subject: Bicycle vs. Automobile Accidents [print this page] Bicycle vsBicycle vs. Automobile Accidents
Bicycle riding is an enjoyable and healthy activity enjoyed by thousands of Floridians, but it can also be dangerous as well. Every year thousands of bicyclists suffer serious injuries caused by negligent motorists. A bicyclist is fatally injured every six hours and nearly half of them are under sixteen years old.
Risk of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle riders all know the risk of an accident usually comes from three sources:
Reckless, inattentive or belligerent drivers
Swinging car doors
Jaywalking pedestrians
At the same time, a bicycle rider must also be aware of the dangers of potholes, debris on the streets and other street level hazards.
Bicycle Riders Responsibilities
Bicycle riders have the same responsibilities and rights as automobile drivers. Bicyclists must obey traffic signs and signals and observe all traffic laws. A bicycle must display lights and reflectors while riding at night and must stay as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible.
Financial Compensation for the Damages and Losses Suffered
If you or someone you love was injured in a bicycle accident you may be entitled to financial compensation from the motorist that was involved for the following:
Medical expenses
Loss of wages
Loss of future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and disfigurement
You can recover damages even if there was no physical contact between the bicycle and the automobile if you had to take evasive action to avoid being hit by the automobile and crashed as a result and sustained injuries.
An attorney experienced in bicycle accidents caused by a negligent motorist can maximize the financial compensation you are entitled to by investigating the circumstances of the accident and establishing driver liability related to either speeding, reckless driving or driving under the influence.
