Choosing a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Florida legislation imposes legal requirements on motor vehicle drivers and their interactions with bicyclists and pedestrians. As Florida attorneys that handles bicycle accidents & pedestrian accident attorneys, we hold drivers responsible for causing damage to bicycle riders and pedestrians.
Bicyclists have the equivalent rights as motor vehicle drivers on Florida's streets. Regrettably, vehicle drivers do not always respect the legal rights of bicyclists. Careless or reckless driving behaviors quite often cause serious accidents resulting in injuries to bicycle riders and pedestrians. Even if cyclists use appropriate safety protection, they are still highly vulnerable. What might seem like a simple collision to the automobile operator can bring about severe or even life-altering damages for the bicyclist.
While pedestrians are normally not moving at speeds as fast as bicyclists, they are much more at risk since they normally don't wear safety gear like a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 500 pedestrians are slain, and about 7,000 are injured or hurt in Florida traffic accidents every year. What's most worrying is that many of those accidents are avoidable.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in Florida, you are entitled to compensation. Our bicycle accidents lawyers and pedestrian accident attorneys can help you receive the proper settlement you deserve for your losses, pain, and suffering.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Pedestrians in Florida
Pedestrians in Florida have the right of way when crossing the street. Regardless of whether an intersection has no crossing signals, drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians on the crosswalk. If, however, a pedestrian crosses the street where there is no marked crosswalk, they should yield to motorists. A pedestrian who darts into traffic or J-walks might be partially responsible if an accident arises. Florida is a comparative fault state, so their portion of fault could lessen the pedestrian's claim. Thus, it's optimal to call a Florida pedestrian accident attorney to discuss the unique facts of your case.
Florida Pedestrian Collision Attorney Devoted to Helping People Injured by Motorist Negligence Recover
The injuries bicyclists and pedestrians can sustain in car accidents can be hefty. They may produce past and future medical bills, lost or reduced wages from lack of ability to work after the calamity, dealing with property damage, reduced quality of life, and more. Fortunately for victims of such incidents, our Florida Bike accident attorneys can assist them to recuperate damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Moreover, our pedestrian accident attorneys are committed to helping injured victims get the settlement they are worthy of for their losses.
Keeping Negligent Motorists Liable
Cyclists and pedestrians recognize that many vehicle drivers are not always as perceptive as they should be of their environments. Even though many metropolitan areas have established marked bicycle and pedestrian lanes in heavy traffic zones, incidents continue to happen. Bicyclists and pedestrians can practice certain safety measures to make themselves more visible to drivers and reduce the possibility of being in an unfortunate incident. Nonetheless, motorists are ultimately obligated to drive safely and in a way that does not endanger others. Below are some typical motorist mistakes that bring about cycle and pedestrian incidents:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding.
- Texting while driving.
- Opening a door into an oncoming bicyclist.
- Turning right and hitting a bicyclist or pedestrian.
- Side-swiping a bicyclist or pedestrian.
To determine if you have valid premises for a personal injury claim, you should certainly seek advice from an accomplished bicycle accident attorney or pedestrian accident attorney immediately. In the event that you hesitate to file a claim, you may lose evidence and affect the outcomes of your claim. Therefore, speak with a bike accident lawyer or a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible for your best odds at gaining a fair deal.
Actions to Take After Being Damaged in a Cycle or Pedestrian Accident
When bicyclists and pedestrians are on the roadways, incidents are always a possibility. You could possibly feel confused and overwhelmed in the first moments following an incident. It's most recommended to proceed cautiously to protect your legal rights immediately following the incident. Below are some guidelines to bear in mind right after you've been injured or hurt in a bicycle or pedestrian accident.
- Get to a safe place - take a look around and locate a secure place to transfer to, out of the way of vehicles, to avoid further injuries.
- Keep your cool - take a moment to calm down prior to taking any action. Most essentially, by no means admit fault or depart the scene.
- Inspect your damages - You'll most likely have adrenaline running high and be in shock following an accident, having an effect on your pain perception. Make certain to inspect yourself for critical signs of injury thoroughly. Call an ambulance as soon as possible if you assume there is any likelihood you've been hurt.
- Call the authorities - remain on the scene until law enforcement show up and make certain all parties involved remain. If the vehicle driver escapes, take down their license plate number.
- Submit an incident report - See to it that that you give the police your statement for the incident report. If the police officer only take a driver's statement, you are able to ask to have the report amended another time.
- Acquire contact information - get telephone numbers, addresses, and insurance information of all vehicle owners involved and any witnesses nearby.
- Take photos - even if your incident was small, take pictures of the scene. Photograph yourself, your bike, any automobiles involved, and the collision site. Ensure that you get photos of any destruction to the automobile and your bike. Your bicycle accident attorney can make use of images to build your case in the future.
- Preserve evidence - this includes your bicycle, which you should not try to have repaired until after your claim has been resolved. Keep the clothing you were wearing at the time of the incident unwashed and refrain from repairing any damages. Only share evidence with your bicycle accident attorney.
- Get healthcare - Whether or not you think your injuries don't warrant medical care, still see a medical professional. Small injuries can become more unpleasant as time goes on, and you'll need to have proof of any potentially major injuries.
- Maintain records - keep a record of all doctors visits, communications with insurance firms, or any other action associated with the accident. Your bicycle accident attorney will need these records as evidence to help assist with your claim.
- Do not communicate with insurance adjusters - the vehicle driver's insurance firm might actually try to get ahold of you, but you should let your bicycle accident attorney communicate with them on your behalf.
- Consult with a Florida bicycle accident attorney or pedestrian accident lawyer. Although it is possible that you had partial liability in the accident, the majority of collisions happen because of negligent or inconsiderate motorists. Regardless of the circumstances, if a driver caused you injuries or property damage, they should be held accountable. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident or pedestrian accident, consult with an adept bicycle accident attorney or pedestrian accident lawyer to learn if you have a legitimate case.
Reach Out To a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer or a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Florida
In the event that you've sustained an injury in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, our Florida pedestrian accident attorneys and bicycle accident lawyers can help.
We know that this is a tough time, and we will do everything in our power to accommodate you and your loved ones. To begin with, we'll provide you peace of mind by handling communications and fighting the legal fight in your place. Then we will win you the compensation you are worthy of.
St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas
5858 Central Ave, Suite A
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 381-2300
www.727injury.com
Riverview Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas
12953 U.S. 301 Suite 102a
Riverview, FL 33578
(813) 639-8111
www.727injury.com