Falling off your bicycle after hitting a rock is one thing, but getting thrown from your bike in a collision is another story. After a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you could be dealing with life-altering injuries and expensive medical bills, which is why you need a bicycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale to help you recover compensation.
Filing a claim on your own can be complicated, especially if you’re suffering from a serious injury. The good news is that The Schiller Kessler Group can help you file a successful claim. Contact a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer from our firm today to get the representation you need to obtain a high-value settlement.
Damages a Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Obtain From a Lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale
When a bicycle accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale represents you in court, they’ll demand that you receive all the damages you need to cover your expenses, replace lost wages, and compensate you for other challenges. If your lawsuit is successful, you could receive any of the following compensatory damages:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment costs
- Cost of medications, medical devices, and physical therapy sessions
- Vehicle repair costs
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Filing a Claim With Your PIP Insurance Policy
Since Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state, you’ll have to seek compensation for your medical bills from your PIP policy. However, filing a successful insurance claim can be difficult, especially if you’re in the process of recovering from a serious injury.
Our bicycle accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale can help you file a claim with your insurer to help ensure you get the payment you need to cover your treatment expenses and vehicle repair bills. However, you might have to take legal action if your insurer denies your claim.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Florida
When assessing fault after a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, the state uses a modified comparative negligence model. What this means is that injury victims can pursue compensation for their losses even if they share in the blame for causing the accident. However, you can only file a claim if your level of fault was 50% or less.
Additionally, if you were partially responsible for causing the accident, the amount you can recover will be affected. Your level of liability will decrease the money you can recover proportionally. For example, if you were 10% to blame, you can recover 90% of the cost of your damages. Meanwhile, if you were 40% at fault, the maximum recoverable amount would be 60%.
Use Caution When Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Bicycle Accident
Many people mistakenly think that the insurance company will act in their best interests when pursuing compensation for damages suffered in a bicycle accident. Although insurers go to great lengths to portray themselves as helpful neighbors, the truth is that these companies care far more about profits than they do people.
Insurance adjusters are taught a variety of tricks that they will use against you in an attempt to deny or devalue your claim. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to decline to give a statement until you have secured the services of an experienced Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorney.
Once you have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side, they will handle all communications with the insurance company, leveling the playing field and significantly improving your chances of recovering favorable compensation.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area
If you cannot receive compensation via an insurance claim, or if you suffered serious injuries that enable you to take legal action and pursue further damages, a bicycle accident attorney from our team in Fort Lauderdale can help you file a lawsuit. To do so, your lawyer must identify the at-fault party and find evidence to hold them liable for your injuries and losses.
Potential Liable Parties
Your bicycle accident attorney serving Fort Lauderdale will work with investigators to determine who is to blame for your bicycle accident and prove that they should be held responsible. You might be surprised to learn that the guilty party isn’t always the driver involved in the incident. Sometimes, other parties can be at fault.
Based on the evidence discovered during the investigation, any of the following parties could be held liable for your medical bills and other damages:
- A local municipality: If you fell from your bike after hitting an obstruction in the road, the municipality that’s responsible for maintaining and removing safety hazards from the streets may be held liable.
- A passenger: If a passenger opened their door without checking to ensure there weren’t any vehicles or bikes approaching from behind and you collided with the open door, they could be held liable for your medical bills and losses.
- Owner of a parked car: If you collided with a car that was parked in a bike lane, the owner of the car could be held responsible for your accident-related expenses.
- A manufacturer: When manufacturers cut corners and produce defective or poorly designed car parts, those parts can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and strike unsuspecting cyclists. If your accident was caused by auto manufacturer negligence, we can file a lawsuit against the manufacturing company.
- The driver: If our team finds that the driver caused the collision due to speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, or another form of negligence, we’ll work tirelessly to hold them responsible for your losses.
Florida’s Filing Deadline for Bicycle Accident Lawsuits
The statute of limitations is an important aspect to consider when pursuing a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale. It refers to the time limit within which you must file your claim in order to seek compensation. Failure to file within the designated time frame can result in your claim being barred and losing your opportunity to receive the compensation.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorney to ensure you understand the specific deadlines and requirements that apply to your case.
Filing a claim can be complex, and it is essential to take prompt action to protect your rights. Filing delays can lead to the loss of evidence, difficulty in obtaining witness statements, and other challenges that can weaken your case. By consulting an attorney early on, you can ensure that you meet all deadlines and maximize your chances of a successful claim.
Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we don’t believe in charging struggling bicycle accident victims a traditional attorney’s fee. Instead, the bicycle accident lawyers on our team in Fort Lauderdale work on a contingency fee basis. With this payment method, you won’t have to pay any upfront or out-of-pocket expenses for our legal services.
Instead, we will take a fixed portion of the money recovered in your case. When your attorney meets with you via a free consultation, they’ll discuss their percentage and answer any questions you have about our contingency fee policy.
We aim to make experienced legal representation available to all accident victims, regardless of their financial situation.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL
In Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, certain roads and intersections are particularly hazardous for cyclists due to heavy traffic, complex layouts, and high-speed conditions. According to the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, Florida was home to the top seven metropolitan areas with the highest pedestrian danger index, with the Broward-Miami-Dade region ranking 11th overall in the study. Notably, 56% of deadly crashes occurred on just 4% of the road network, which is made up of 6-lane roads, highlighting the dangers posed by these high-traffic corridors.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, your claim may be filed through the at-fault party’s insurance company or through the Broward County Court system if a lawsuit is necessary. In 2023, Broward County reported 890 bicycle crashes, resulting in 12 fatalities and 832 injuries, showing a notable increase in both incidents and injuries compared to the previous year. With Fort Lauderdale’s busy streets and growing number of riders, areas with heavy traffic and limited bike infrastructure can pose increased risks to cyclists throughout the city.
Bicycle accidents can be devastating, causing serious injuries and even death. In the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, where biking is a popular mode of transportation and a common recreational activity, it’s important to understand the unique challenges and risks that come with riding a bicycle.
Traffic
One key factor contributing to bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale is heavy traffic. With a high volume of cars, trucks, and pedestrians sharing the roadways, accidents are not uncommon. In addition, the lack of designated bicycle lanes in some areas can further increase the risk of collisions between bicyclists and motorists.
Driver Negligence
Another common cause of bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale is driver negligence. This can include distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In some cases, the driver may not be aware of the presence of a bicyclist on the road, leading to a collision.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can also contribute to bicycle accidents. Heavy rain, strong winds, and poor visibility can make it more difficult for cyclists and motorists to navigate the roads safely.
Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale is the first step in preventing them. By being aware of the risks and taking necessary precautions, such as wearing a helmet and following traffic laws, cyclists can help ensure their safety on the roads. Additionally, motorists must remain vigilant and share the road responsibly with bicyclists.
Should You Get Medical Treatment After a Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident?
Seeking medical treatment after a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale is not only important for your health and well-being but also for the success of your personal injury claim. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as not all injuries are immediately evident.
Identifying Hidden Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in hidden injuries that may not manifest until hours or even days after the incident. Internal bleeding, concussions, and soft tissue injuries are just a few examples of injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
Establishing Documentation of Your Injuries
By seeking medical treatment promptly, you not only prioritize your health but also establish a documented record of your injuries. This medical record will play a crucial role in supporting your claim and maximizing your potential compensation.
Insurance companies and opposing parties often look for any opportunity to downplay the seriousness of your injuries or claim that they are unrelated to the accident. Having a comprehensive medical record will help counter these arguments and strengthen your case.
Increasing Financial Compensation
Furthermore, delaying medical treatment can give insurance companies the impression that your injuries are not severe or that they may have been caused by something other than the accident. This can significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive.
Types of Injuries Related to Bicycle Crashes
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident. Understanding the types of injuries that can occur after a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale is crucial in pursuing a personal injury claim and seeking the compensation you deserve.
Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries
One common type of injury in bicycle crashes is head and brain injuries. Even with the use of helmets, bicyclists are vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures. These injuries can have long-term consequences, including cognitive impairments, memory loss, and chronic headaches.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another serious concern. The impact of a bicycle accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of motor function. These catastrophic injuries can dramatically impact a person’s quality of life, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common result of bicycle accidents. Bicycle riders often suffer from fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended periods of immobility for proper healing.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises, are also common in bicycle accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility. While they may not be as severe as other types of injuries, they can still result in medical expenses and the need for ongoing treatment.
Internal Injuries
In some cases, bicycle accidents can lead to internal injuries, including organ damage, internal bleeding, or ruptured blood vessels. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated.
Emotional Distress
Emotional and psychological injuries are also prevalent after bicycle accidents. The trauma of the accident can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions that require therapy and counseling.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Serving Fort Lauderdale Today
The Schiller Kessler Group is different from other personal injury firms. Our firm is committed to obtaining the damages our clients deserve, and we have the case results to prove it. When you see the impressive verdicts and settlements we’ve won in the past, you’ll be convinced that we’re the right choice for your case.
With over three decades of experience in personal injury law, we have the knowledge and resources to help guide you through the process of recovering compensation for your losses. Contact us today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.
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