Madeira Beach Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Getting into an accident as a cyclist or a pedestrian can be devastating. You may incur minor to severe injuries that can leave you with high medical debt, lost wages, and a change to your quality of life. All bicycle and pedestrian accidents are different. How it affects your life will depend on a variety of factors, such as how the accident occurred, how severe your injuries were, and your total cumulative damages.
To ensure that you receive the most compensation possible for your injuries, you should hire an attorney to defend you and negotiate a settlement offer on your behalf. Our talented team of bicycle and pedestrian accident attorneys at Jones Law Group are ready to take on your claim. For more information on bicycle and pedestrian accidents, keep reading.
Is Florida Safe for Vulnerable Road Users?
Florida is ranked the most dangerous state in the US when it comes to pedestrian accidents. Cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami are incredibly unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. Between 2010 and 2019, there were 1,675 pedestrian deaths in South Florida alone. Florida also ranks as the most dangerous state for cyclists. The Sunshine State averages 5.7 annual deaths per million residents.
Florida is an unsafe state for vulnerable road users for many different reasons. Drivers are more reckless in Florida compared to other states. And the infrastructure for vulnerable road users is also worse. This means that designated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists aren’t necessarily made with their safety in mind. For example, some streets don’t have separate bicycle lanes. And some streets don’t even have bicycle lanes at all.
Tips for Biking and Walking Safely in Florida
If you live in Florida and you’re an avid cyclist or walker, it’s important that you keep these tips in mind. As a vulnerable road user, you should always walk or cycle with your own safety in mind. You can’t control how motor vehicles act, but you can help to prevent an accident with a few safety tips, such as the following:
- If you’re riding a bike, ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as you can. If there’s a bicycle lane, use it.
- Always wear a helmet, it could save your life.
- If you’re walking, always walk on sidewalks and cross the street at crosswalks. Never cross in the middle of the road or somewhere that’s unmarked.
- If you’re riding or walking at night, make sure you’re wearing something reflective or your bicycle has lights or reflective materials on it.
Are Cyclists Required to Wear a Helmet?
In Florida, you’re required to wear a helmet only if you’re under the age of 16. If you’re 16 years old or older, you are able to decide whether or not you want to wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet can help to prevent traumatic brain injury, which can be devastating or fatal. Using a helmet will prevent severe injuries that often result in high medical debt. Save yourself the stress associated with being seriously injured and put on a helmet.
What Should I Do After I’m Involved in an Accident?
We understand how stressful it can be to be involved in a bicycle or pedestrian accident. There are a few things that you should always remember to do after you’re involved in an accident, including:
- Contact the police to have a police report filed. The at-fault party may try and talk you out of doing this, but it’s important that you do it anyway. Having a police report is great evidence for your case.
- Gather information. Talk to the person who hit you and get their contact information and their car insurance information. Don’t talk about fault.
- Talk to anyone who may have witnessed the accident and get their contact information. Encourage them to stick around and speak with the investigating police officer. A police report that cites witness statements on your side is incredibly strong evidence.
- Take pictures of any damage to your bicycle (if you were cycling), the other vehicle involved, and your injuries.
- Record a statement for yourself so you can remember exactly what happened later on.
- Leave the scene of the accident and get medical treatment immediately, even if you don’t believe that you’ve been injured. Adrenaline may mask some injuries.
- Contact an attorney to have your case evaluated.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, please contact our talented team of attorneys as soon as possible to get your case started. We have years and years of working on these types of cases and we’re ready to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your damages.
For more information or to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our accident attorneys, please contact us online or at 727-571-1333.
