Florida is a popular place to ride a bicycle. We have some of the flattest land in the nation, so cycling is inviting for all ages. Drivers here should know to watch for bicycles, but some don’t and cause accidents. Do you have a Melbourne bicycle accident lawyer you can call if you’re hit while riding?
If not, you need the Schiller Kessler Group. Our personal injury attorneys in Melbourne can help you get justice after a negligent driver has hit you. We’ve helped many bicycle accident victims get paid for their damages, and we can help you as well.
How do I Know If I Have a Claim?
A lot of drivers try to blame bicyclists for bad road habits and causing crashes, but they don’t know the laws. We do. If we can show the other party was negligent, you can file a claim and get paid for your damages.
We also have to prove how you were damaged and the value of those damages, including things like medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, bike replacement, and more. Our lawyers will search for evidence to support your claims.
Building a strong case takes time, so we encourage you to contact us as soon as you’ve seen a doctor. An early start means a stronger case and more time to pursue your legal rights. Call today to get a free consultation.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
What Damages Can I Recover from a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Victims of accidents can recover money to pay for various kinds of damages as compensation for injuries and losses. There are three major categories of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
The tangible losses you’ve suffered because of your accident are economic damages. Your bills, paystubs, and similar documents can prove losses like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. It also includes future related expenses you’ll lose because of your injury.
Intangible losses are non-economic damages. These relate to the physical and psychological impact that your injury has had on you and how it has affected your social relationships. Pain and suffering is the most well known, but there are others.
If the defendant was exceptionally reckless, a court may decide to award punitive damages. This is an extra cash award to plaintiffs. It’s meant as a punishment for the defendant and a deterrent from others who might act the same way in the future.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Will Hiring a Melbourne Accident Attorney Help Me?
Hiring a lawyer gives you many advantages. You’ll have someone who knows Florida’s bicycle laws and how to pursue claims. You also gain the ability to sue defendants and their insurers who refuse to pay you a fair amount for your injuries. Best of all, your attorney handles everything for you.
While you recover from your accident, your attorney will gather evidence for your case, study it to understand what truly happened, and calculate the value of your claim. Once they have a firm grasp on the case, they’ll approach the insurers and demand a fair settlement. If they won’t pay, they’ll take them to court.
You can assist your lawyer by doing things like helping them find evidence, following your doctor’s orders, and following legal advice. For example, it’s never in your interest to speak with an insurance company without speaking with your lawyer. The insurers will seek a way to use what you say to lower your compensation.
Bicycle Laws in Melbourne, FL
Just like drivers, bicyclists have many laws they must follow to maintain safety. One thing that an insurance company will look for is if you broke any of the laws while riding. If you did, they will try to dismiss your claim or say you share some of the responsibility.
To fight back against these claims, you need a Melbourne bicycle accident attorney who knows the laws and will argue aggressively for your side of the story. Car drivers often have far more fault in these accidents, and they cause much more damage to the cyclist than the other way around.
We encourage all riders to wear a helmet and to have lights, reflectors, and horns on their bicycles. You should also know that you must give the right of way to pedestrians even as a bicyclist. If you hit one and they get hurt, you may have to pay damages.
When Must I Start My Bicycle Accident Claim?
Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for all personal injury claims. This includes bicycle accidents. If you do not file your lawsuit before this deadline, the court will deny your claim and you won’t be able to recover damages through them.
This puts all the power in the hands of the insurer, and you could get nothing at all. To avoid this, you need to start your case as soon as possible after your accident. This gives your lawyer time to investigate what happened and build a case before the deadline.
Speak with a Melbourne bicycle accident attorney as soon as you can after your injury. This gives you the best chance of a favorable case result and will help you avoid the statute of limitations.
Call the Schiller Kessler Group About Your Bicycle Accident Now
After a bicycle accident, you may be confused about where to turn next. Turn to the team at the Schiller Kessler Group to get help with your accident claim. We can tell you if you have a case, tell you your legal rights, and represent you in negotiations and in the courtroom.
Let our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Melbourne help you through the process of claiming compensation. Contact us to get a free case consultation and start your journey to justice. There is no financial risk; we don’t charge until you win compensation for your case.
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