Falling off your bicycle after hitting a rock is one thing, but getting thrown from your bike in a collision is another story. If you’ve been in a bike accident caused by a negligent driver, you could be dealing with life-altering injuries and expensive medical bills, which is why you need a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer.
Filing a claim on your own can be complicated, especially if you’re suffering from a serious injury. The good news is that 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.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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 of the key factors that contribute to bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale is the heavy traffic. With a high volume of cars, trucks, and pedestrians sharing the roadways, it’s not uncommon for accidents to occur. 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 play a role in bicycle accidents. Heavy rain, strong winds, and poor visibility can make it more difficult for both 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 own safety on the roads. Additionally, motorists must remain vigilant and share the road responsibly with bicyclists.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Should You Get Medical Treatment After a Fort Lauderdale Bike Accident?
Seeking medical treatment after a bicycle accident in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area 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.
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.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
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 surgeries, 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.
Filing a Claim With Your PIP Insurance Policy
Since Florida is a “no-fault” 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 and make sure 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.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area
If you cannot receive compensation via an insurance claim, 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 lawyer will work with investigators to determine who is to blame for your bike 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 make sure 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.
Damages a Bike Accident Attorney Can Obtain From a Lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale
When a bicycle accident lawyer 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 make up for other challenges. If your suit 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 enjoyment of life
Florida’s Filing Deadline for Bicycle Accident Suits
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 you losing the opportunity to receive the compensation you deserve.
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 a complex process, and it is essential to take prompt action to protect your rights. Delays in filing can lead to loss of evidence, difficulty in obtaining witness statements, and other challenges that can weaken your case. By consulting with a skilled attorney early on, you can ensure that all necessary steps are taken within the required time frame to maximize your chances of a successful claim.
Contact Our Personal Injury Firm
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and obligations under the statute of limitations. They will guide you through the process, ensuring all necessary paperwork is filed on time, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Our Contingency Fee Basis
At the Schiller Kessler Group, we don’t believe in charging struggling bicycle accident victims a traditional attorney’s fee. Instead, a bike accident lawyer from our team in Fort Lauderdale will take a portion of the winnings they obtain from your case.
This payment method is known as a contingency fee, which means you won’t have to pay any upfront or out-of-pocket expenses for our legal services. 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.
Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer in 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.
Check out our client testimonials page to learn more about the lives we’ve exchanged with our experienced representation and advocacy. There, you can read about how we’ve helped bicycle accident victims just like you get the compensation they needed to get back on their feet.
Once you’ve realized that our firm is the only one that can deliver the results you’re looking for, contact a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorney from our team and schedule a free consultation.
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