Bilingual Bike Injury Attorneys Advocating for Injured Bicyclists in Florida.
The year-round warm climate of Florida allows residents to use bicycles for transportation from January through December, providing both a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to motor vehicle transportation. Unfortunately, this also means that bicycle accidents are much more common in our neighborhoods, especially when the sheer number of fast-moving cars on the Florida roadways and an annual uptick in distracted driving are brought into the mix. A bicycle is no match for a motorized vehicle in terms of size and weight, and regardless of how common cycling is as a form of transportation, many drivers simply do not pay attention to bicyclists sharing the roadway. If you’ve been injured in a biking accident, contact the experienced Florida bicycle accident lawyers at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. for a free consultation about your case.
If you or a family member has been injured while riding a bicycle, you may have the right to recover compensation from the driver who caused the accident. Insurance adjusters may use intimidation to minimize their liability following the accident, making it important that you consult with an experienced Lake Worth bicycle accident lawyer before agreeing to any settlement—regardless of how appealing the offer may sound. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we are committed to protecting the rights of our clients who may rely on their bicycles as a primary mode of transportation, as well as those who use their bicycles for exercise and enjoyment.
Rights and Responsibilities of Florida Bicyclists
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that bicyclists are legally entitled to share the roadways with motor vehicles. Drivers owe the same duty of care to bicyclists as they do to drivers of other motor vehicles. In Florida, the following general guidelines apply with respect to bicycle safety and potential causes of bicycle accidents:
- Passing: Under Florida law, the driver of a motor vehicle is now required to leave at least three feet of distance when passing a bicyclist on the roadway. Many bicycle accidents are caused by drivers who fail to follow this important safety rule.
- Right Turns: Drivers are required to signal when making a right turn, and they must yield to bicyclists in a bike lane who are not turning. This means that if a car suddenly turns right and hits a bicycle that is continuing to move straight ahead in the bicycle lane, the driver of the motor vehicle may be responsible for the accident.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers are required to yield to oncoming traffic when turning out of a driveway or parking lot—including when the relevant “traffic” is a bicycle.
- Helmets: Under Florida law, a bicyclist is required to wear a helmet if he or she is under age 16.
Why Choose The Florida Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. to Protect Your Rights Following an Accident?
The fact that you don’t have medical insurance coverage, or that you don’t want to draw attention to your immigration status, should not impact your ability to recover full and fair compensation for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our compassionate Florida bicycle accident lawyers offer a safe, welcoming environment where we will listen to your story and offer our honest opinion as to how we can help with your case. We understand that you may be rattled and scared following an injury. We want our potential clients to know that our office is truly bilingual, meaning that you can tell us your story in your native language and really be understood by the attorney who represents you in your Lake Worth bicycle accident case.
In many cases, a simple phone call from a reputable and well-known attorney can motivate the insurance adjusters to adopt a more reasonable stance with respect to negotiating compensation in a bike accident case. In other bicycle accident cases, a more comprehensive legal plan of action may be required, and we are ready and willing to put our skills to work for you both in and out of the courtroom.
Contact Our Qualified Florida Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation Today
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we have earned a reputation for providing the highest-quality legal advice to members of our community while simultaneously treating our fellow neighbors with compassion and respect. An initial consultation with one of our attorneys is yours free of charge, so you have nothing to lose by asking for legal help with your Florida bicycle accident claim. If you decide to retain our formal legal services, we can discuss flexible payment options at that time. Contact our Florida bicycle accident lawyers at 561-533-0345 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your options today. We have our main office located at 813 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as an office in Pompano Beach, Florida. You can also fill out this online form, and we will respond promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Bicycle Accidents
Under Florida law, not wearing a bicycle helmet cannot be used as evidence of negligence or contributory negligence. Florida Statute 316.2065(18) specifically and clearly states this law, so yes, you still have the right to recover compensation from a negligent party even if you were not wearing a helmet when your bicycle accident occurred.
First and foremost, you should seek medical attention for your bike accident injuries. This is true even if you were fortunate and did not suffer any injuries that are immediately apparent. Immediate medical attention not only protects your health and well-being, but your medical records immediately following the accident can serve as a basis for recovering compensation for your medical expenses and future medical care that may become necessary. Once you have received proper medical attention, contact an experienced Florida bicycle accident attorney to discuss your options going forward.