Bicycle Accident Lawyers That Will Fight For Your Rights

A bicycle accident can change your life in seconds. Cyclists have little protection when a car, truck or unsafe road condition causes a crash. Injuries can be serious, medical bills can grow quickly and insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the rider.

At Pincus & Currier LLP, we help injured cyclists protect their rights and pursue compensation. Our lawyers understand how bicycle crashes happen and how insurance companies respond to them. We investigate the accident, gather evidence and build a strong claim so you can focus on recovery.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, contact our firm at 561-485-4291 or via online form to discuss your options. Our team can review your case and explain the next steps.

Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents

Many bicycle accidents occur because drivers fail to see or respect cyclists. Florida law allows cyclists to share the road, but careless driving often leads to serious crashes.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Dooring incidents: A driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path without checking for riders. The cyclist may collide with the door or swerve into traffic.
• Right-hook and left-cross turns: These crashes happen when a driver turns across a cyclist’s path. A right hook occurs when a vehicle turns right in front of a cyclist traveling straight. A left cross happens when a driver turns left across oncoming cyclists.
• Distracted or impaired drivers: Drivers who text, use a phone or drive under the influence often fail to notice cyclists until it is too late.
• Road hazards and poor maintenance: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement and poorly designed bike lanes can cause riders to lose control.
• Hit-and-run accidents: Some drivers leave the scene after striking a cyclist. These cases may involve uninsured motorist coverage or other insurance options.

A bicycle accident attorney can investigate the crash, review traffic laws and determine who may be responsible.

Types Of Injuries Cyclists Often Suffer

Because bicycles offer little physical protection, cyclists often suffer severe injuries in a crash. Even a low-speed collision can lead to lasting health problems.

Common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries: Even with a helmet, cyclists may suffer concussions or serious brain trauma.
• Spinal cord damage: A severe impact can damage the spine and lead to long-term mobility problems or paralysis.
• Broken bones and fractures: Cyclists often suffer fractures in the arms, legs, ribs or collarbone.
• Road rash and soft tissue injuries: When a cyclist slides across pavement, deep abrasions and muscle injuries can occur.
• Internal injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage may not appear immediately but can become life-threatening.

Medical treatment for these injuries can require surgery, rehabilitation and long recovery periods. A lawyer can help calculate the full cost of these losses when pursuing compensation.

Cyclist Rights And Florida Traffic Laws

Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles in many situations. Cyclists have the right to ride on most roads and drivers must share the roadway safely.

Key legal principles include:

• Right to use the road: Cyclists generally have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. They may ride in traffic lanes when needed for safety.
• Driver responsibilities: Motorists must keep a safe distance when passing a cyclist and must check for riders before turning or opening a vehicle door.
• Insurance considerations: When a crash occurs, different types of insurance coverage may apply. These may include automobile liability coverage, personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage.

Understanding these laws can be important when determining who is responsible for an accident. Our attorneys review police reports, witness statements and available evidence to evaluate each case.

Compensation After A Bicycle Accident

A serious bicycle accident can lead to significant financial losses. Medical treatment, time away from work and long-term care needs can place a heavy burden on injured riders and their families.

Compensation in a bicycle accident claim may include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital visits, surgery, therapy, medications and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages: Paychecks and other income you miss while you heal or attend medical treatment
• Pain and suffering: The physical discomfort and emotional strain that can follow a serious crash
• Property damage: The expense of fixing or replacing your bicycle, helmet and other damaged gear
• Future care needs: Long-term medical care, rehabilitation or assistive devices

Insurance companies often try to limit payouts or argue that the cyclist caused the crash. An experienced attorney can negotiate with insurers and pursue fair compensation when another party’s negligence caused the accident.

Speak With A Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you suffered injuries in a bicycle crash, legal guidance can make a difference. Evidence can disappear quickly and insurance companies may contact you soon after the accident.

The legal team at Pincus & Currier LLP works with injured cyclists throughout Florida, including West Palm Beach and the surrounding communities. We review the details of your accident, explain your legal options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact our office today at 561-485-4291 or through our online form to schedule a consultation and learn how our bicycle accident lawyers can help protect your rights.