Every time an individual gets on their bicycle and navigates Florida roads, they could be at serious risk for an accident. Even though some bicycle accidents are caused by negligence on behalf of the rider, many others are caused by drivers who are not paying close attention to the roads around them. In 2018 alone, fatal bicycle accidents took the lives of over 850 victims in the U.S., with a large percentage of these happening in Florida. If you have suffered damages in a bicycle accident, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is likely that you have questions regarding your accident. You should always be prepared to speak with an attorney who is knowledgeable about these cases and can assist you every step of the way.

Florida Bicycle Accident FAQ 

What should I do after a serious bicycle accident? If you have been injured in a serious bicycle accident due to the negligence of another party, the first thing that you must consider is your health and well-being. Before any other actions take place, you should always receive medical attention by going to the hospital if you have injuries. Some injuries could be worse than you originally thought they were.

After an accident, it is also important that you speak with the police and gather any necessary contact information from those who were present at the scene of your accident. Police will gather information and make a police report that will be incredibly useful in your claim later on down the road.

If a defective roadway condition caused my accident, who is responsible? You may be able to sue the government agency that is in charge of maintaining the roadway if you were involved in a bicycle accident involving a road condition. However, these claims are not always easy to bring and you may find that there are shorter deadlines and many rules you must follow to be successful in your claim. 

Do bicyclists have the right-of-way all the time? No, bicyclists are unlike pedestrians and do not have the right-of-way if they are stopped at an intersection. This means that a bicyclist must always abide by road signs and traffic lights before they make a move. 

What happens if I violated a traffic law at the time of my accident? Even if you were partially at fault for your accident, you may still be able to recover a percentage of the damages that you have obtained in an accident. It is in your best interest to talk to an attorney if you do not yet know who is at fault. 

How long do I have to file a bicycle personal injury claim? The statute of limitations varies in cases but, in Florida, you have four years from the time of your accident to bring a personal injury claim. If you go past this time, there is a chance that you will be barred from bringing a claim.

Speaking with a Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney 

At Sheftall & Associates, our Florida accident attorneys understand how challenging it can be to face the aftermath of an accident on your own. Our personal injury attorneys have handled many claims in the past and will help you successfully bring a claim for aspects like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more after an accident that is not your fault. You should never have to stand alone following a collision and we are here to offer a helping hand. Please contact a bicycle accident attorney in Florida at (904) 569-6025 to find out how we can help you.