What Do I Do After a Sarasota Bicycle Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries, psychological trauma, medical bills, lost wages, and more. That’s an overwhelming amount of stress to take on, and you do not have to do it alone. Get in touch with an experienced Sarasota bicycle accident attorney to discuss your options to recover compensation for all your pain and suffering.
The attorneys at Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers have years of experience representing injured cyclists in Florida. We are a customer-centered law firm committed to providing reliable and professional legal services to our clients. Our team understands the complexities of bicycle accident cases and is ready to fight for your rights in seeking compensation. Call our offices to schedule a free consultation right away.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Florida
The biggest threat to cyclist safety is negligent drivers. Poor maintenance on roadways is also a danger. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Sarasota are:
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents in Florida is distracted driving. Motorists who use their phones, adjust their radios, or engage in other distractions while driving may fail to notice cyclists on the road, leading to severe collisions.
Failure to Yield
Motor vehicle drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks also contribute to a significant number of accidents. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable in these situations, as they may lack the space to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
Speeding
Excessive speed is another common cause of bike accidents. Speeding drivers have less time to react to obstacles on the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions and the severity of injuries during an impact.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol or drug impairment among motor vehicle drivers is a recurring issue in fatal and serious bicycle accidents. Impaired drivers often exhibit poor judgment and reaction times, making them a significant danger to cyclists on Florida roads.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents occur when a motor vehicle occupant opens their car door into the path of an approaching cyclist, leaving little to no time for the cyclist to react. Dooring is particularly common in areas with heavy street parking and limited dedicated bike lanes, where cyclists are forced to ride close to parked vehicles.
Road Hazards
Unsafe road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or overgrown vegetation, can also lead to bicycle accidents. Cyclists may swerve into traffic to avoid these obstacles, creating dangerous situations for themselves and nearby motorists.
Common Injuries for Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle accident victims often sustain a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Common injuries include fractures, particularly to the collarbone, arms, and wrists, which are prone to impact during a fall or collision.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also a significant concern, especially for riders without proper helmet protection. Road rash, a painful skin abrasion caused by sliding on asphalt, is another severe injury among cyclists.
Additionally, spinal cord injuries and damage to internal organs can occur in high-impact accidents. These serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment and recovery time, which underscores the importance of safety precautions and vigilant riding practices.
Can I Sue After a Bicycle Accident?
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the legal right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. To successfully sue after a bicycle accident, you must establish that the other party acted negligently and that their actions directly led to your injuries. For instance, if a driver violated traffic laws—such as failing to yield or speeding—and caused a collision, they could be held responsible for the resulting damages.
The legal process for a personal injury claim can be complex, but having an experienced Sarasota bicycle accident lawyer on your side can greatly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims
In Florida, individuals seeking to file a bicycle accident claim must adhere to the state’s statute of limitations. For personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that victims have a two-year window to file their lawsuit in civil court.
However, if the accident resulted in a fatality and a wrongful death claim is being pursued, the timeline is two years from the date of the victim’s passing. It is crucial to meet these deadlines, as failing to file within the specified time frame can lead to the court dismissing your case, barring you from receiving compensation.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to recover various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Economic damages are a key category and cover tangible losses such as medical bills, including hospital fees, rehabilitation costs, and future medical expenses related to the injury. Additionally, lost wages and diminished earning capacity can be included if the accident has impacted the victim’s ability to work.
Non-economic damages may also be recoverable and are designed to address the intangible impact of the accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How Will a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A bicycle accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the claims process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. One of the primary roles of an attorney is to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records to build a compelling case in your favor.
Additionally, an experienced lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurers may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, but a skilled attorney knows how to negotiate effectively, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of during this critical time.
Beyond handling the complex legal process, a bicycle accident lawyer offers peace of mind. You can focus on your recovery while trusting that a knowledgeable professional is managing the intricacies of your case. From filing paperwork within the required deadlines to advocating for maximum compensation, your lawyer serves as an essential advocate, guiding you every step of the way.
How Much Will a Bicycle Accident Attorney Cost?
Many bicycle accident victims hesitate to seek legal representation after a bicycle accident due to concerns about cost. However, most personal injury lawyers, including those handling bicycle accident cases, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not have to pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses to hire an attorney. Instead, the law firm will collect a percentage of the settlement or court award if your case is successful.
The percentage typically ranges between 33 1/3% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. This arrangement ensures that legal services are accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. It also motivates attorneys to work diligently, as their payment depends on achieving a successful outcome for their clients.
Before signing a representation agreement, your attorney will outline all potential costs and fees so there are no surprises. This transparency allows you to make an informed decision and ensures that you fully understand how the contingency fee arrangement works. If you have questions about legal fees, do not hesitate to discuss them during your initial consultation. Many attorneys also offer free consultations, allowing you to evaluate their services without any financial commitment.
Where Can I Find a Great Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
If you are searching for a dependable and experienced Sarasota bicycle accident lawyer, look no further than Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers. Our team of personal injury attorneys is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-focused legal representation tailored to meet your specific needs. We understand the challenges that come with recovering from a bicycle accident and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
With years of experience handling bicycle accident claims, we are well-versed in Florida’s laws and will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected. We will help you recover compensation for your losses. Contact the Fran Haasch Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and begin the process of seeking compensation and justice.
