Bicycle Accidents
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Bicycle Accidents in North Miami Beach
After a serious bicycle accident, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain what to do next. Unfortunately, while you’re primarily worried about your health and recovery, insurance companies will be focused on your claim and seeking any opportunity that will allow them to pay you as little as possible for the accident. That’s where an experienced North Miami Beach bicycle accident lawyer comes into the equation. At Florida Legal, we’ve been representing the injured people of Miami for over a decade. When working with us, we’ll help you understand the legal process and fight for you to help recover as much compensation based on the damages in your case. We understand this time can be stressful and confusing, call us today for a risk-free consultation and allow us to walk you through the process and identify the best path forward for your personal injury claim.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident In North Miami Beach
Miami is home to beautiful weather and generous biking paths. However, given the high number of bicyclists in densely populated areas, the number of bike-related accidents is shockingly high. Many are confused following the aftermath of a serious bike accident. Unfortunately, the moments directly after an accident are often the most important when it comes to preserving and validating your future personal injury claim. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow these steps and preserve as much information from the accident as possible. Below are some general steps that you should take following a bicycle accident in North Miami Beach.
Call 911 & Seek Medical Attention
First things first, after a bike accident, your first priority is to make sure you’re okay and to seek medical attention if needed. It’s common to think after your bicycle crash that you only sustained minor cuts, aches, and pains. However, there could be signs of underlying injuries such as a concussion or an internal organ injury. The sooner you get medical attention and are cleared by a professional, the better.
Preserve Information At The Scene Of The Accident
Ultimately, the most important thing to do after a bicycle accident is to obtain and document as much information following the incident as possible. The more information you have, the more leverage you and your North Miami Beach bicycle accident lawyer will have. However, every bike accident is different, sometimes it’s possible to attain all the information needed, and sometimes it’s not. But if you are able to, remembering to document even a portion of the information discussed below can significantly strengthen your future personal injury claim.
Take Pictures & Get Witness Information
Following the accident, if you’re physically able to, you should take pictures after the bicycle accident to help capture the scene of the incident exactly how it appeared following the accident. It’s recommended to take photos of your bicycle and any other vehicles involved in the accident. If possible, you should take pictures of all vehicles involved in the same position they were in after the crash. Most bicycle accidents involve only the bicyclist and an individual car, but if there were other parties, be sure to snap pictures of those too.
Call A North Miami Beach Bicycle Accident Attorney
Most importantly, speak with a North Miami Beach bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. In Florida, there is a certain time limit when it comes to personal injury claims, so it’s always advised to get started on yours as soon after the accident as possible. Florida Legal offers free consultations for these types of cases and we will be able to guide you through the optimal legal process. We can help you deal with the pestering insurance companies and make sure your rights are protected.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents In North Miami Beach
Bicycle accidents are a daily occurrence in the Miami Beach area as well as many other major cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. But not all bike accidents are the same and there are many contributing factors that can lead to an accident. Some of the more commonly reported causes of bicycle accidents near North Miami Beach include:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Failing to yield the right of way to bicyclists
- Failing to share the road with bicyclists
- Failing to look for bicyclists before making a right-hand turn
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Distracted driving
- Racing through an intersection to beat a red light
- Fatigued driving
Bicycle Safety Laws In Florida
In Florida, a bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and the bicyclist is a driver. Therefore, bicyclists have the same rights to the roadways and must obey the same traffic laws as the drivers of other vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night, yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway, and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
It’s important to remember that there is only one road and it is up to bicyclists and motorists to coexist for this to work properly. Unfortunately, there are often car accidents that involve bicyclists and other pedestrians due to negligence and lack of awareness. These Florida bicycle laws are the foundation for the safety of all vehicles. Below are some of the most popular rules and regulations for bicycle safety. If you’re interested in reading more about these laws, you can find the comprehensive law under Section 316.2065 in the Florida Statutes.
- Bicyclists must obey all traffic controls and signals
- Bicyclists must use a fixed, regular seat for riding
- The number of riders/passengers on any bicycle is limited to the maximum number for which the bike was designed
- At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars at all times while riding
- Generally speaking, parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure that their children obey all the provisions of Florida’s bicycle law
- Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake that is capable of stopping the bike within 25 feet
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Wear A Helmet While Riding A Bike In Florida?
It depends on your age. If you are 15 years old or younger, you are required by law to wear a helmet when riding a bike. This rule applies to riders, passengers, and people riding in trailers or semitrailers attached to bicycles. In order for the bicycle helmet to meet the specified regulations, it must:
- Be a bicycle helmet
- Fit properly
- Have a strap that secures the helmet on the head
- Meet the federal bicycle helmet safety standards
Can You Sue Someone For Hitting You On A Bike?
Yes, if you were injured in a bicycle accident in the Miami Beach area, you may be eligible for compensation. Depending on where you live, your state may have certain laws outlining who can be held responsible for your accident. However, if there was negligence at play and the accident was clearly the fault of another party, you likely will have grounds to sue. To get a better idea of your potential personal injury claim, contact Florida Legal and speak with our North Miami Beach bicycle accident attorney.
Speak With A North Miami Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a bike accident in the Miami Beach area, it’s crucial that you seek representation from a North Miami Beach bicycle accident lawyer who has represented many similar cases. Having knowledge and experience with these cases is essential when proving your personal injury claim and recovering the maximum compensation. Contact Florida Legal today for a free case evaluation and to begin planning the next steps of your accident claim.