Florida Lawyers 360 is a distinguished law firm based in Orlando, FL, specializing in personal injury cases, particularly those involving bicycle accidents.
With a strong commitment to justice and a track record of successful advocacy, the firm has earned a reputation as a trusted resource for individuals seeking legal representation in the aftermath of a bicycle accident.
If you have been injured due to a bicycle accident, contact us today at 954-448-7355.
Expertise in Bicycle Accident Law
At Florida Lawyers 360, our team of attorneys boasts extensive expertise in the field of bicycle accident law.
They possess a deep understanding of the relevant statutes and regulations governing bicycle accidents in Florida, enabling them to navigate the legal complexities of each case with precision and effectiveness.
With their specialized knowledge and experience, our attorneys are well-equipped to advocate vigorously on behalf of our clients and pursue maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.
What to Do if You Are in a Bicycle Accident?
Because of the weather, Florida has many cyclists on the roadways. Unfortunately, Florida is also the deadliest state in the country for cyclists, probably in large part because cycling is a year round reality.
Here are the steps you should take if you re involved in a bicycle accident:
Call the Police
Always call law enforcement after an accident. Report the crash, even if you don’t think you are hurt or that your bike has been damaged. Many bicyclists think they were not injured immediately following a crash, but then pain sets in later that day, or even further in the future.
Sometimes damage to a bicycle is not obvious to the naked eye, and will not be apparent until it is inspected by the bike shop. This is why you should report all accidents to the police, even those that involve road conditions (like potholes), or dogs, or inanimate objects.
Listen and Memorialize
You must not only listen carefully to what the other party says to you about their understanding of how the accident happened, but do what is possible to memorialize it.
You can ask if you can record it on your smartphone, or you can take notes, but it is important that you memorialize what you are told, in case the story changes down the road.
Don’t Admit Fault
As a general rule, it is best for anyone in an accident to keep your own commentary about the accident to an internal dialogue at this point. Anything you say can and will be used against you in later negotiations, or at a trial, so be careful what you say at the scene of an accident.
Apologizing for the accident or orally accepting blame can seriously compromise your recovery. It is not possible for an assessment of fault to be made right after an accident, before the scene and sequence of events have been thoroughly analyzed and reviewed.
Preserve Evidence
Whatever the condition of your bike, helmet, clothing, lighting, skin, and other property affected by the accident should be preserved. If you have not been hurt, you may be tempted to head straight to the bike shop to have your bike fixed.
If you do that before discussing your case with an attorney, you might compromise your ability to fully recover for your damages.
Report the Crash to Your Car Insurer
Although it sounds strange, if you are in a bicycle accident, you should report it to your own car insurance company as soon as possible. You do not need to call the at-fault party’s insurance carrier; your insurer or your attorney will do that.
However, if your bicycle accident was with a truck or a car, you may be entitled to some benefits under your own car insurance policy.
Submit All Medical Bills to Your Own Auto Insurance First
Before submitting bills for hospital or doctor care to your health insurance provider for payment, you should ask them to first submit the bills to your auto insurance.
Florida law makes car insurance primary, which means that it must pay all medical bills first, until coverage is exhausted, before your private health insurance must pay. Your auto insurance is on the hook for your medical bills even before the at-fault party, given Florida no fault law.
However, your auto insurance provider cannot raise your rates because you were in an accident that was not your fault. Your insurance company is required to pay benefits under your PIP coverage in exchange for the premiums you pay, and it is first in line.
Safeguard All Accident Documentation
Any documentation about the accident provided to you by law enforcement, such as a police report, copy of a citation issued to the at-fault party, or any other information, you should collect and give it to your attorney if you have one.
If you do not have an attorney, safeguard the documents for later use. The information will usually contain important data, including the name of the other party’s insurance company.
Document Your Physical Injuries
It is important to create and safeguard documentation at the scene of the accident regarding your physical condition and injuries. Makes sure there are plenty of photographs of your physical condition, bruises, road rash, cuts, and any other physical injuries.
If you are required to use crutches, wear a cast, or use some other assistive technology, have yourself photographed using them and keep the photographs as evidence.
At the time when your injuries are acute, you should keep a diary of all of the aches and pains you are experiencing and activities you are limited from, as you will not remember these details a year from now, or even six months from now.
Photograph the Crash Scene
Take numerous photographs and video footage, if you are able, at the location where the crash occurred, even if the road does not look as if an accident has just occurred.
By the time your case reaches trial, if that is necessary, new signs may be in place, the road may have been resurfaced, and other conditions that might have been related to your accident may no longer exist. It is important to document the scene of the accident before it changes.
Any debris or skid marks left as a result of the accident should be heavily photographed, and if possible, place a coin in the picture or some other small item to provide a sense of scale.
Do Not Ignore a Traffic Citation Issued to You
If you receive a citation at the scene of your accident, you should not ignore it. That does not mean that you have to go ahead and pay it, and if fault is an issue in your accident, you probably should contest the ticket.
Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle crashes can be serious, with ramifications in criminal court, traffic court, and civil court. There are compressed deadlines within which tickets must be addressed, or your rights might be compromised.
You should at a minimum have a consultation with an attorney who handles bicycle accident claims regularly. Most initial consultations for matters like this can be had free of charge, and after that consultation you will be in a better position to determine whether or not you need an attorney to represent you.
Like in accidents between two vehicles, the more complex and more severe the injuries are, the more likely it is you should retain an attorney.
Thorough Investigation and Advocacy
At Florida Lawyers 360, we believe in leaving no stone unturned when it comes to advocating for our clients.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding each bicycle accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts as needed to build strong and compelling cases on behalf of our clients.
We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions and fighting tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
Transparent Communication and Support
We understand that navigating the legal process can be daunting, especially for individuals who are dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a bicycle accident.
That’s why, at Florida Lawyers 360, we prioritize transparent communication and ongoing support for our clients.
Our attorneys keep our clients informed and involved at every stage of their cases, providing regular updates, answering questions, and offering guidance and reassurance along the way.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our clients feel empowered and supported throughout the legal process, from initial consultation to case resolution.
Contact Florida Lawyers 360 Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Florida Lawyers 360 stands as a beacon of hope and support for bicycle accident victims in Orlando, FL. With their unparalleled legal expertise, personalized approach, and unwavering dedication to justice, they have earned a reputation as trusted advocates for those in need.
Whether navigating the complexities of the legal system or fighting tirelessly for fair compensation, the team at Florida Lawyers 360 is committed to securing the best possible outcome for each and every client they serve.
Contact our legal team to at 954-448-7355 for your no-cost initial case evaluation.
