Since the start of the pandemic, bicycling has increased in popularity across Central Florida. People are buying new ones, fixing up old ones and riding more than ever before. Even though the number of bicyclists on the road has gone up, many drivers do not show proper attention to riders on the road.
Riding a bicycle has become a popular means of commuting to and from work for many in Central Florida. Not only does it offer an efficient and reliable means of transportation, but it allows the rider to save on gas and parking costs. The risk of injury, however, increases for bicyclists when sharing the road with motorists on busy highways. If you are injured in an Orlando bicycle accident, it is important to contact an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases.
Legal Knowledge
Simply being a personal injury attorney in Orlando, FL may not be enough to successfully win a bicycle accident case. It helps to have an attorney who is well-versed in local traffic laws, including those laws for bicyclists. Just like any other vehicle on the road, bicyclists must follow certain rules of the road. Your attorney should be aware of those rules, as well as those that drivers need to follow when sharing the road with bicyclists. An attorney who regularly handles bicycle injury cases will be able to accurately determine whether you have a case before proceeding further.
Reviewing all Circumstances
Bicycle accidents are not always caused by another driver. Many times, non-drivers are involved; this can include physical landmarks, such as unmarked potholes or broken pieces of sidewalk. Pedestrians can also cause bicycle accidents, or occasionally someone could leave something on the road or sidewalk that causes an accident.
An experienced bicycle personal injury attorney can look at all the possible variables leading to the accident and can ascertain which of these factors played a part, proving causation more accurately in the case. In situations where it is a matter of the bicycle itself malfunctioning, a bicycle personal injury attorney will have the background knowledge to determine whether the bicycle itself was to blame due to a malfunction or defect.
Compensation for Damages and Injuries
Due to the nature of bicycle accidents, the types of injuries and damages sustained are different than damages in vehicular accidents. Since bicyclists have little protection other than their helmets, when a crash occurs, the injuries are oftentimes severe. Every six hours, a bicyclist is on the receiving end of a catastrophic injury. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are responsible for about 75 percent of all serious injuries and fatalities to bicyclists from negligent drivers.
A bicycling injury can result in that person being seriously injured, unable to work, and suffering from severe emotional trauma, as well. An attorney who handles these types of cases on a regular basis can help fight for compensation for all these injuries and damages.
It is important to seek immediate medical treatment and speak with an experienced Orlando bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident, particularly if you have suffered serious injury as a result.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include actions of a negligent car or truck driver failing to yield to the bicyclist, speeding, ignoring blind spots, opening a car door, pulling into traffic in front of the bicyclist, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Bicycle accidents also occur due to limited visibility, hazardous road conditions, and defects in either the vehicle or the bicycle, including helmet and other accessory defects.
If you or someone close to you was seriously injured in an Orlando bicycle accident, our personal injury lawyers are ready to help protect your legal rights. From investigating the cause of the accident to helping you get the medical treatment you need, the legal team at Wooten Kimbrough Damaso & Dennis, P.A. is here to assist you every step of the way, and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (407) 843-7060 for a free consultation.
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