Fort Myers Bicycle Accidents
Traveling by bicycle is a great way to get around and be active. Cyclists have just as much right to the road as motor vehicles and must be respected as such. Unfortunately, carelessness and aggressive driving by motorists can leave cyclists with debilitating injuries that may need long term care and rehabilitation.
Florida consistently ranks among the highest in the nation in fatal auto accident involving bicycles. In 2013, 133 cyclists lost their lives in auto accidents. Sadly, many drivers simply do not look out for cyclists on the road even though the law requires them to.
Why to bicycle accidents happen?
Accidents often happen because driver are unaware of the presence of a cyclist. Common causes of auto accidents with cyclists include:
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding;
- Failure to obey stop signs; and
- Changing lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots.
Whether cyclists are harmed on the road, sidewalks, or in crosswalks, if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, the cyclist may have grounds to sue for damages. The experienced and dedicated lawyers of The Pendas Law firm regularly represent cyclists hurt by the careless actions of drivers and understand how to successfully prosecute these types of claims.
Common bicycle accident injuries
The unfortunate nature of bicycle accidents is that even low-speed collisions may result in serious injuries and huge medical bills. The sheer size and speed at which cars and trucks travel make any encounter between them and a cyclist a potentially life threatening situation. Serious bicycle accidents may result in:
- Broken bones;
- Concussions;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Serious lacerations;
- Internal bleeding and organ damage;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Paralysis; and/or
- Death.
Any one of these catastrophic injuries may lead to victims incurring serious hospital bills and medical expenses for simply using their bicycle as a means of conveyance. The Pendas Law Firm takes these types of accidents very seriously and works closely with victims and their families to get them the justice and compensation they deserve.
Compensation in bicycle accidents
Under Florida’s tort laws, injured cyclists are eligible for all the same compensation as other personal injury victims. Cyclists harmed by negligent drivers may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost wages;
- Hospital bills;
- Future medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering; and/or
- Emotional anguish.
Serious injuries like paralysis, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries may mean the victim will never work again. Victims may be entitled to their future lost wages as well as any long term care needs as a result of the accident.
Fort Myers bicycle accident lawyers
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt while riding your bicycle in the Fort Myers or Bonita Springs area, contact The Pendas Law Firm for a consultation about your case. Our lawyers understand the hardships accident victims and their families may face in their time of need and that is why we work so hard to secure the compensation they deserve.
Our lawyers serve the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Jacksonville areas.
