You may ride your bicycle — and probably do not expect an accident to happen. However, you may suffer an injury in an accident caused by someone else. In this situation, it may be beneficial to hire a Pembroke Pines personal injury lawyer who can help you pursue damages.
The Schiller Kessler Group is a leading choice among personal injury law firms in Florida. Our Pembroke Pines bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help you file a claim against an at-fault party. To learn more, reach out to us.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you are traveling on a bicycle, it may be unlikely you are involved in an accident, but one may happen at any time. If a crash occurs, here are things you may be able to do to respond to it without putting yourself or others in danger:
- Call 911. This allows medical personnel and police officers to come to the scene and assist you and anyone else who may be dealing with injuries.
- Collect evidence. Use your smartphone to capture photos and videos of your injuries, bike damage, and other aspects of the crash scene.
- Talk to the police. Give police officers information about your crash, and do not take responsibility for the incident.
- Get medical care. Go to the hospital for a medical evaluation, get treated for any injuries, and keep track of all of your medical records.
- Notify your insurance provider. Your insurer may be able to work with an at-fault party’s insurance company to help you get compensation.
- Do not speak with an at-fault party’s insurer. Avoid conversations with an at-fault party or their insurance company since they may pressure you to accept responsibility for the accident.
- Connect with a lawyer. Contact an attorney who has handled bike accident claims in the past.
Getting through a bike accident may be challenging, but it is important to try to remain calm, cool, and collected. If you focus on taking care of yourself and others who may have gotten hurt during the crash, you may be able to avoid serious harm. Plus, you may be able to take solace in the fact that you are doing whatever you can to help others, even though you may not be responsible for the accident.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Bicycle Accident Liability
If you ride a bicycle, you are expected to share the road with motorists. Regardless, there may be a time when a driver moves their vehicle into a bike lane, does not see a cyclist in their blind spot, or makes other mistakes behind the wheel. At any of these times, the driver may be held accountable for a cycling accident.
There are instances where a party other than a driver is responsible for a cycling crash. For example, a government entity may be at fault if it does not properly maintain a road. Or, if defective bike components lead to an accident, the parts manufacturer may be at fault.
A Pembroke Pines bicycle accident attorney may examine your case and help you figure out who is liable for your crash. They may also account for your losses. This may help your attorney calculate your damages.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Bicycle Accident Damages
If you hire an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Pembroke Pines, you may be well-equipped to get the best case results. Your attorney may account for your economic and non-economic losses. They may encourage you to seek compensation for many reasons, such as:
- Medical bills
- Damage to your bike
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The Schiller Kessler Group may help you determine your losses and prepare an argument designed to compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor. A bicycle accident attorney in Pembroke Pines may help you file your claim in accordance with Florida’s statute of limitations. To get started, contact us today.
Bicycle Accident Claim Statute of Limitations
In Florida, there is a two-year statute of limitations for an injury claim. You may have up to two years from the date of your cycling accident to request damages from an at-fault party. If you decide not to submit a claim within this time frame, you may be 100% responsible for your crash-related losses.
You may be able to get compensation through an at-fault driver’s insurance company. There are no-fault laws in place relating to bike accidents. These laws may allow you to secure the damages you want without having to file a lawsuit.
There are times when an at-fault party’s insurance coverage is insufficient, or their insurer does everything they can to avoid paying the full amount of your claim. If you are dealing with either of these scenarios or similar ones, you may want to hire a lawyer. This may give you access to a legal professional who advocates for you and protects your best interests.
Bicycle Accident Comparative Fault
Under comparative fault, you may be partly responsible for your cycling accident, which may affect your ability to secure damages. If you are partially at fault, a judge or jury may reduce the damages awarded to you by your percentage of blame. In a situation where you are primarily responsible, you may not be eligible to get compensation.
As an example, a judge or jury may find you are 20% at fault for your bicycle crash. The judge or jury may award you damages, albeit less than what you originally anticipated. Ultimately, you may get 80% of the compensation you initially requested.
In a case where you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may no longer be able to receive compensation. At this point, a judge or jury rules you are more at fault than the defendant. The judge or jury does not require the defendant to pay you damages, and you are solely responsible for your losses.
File a Claim with a Pembroke Pines Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The Schiller Kessler Group gives you access to a team of aggressive attorneys. We are here to help you out with your bicycle accident claim. For more information or to request a free consultation, contact us today.
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