8 Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Florida
Most of the time, when a car collides with a bicycle, it’s the motorist’s fault, not the cyclist’s. The unfortunate fact is that many cyclists are struck and severely injured every year due to negligent drivers. Tragically, far too many innocent cyclists are killed in these kinds of accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or been killed as the result of the negligent actions of a vehicle driver, The Eberst Law Firm may be able to help you obtain compensation. Please give us a call at 888-CALL-JON or contact us online for a free review of your case. While there are many different reasons cars hit bicycles, a lot of accidents occur for eight specific reasons. Here is a brief look at each. Common Bicycle Accident Causes 1. Speeding A lot of drivers feel that bicyclists are nuisances, and will do whatever they can to get around them whenever possible. In many instances, this means a motorist will try to speed up to get around a cyclist. By trying to shave a couple of minutes off of a trip, a driver chooses to put a bike rider in severe jeopardy. Speeding bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because the driver did not...
Speeding Can Cause Life-Threatening Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are at a greater risk of debilitating or fatal injuries in speeding bicycle accidents. Summary Speeding, whether by motorists or cyclists, increases the risk of severe bicycle accidents due to reduced reaction time and compromised control. Speeding drivers pose a significant threat to cyclists, often resulting in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists in collisions. Bicyclists themselves can also speed, leading to accidents with other cyclists or objects, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. Factors contributing to speeding include running late, traffic frustrations, and impaired judgment, underscoring the need for vigilance on the road. [lwptoc depth="3" width="full" skipHeadingText="Summary"] Speeding is when someone drives above the posted speed limit, or a bicyclist drives much faster than the normal speed of traffic. It can reduce a person’s reaction time and affect their field of vision, making it difficult to stop before hitting another driver, bicyclist, or obstacle. Speeding bicycle accidents can occur when a motor vehicle driver or bicyclist goes much too fast to stop themselves before hitting a bicyclist. High-speed bicycle crashes can expose cyclists to severe injuries, such as neck injuries, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries, that can cause life-threatening consequences. A...
Road Hazards that Cause Bicycle Accidents in Stuart, Florida
Bicycle accidents can result from various factors, with road hazards significantly contributing. These hazards can catch cyclists off guard, leading to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. If a hazard caused your bike accident and resulted in a severe injury, The Eberst Law Firm can fight to help you obtain maximum compensation from those who were responsible. Call 1-888-CALL-JON or use our online form for a free case evaluation. Bicycle Accident Statistics in the United States You could argue that the most dangerous road hazards cyclists face are cars and trucks. In 2021, 961 riders across the country died in crashes with motor vehicles. Bike deaths have risen 55% since 2010. In Florida, 213 riders died, and 6,757 suffered injuries in 2022. How Do Road Hazards Cause Bicycle Accidents? But many other road hazards, such as potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces, can have devastating consequences for riders. These are elements or conditions on the road affecting bicycle stability, control, and overall safety. Here are a few of the ways hazards can lead to accidents. Disruption of Balance When cyclists encounter a sudden change in the road surface, that change can jolt their body and bike. The jolt can make it challenging...
Who’s Liable for My Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Bicycle accidents are common occurrences in the United States, leading to an average of 130,000 injuries and nearly 1,000 deaths yearly. When a bicycle accident occurs, determining who is liable for the resulting injuries can be a complicated process. An attorney with The Eberst Law Firm can investigate the accident that injured you and determine all liable parties. We have significant experience representing clients in similar cases and are ready to help you obtain maximum compensation. Contact us online or call 1-888-CALL-JON for a free consultation. Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some of them are minor, while others are life-threatening. Common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include the following: Traumatic brain injury Spinal Cord injuries Broken bones Soft tissue injuries Road rash And many others Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Bicycle accidents can occur due to several reasons, including: Distracted Driving Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distracting activities can easily cause a bicycle accident. Failure to Yield Motorists who fail to yield to cyclists when turning or merging can cause serious accidents. Speeding Speeding drivers may not have enough time to react...
Traumatic Brain Injury After a Bicycle Accident
There’s no doubt Florida is a great state to ride a bike. Unfortunately, it’s also a very dangerous place. Accidents occur far too often, and they can leave victims with devastating traumatic brain injury (TBI). A traumatic brain injury caused by a bicycle accident can lead to astronomical expenses and make it almost impossible to handle even the most basic of tasks. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in an accident caused by the negligence of a motorist or someone else, The Eberst Law Firm will be ready to help. We’ll investigate to determine who was to blame and then do everything we can to obtain maximum compensation on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling 1-888-CALL-JON. Florida Bicycle Accident Statistics There were nearly 6,000 bicycle collisions in our state in 2021 alone. This resulted in more than 5,500 injuries and, tragically, 169 fatalities. Investigations found that motorists were to blame for 140 deaths, and drivers were also to blame for 76% of accidents that resulted in severe injuries. Causes of Florida Bicycle Accidents There are several causes of bicycle accidents in Florida, including the following: Driver error: This is one of...
How to Select the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney
So, you’ve done all the right things when on your bicycle. You’ve followed all of the safety tips. And someone still managed to hit you while you were riding. No matter what the cause of your accident, you’re hurt. And you’re wondering what you need to do next. Hiring an experienced attorney should be right at the top of your list. A skilled legal representative will provide you with the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve. This will be an incredibly important decision. So make sure you give it your full attention. Don’t just hire someone because you liked their TV commercial. Or because they popped up on the first page of your Google search. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be more likely to win your case. It just means they’re good at marketing themselves. The bicycle accident attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm have what it takes to help you achieve a favorable outcome in your case. We know how difficult it can be to find the best attorney. So we’d like to share some tips to help make the process as easy as possible. If you would like to schedule a free case review to learn more about what we may be able...
Who pays for my damages if I’m injured while biking?
If you’re an avid bike rider, you probably do everything you can to stay as safe on the road as possible. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, you can’t control the actions of others – including the drivers of motor vehicles. When they make a mistake and hit a bike, the injuries suffered by the rider can be devastating. The Eberst Law Firm will be ready to help if you or a loved one has suffered an injury after being struck by a negligent motorist. We know how to collect the evidence it takes to make our clients’ cases as strong as possible, and we also have a track record of success helping our clients obtain the money they deserve. Learn more about what we may be able to do for you by calling 888-CALL-JON or contacting us online for a free case review. There are quite a few ways you may be able to get that compensation. Here’s a look at just some of your options. You Receive Compensation from Your Own Personal Injury Protection Policy If you have car insurance, then you have PIP (personal injury protection). PIP may help pay some of your expenses if you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident. Florida law states that...
Do Bicycle Helmets Prevent Head and Brain Injuries?
[caption id="attachment_2793" align="alignnone" width="900"] Close-up cropped shot of bicycle helmet hanging on handlebars of bike standing in city street summer day, on blurry background of urban building. Unrecognizable cyclist sitting on seat of bike.[/caption] Bicycle helmets are a must for all riders, no matter what their age may be. While they won’t ensure that you won’t suffer an injury if you’re ever involved in an accident, the fact is that they will definitely help reduce the chances you’ll be severely hurt. Quite simply put, they could very well make the difference between living a normal life and having to endure a lifetime of debilitation – or even worse. There are a lot of different reasons why bicycle accidents occur. In many instances, bicyclists are hurt due to the negligence of the driver of a car, or someone else. If you have been hurt in a bicycle wreck that was not your fault, you may be able to obtain compensation. The Eberst Law Firm is staffed with attorneys who know how to help accident victims get the money they deserve. We may be able to do the same for you. Schedule a free consultation by giving us a call at 888-CALL-JON or contacting us online. The following...
Best Bicycle Trails in Florida
If you’re a cyclist in Florida, it’s normal to be worried about bicycle safety. After all, Florida is ranked as the most dangerous state for cyclists. Biking on busy roads can be dangerous, resulting in accidents and injuries. While some trails may intersect with traffic, they tend to be much safer than commuting. So, if you’re looking for a trail to ride on the weekend for leisure, exercise, or even travel, here are some of our favorite trails in all of Florida. South Florida Bike Trails If you’re located in South Florida, there are many beautiful bike trails for you to enjoy. From Shark Valley Loop to Old Cutler Trail, you’re bound to find one that you love. Shark Valley Loop Shark Valley Loop is a beautiful trail that goes through the Everglades. This trail is 15-miles long and paved. It doesn’t go through traffic, and it’s about 20 feet wide throughout the whole loop. This is a great option for both tourists and locals, as the view is fantastic and the ride is smooth. The Lake Trail The Lake Trail is located in Palm Beach and is 5 miles long. For the duration of the trail, you’ll ride between beautiful waters and...
The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Involving Motor Vehicles
When a bicycle collides with a motor vehicle, the damages can be devastating. In fact, there were 868 bicycle accident deaths that occurred in 2018, most of whom were adults. Accidents that don’t cause death can cause severe, life-changing injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, internal injuries, and more. Even minor injuries can be life-changing, requiring long-term physical therapy. Bicycle accidents are also most commonly caused by motor vehicle driver negligence, and not because of the fault of the cyclist, which you’ll see reflected below. 1. Distracted Driving Distracted driving is the number one cause of all types of collisions, including bicycle accidents. When we think about distractions, we often think about texting or talking on the phone, but those aren’t the only distractions that can cause an accident to occur. Any act that takes one’s mind, eyes, or ears off the road is a distraction, such as eating, applying makeup, using social media, or talking to someone in the back seat. Drivers may see these tasks as harmless, but they aren’t; they’re negligent. 2. Drivers Not Giving Cyclists Enough Space When a driver doesn’t leave a safe distance between their vehicle and a cyclist, they are much more likely to...
The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Involving Motor Vehicles
When a bicycle collides with a motor vehicle, the damages can be devastating. In fact, there were 868 bicycle accident deaths that occurred in 2018, most of whom were adults. Accidents that don’t cause death can cause severe, life-changing injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, internal injuries, and more. Even minor injuries can be life-changing, requiring long-term physical therapy. Bicycle accidents are also most commonly caused by motor vehicle driver negligence, and not because of the fault of the cyclist, which you’ll see reflected below. 1. Distracted Driving Distracted driving is the number one cause of all types of collisions, including bicycle accidents. When we think about distractions, we often think about texting or talking on the phone, but those aren’t the only distractions that can cause an accident to occur. Any act that takes one’s mind, eyes, or ears off the road is a distraction, such as eating, applying makeup, using social media, or talking to someone in the back seat. Drivers may see these tasks as harmless, but they aren’t; they’re negligent. 2. Drivers Not Giving Cyclists Enough Space When a driver doesn’t leave a safe distance between their vehicle and a cyclist, they are much more likely to...
Child Bicycle Safety Tips: Beware of These Dangers Your Kids Face on the Road
Your child being injured while riding their bike is every parent’s worst nightmare. Follow these tips to keep them safe. How common are child bicycle accidents? Each year, approximately 100 children are killed, and 254,000 are injured due to bicycle-related accidents. Bicycle accidents among children have gone down over the past ten years, while accidents amongst adults are growing in commonality. However, while accidents involving children are decreasing, you should still do your best to keep your children safe and informed regarding road hazards and potentially dangerous situations. Safety Tips to Keep Your Children Safe While Riding Their Bikes As a parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your child is safe while riding their bike. You can equip them with the tools and the knowledge to ensure that they are safe while riding in any area. Bicycle safety is important and can prevent an accident from occurring. The following safety tips will help to keep your child safe while they’re riding their bicycle. Make sure your children wear helmets every time they use their bike, even if they’ll only ride for a short amount of time. Make sure their bicycle helmet fits them properly and that they wear helmets correctly. Don’t wear helmets under your...