behavior directed toward bicyclists can be very dangerous, and even deadly, for those involved in an accident. When a road rage bike collision occurs, those responsible should be held legally liable for the harm they cause. Miami bicycle accident lawyer Robert Dixon of the Law Offices of Robert Dixon is dedicated to assisting injured bicyclists, or families who have lost loved ones in a devastating accident, pursue legal action against at-fault parties. Our firm offers compassionate and seasoned legal representation for clients throughout South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you have questions regarding your legal rights following a serious bicycle accident, even if the driver left the scene, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation to see how we can help.

Road rage is often classified under aggressive driving, which in Florida, is defined as a driver who participates in at last two of the following activities: speeding excessively, improper lane changes or passing, tailgating, failure to yield, and failure to obey traffic signs. When aggressive driving rises to the level of road rage, it may be considered a criminal offense in addition to giving rise to civil liability. Some more extreme cases of road rage are targeted at an individual person, who the aggressive driver perceives as someone who has offended him or her. However, sometimes road rage directed at bicyclists is simply caused by the bicyclist’s presence on the road. Some motorists get aggravated that they have to slow down when approaching a cyclist, or are mad that they must share the road with commuter or recreational cyclists. If you encounter an overly-aggressive driver, it is advised not to engage with similar behavior, to avoid eye contact, and attempt to find safety. However, sometimes regardless of the precautions taken by a bicyclist, road rage bike accidents are unavoidable. When a victim is injured in this type of accident, he or she can receive compensation for injuries by taking legal action, and a skilled accident lawyer can help.

In one sense, collisions caused by road rage are not “accidents,” but rather intentional, violent acts. It may be difficult to show an accident was caused by road rage, although in extreme situations drivers may be charged with a crime. Regardless of whether road rage can be proven, drivers that cause bike accidents can still be held liable for injuries due to negligence. Negligence exists when a driver breaches his or her duty to act as a reasonable person would given the circumstances, causing another’s injury, and resulting in damages. For example, a driver who is speeding past a bicyclist after being annoyed, or intentionally riding closely behind the bicycle, would be seen as unreasonable. Often, a driver responsible for a road rage bike accident will leave the scene, making an injured victim feel even more helpless. Obviously, hit and run accidents are difficult in terms of recovering damages in a civil case, however, damages arising out of these collisions can still be covered under a bicyclist’s own uninsured motorist policy. Damages available to victims injured by another’s road rage include property loss, past and future medical costs, loss of wages, diminished earning capacity, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

Road rage bicycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries such as paralysis and traumatic brain injury, and can also prove fatal. It is important not only to hold dangerous motorists responsible for their reckless actions, but also to make sure victims have the financial support they need to recover after being struck in a bike lane or on the road. Attorney Robert Dixon represents clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, fighting for their rights throughout the entire duration of a claim. If you’ve been injured, or a loved one has died as a result of a bike accident caused by another’s road rage, please call 877.499.4878 or contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon online for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options. We represent clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.