Pinellas Park Bicycle And Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Using our skills and resources, our Pinellas Park personal injury lawyers advocate for injured bicycle and pedestrian accident victims.
Summary
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Pinellas Park often result from distracted driving, poor visibility conditions, failure to yield, speeding, and improper lane usage.
- Cyclists and pedestrians face a higher risk of catastrophic injuries due to lack of physical protection from heavy vehicles and reduced visibility to drivers, especially in high-speed or low-light conditions.
- Common bicycle and pedestrian accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, disfigurement, and amputations.
- Pinellas Park pedestrian and bicycle accident victims can pursue compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Families of deceased victims may also seek wrongful death claims for financial and emotional losses.
- After relocating to safety and seeking medical care, pedestrian and bicycle accident victims should document evidence, report the accident, and consult experienced attorneys to secure fair compensation.
Over the years, good health consistently ranks among the top important aspects of people’s lives. When our health is threatened, we will do anything in our power to get it back. Unfortunately, not all injuries are reversible.
Catastrophic injuries are harder to treat, and they have much more serious consequences than typical ailments. In Pinellas Park, bicycle and pedestrian accidents are common, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and financial losses.
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries and losses due to a pedestrian or bicycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, Pinellas Park bicycle and pedestrian accident attorneys at Jones Law Group are ready to fight for your rights.
Call us at (727) 571-1333 or submit our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Pinellas Park personal injury lawyer today.
Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Pinellas Park
Maneuvering the busy streets can be perilous for both cyclists and pedestrians. Accidents involving this group of road users often result from a combination of factors, making it essential to understand the common causes.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are focused on their phones, GPS devices, or even eating while driving can easily miss cyclists and pedestrians in their path. This lack of attention can lead to collisions that are often avoidable with greater awareness.
Poor Visibility
Limited visibility is another significant factor contributing to Pinellas park bicycle and pedestrian accidents. This can occur during nighttime when street lighting is inadequate or in adverse weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain.
Cyclists and pedestrians are especially vulnerable in these situations, as they might not be seen by drivers until it is too late.
Failure to Yield to Vulnerable Road Users
Many bicycle and pedestrian accidents result from drivers failing to yield the right of way. This often occurs at intersections where pedestrians are crossing or when cyclists are sharing the road.
Ignoring traffic signals or signs can lead to dangerous situations, placing pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
Speeding Near Intersections and Bike Lanes
Excessive speed can make it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid a collision with a bicyclist or pedestrian. High speeds reduce the reaction time for both drivers and those on the road.
This increases the severity of accidents, often leading to more serious injuries for cyclists and pedestrians.
Improper Lane Usage
When cyclists or vehicles do not stay in their designated lanes, it can result in accidents. Cyclists riding against traffic or cars straying into bike lanes disrupt the flow and increase the chance of collisions. Proper lane discipline is crucial for maintaining road safety.
Why are Pedestrians and Cyclists Prone to Catastrophic Injuries in Accidents?
Pedestrians and cyclists often face severe injuries in accidents due to their lack of protection compared to vehicle occupants. Without the metal frame of a car to shield them, they are directly exposed to the impact of a collision.
This vulnerability is compounded by the fact that vehicles move at high speeds, significantly increasing the force exerted during an accident. Additionally, both cyclists and pedestrians are often less visible to drivers, especially in low-light conditions or areas with heavy traffic.
In these situations, cyclists and pedestrians are more susceptible to being hit. The combination of these factors means that when Pinellas Park traffic accidents occur, the risk of suffering catastrophic injuries is considerably higher for those on foot or on a bike.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
An injury that is catastrophic has a dramatic impact on an accident victim’s life. This can come in the form of a permanent disability or serious, life-long impairments. Drastic, adverse changes in appearance are another unwanted impact.
Catastrophic injuries can also result in death. If your life has been impacted by one of the following catastrophic injuries, a Pinellas Park bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney can help you recover the means you need to move forward.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Recent statistics on head injuries show that approximately 13.5 million people in the United States have a disability from a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury can send a functional, capable individual down a path of cognitive decline.
TBIs impact memory, the ability to process information, and other critical brain functions. They also make emotions unpredictable and difficult to control. Close to 66% of TBI patients experience depression within seven years of developing the injury.
Adults with TBIs struggle to cope with the demands of work and home life. Likewise, children struggle academically and socially. If a pedestrian or bicycle accident left you with a traumatic brain injury, Jones Law Group Pinellas Park bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Spinal Cord Injury
Neck and back injuries to the spinal cord can leave pedestrian and bicycle accident victims unable to feel any sensations. They may also be unable to control their movements.
Not only is loss of movement possible, but so are unpredictable spasms. The nerve damage means spinal cord patients might lose control over other body parts like their bladders.
They may have to plan their entire day around their injury to avoid any mishaps. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with spinal cord injuries are up to five times more likely to die prematurely.
Back and Neck Injury
Any bones in the neck and back can become broken or fractured during a pedestrian or bicycle accident. Muscles and other tissues also sustain injuries in catastrophic accidents.
These body parts don’t always heal properly, and accident victims live with chronic pain and limited flexibility.
Permanent Disfigurement
An estimated 185,000 amputations happen yearly across the country according to the Amputee Coalition. Data shows that at least 16% are accident-related. Amputations alter the way people are able to earn a living and personally care for themselves.
Sometimes injured Pinellas Park pedestrians and bicyclists become dependent on family members or professionals. Many catastrophic accident victims with amputations are able to adopt new ways to live independently. However, the learning curve is steep and frustrating.
One common permanent disfigurement is paraplegia. Paraplegia is the paralysis of the legs and lower body. It affects far more than mobility. Because paraplegia makes people less active, managing weight becomes more challenging.
With paraplegia, you’re also more prone to infections in the lower half of your body. Since the condition can diminish sexual function, paraplegia often creates obstacles in family planning. Another type of paralysis caused by catastrophic accidents is quadriplegia, which affects more areas.
The paralysis begins from the neck or shoulders and extends downward to the rest of the body. This means the muscles needed to breathe are also paralyzed. Patients with quadriplegia usually rely on a medical device to be able to breathe.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries in Pinellas Park?
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in Pinellas Park. Some of the most at-risk passengers are those who collide with larger vehicles like semi-trucks.
However, it is cyclists, motorcycle operators, and pedestrians who are also particularly vulnerable when involved in a Pinellas Park automobile accident.
That being said, catastrophic injuries arise from medical malpractice as well as traffic collisions. This includes botched surgeries, misdiagnoses, and inadequate treatment by healthcare professionals.
Workplace accidents can also result in catastrophic injuries. Employees who work with heavy machinery are at higher risk. Falls from ladders, rooftops, and other heightened platforms often cause serious injuries as well.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident in Pinellas Park?
Experiencing a pedestrian or bicycle accident can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you should take to protect your rights to fair compensation.
- First, ensure your safety by moving to a safe location, if possible, and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s vital to get a thorough medical evaluation after personal injury accidents. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Next, collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes taking photos of the accident site, any visible injuries, and vehicle damage.
- Gather contact details and witness statements, as these will be vital for any potential legal proceedings.
- It’s crucial to notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid making detailed statements until you’ve consulted a legal professional.
- Contact a law firm with experienced Pinellas Park bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers who can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected. They can help negotiate with insurance companies and potentially aid in securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
What Can Injured Pedestrians and Bicyclists Recover in Damages?
Catastrophic injuries from a bicycle or pedestrian accident can undoubtedly change your professional and personal life. Your ability to work is often significantly reduced or totally taken away.
Understanding the types of damages you can claim is crucial for securing your financial future and emotional well-being. Here are the damages Jones Law Group Pinellas Park bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover:
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you missed while healing, as well as future earnings if your ability to work is diminished or eliminated.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Consideration of any significant career growth opportunities, including probable raises and promotions you’ll miss out on due to your injuries.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary long-term care.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the bicycle or pedestrian accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment: Damages for the inability to participate in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationships with family and loved ones.
Your Pinellas Park personal injury attorney will help you determine which damages to pursue.
What if My Loved One Passes Away from a Catastrophic Injury?
Nothing can replace a human life. However, catastrophic injuries do leave family members without the support and love they relied on. That is why some survivors are entitled to compensation after the passing of a loved one in a personal injury accident.
A spouse of the deceased bicyclist or pedestrian, as well as children who are minors, can pursue a Florida wrongful death claim.
Damages can include the financial support they’ve lost, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Children who are 18 and older can also pursue wrongful death claims in situations where there is no surviving spouse.
Contact a Catastrophic Injury Attorney About Your Pinellas Park Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one is suffering from a catastrophic injury caused by a Pinellas Park pedestrian or bicycle accident, speak with an attorney who specializes in this area of personal injury.
When you’re severely injured, it can be difficult to foresee the extent of the damage. Insurance companies can take advantage of that, persuading you to settle for less than you need.
At Jones Law Group, our attorneys have overseen many catastrophic injury cases involving Pinellas Park bicyclists and pedestrians. We will adamantly pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (727) 571-1333.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Pinellas Park bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers help?
Experienced Jones Law Group bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers in Pinellas Park can guide you through the legal process after an accident.
They help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages. Their expertise maximizes your chances of a successful claim.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a bicycle or pedestrian accident claim in Florida?
After a Pinellas Park bicycle or pedestrian accident, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim in Florida. For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is also two years.
This timeframe is crucial, as missing the deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Can a pedestrian or cyclist be at fault in an accident?
Yes, a pedestrian or cyclist can sometimes be at fault if they disregard traffic signals, jaywalk, or ride against traffic laws. Fault is determined based on the specific circumstances of each accident, and comparative negligence may impact the compensation amount.
