A 2019 study showed serious bicycle accidents are more common in Florida than any other state. Were you involved in a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale? You may be eligible for financial compensation.
The Law firm of Brian Pabian wants to help you get the compensation you deserve for your bicycle accident. Call 1-800-747-3733 to schedule a free consultation with one of Brian Pabian’s expert attorneys. A bicycle accident lawyer in Ft Lauderdale can help you to determine the next steps to take.
Bicycle Laws in Florida
Florida laws view bicyclists as legally equal to motorists on the road. This means any law that applies to drivers in motor vehicles also applies to a bicyclist. This includes using lanes to:
- Maneuver past any obstacles or hazards, such as opening car doors, blocking your path.
- Make a left turn.
Bicycles are treated the same as automobiles, in most instances. Specific rules motorists must follow while sharing the road with cyclists do exist. Notably, motorists must allow at least three feet of space to cyclists when passing. There are also a few laws motorists must follow regarding bicycles. Motorists who share the road with cyclists cannot do any of the following:
- Follow too closely behind a cyclist
- Turn on high beam lights in the evening when a cyclist is visibly approaching
- Honk their horn at a cyclist, unless they are honking to warn the cyclist about oncoming danger
- Take any action that threatens or harasses the cyclist on the road
As a cyclist, it is important to understand all your rights on the road. Often, negligent drivers insist the cyclist either shared responsibility or was entirely at fault for the accident. They claim the cyclist was not following the law. With a knowledgeable attorney at your side, you do not have to worry about the at-fault party misrepresenting the case.
Florida’s Comparative Fault Laws and What They Mean
Florida has comparative fault laws to help protect cyclists’ rights. These laws state any victim involved in a bicycle crash or car accident has the right to take legal action against the at-fault party. These rules apply even when the cyclist is considered partially responsible. However, the cyclist receives limited compensation based on their responsibility.
For example, if a cyclist receives a $100,000 settlement for a bike accident, but was determined to be 30 percent liable for the accident, the settlement is reduced. The reduction is based on the percentage the cyclist was responsible for the accident. So, in this example, the cyclist receives an adjusted settlement of $70,000. Cyclists determined to be 50 percent or more responsible for the accident are unable to receive any compensation for accidents.
If you are unsure how responsible you are for your Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident, your best option is to work with an attorney. He or she can determine whether you were actually at fault. An attorney also knows how to present your case to get fair compensation. You can reach an expert Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer by calling the Law Offices of Brian Pabian. Dial 1-800-747-3733 to go over the details of your case.
How the Law Offices of Brian Pabian Can Help
If you were involved in a bicycle accident in Broward County, you need a law firm to represent your case. The insurance company of the at-fault party will do everything they can to diminish your filing a claim. Hiring a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney to help with your case is the only way to ensure your pain and suffering are not carelessly dismissed. Listed below are some of the services available from the Law Offices of Brian Pabian.
Stay Informed About Your Case
If you hire a personal injury lawyer, such as Brian Pabian, you can contact him by phone or email to ask questions or express concerns about your ongoing case. Your attorney will promptly respond. Also, he will help you to understand exactly what is happening with your case. If there are any changes with your bike accident case, Brian reaches out to you and ensures you are kept in the loop.
Communicate on Your Behalf
A bicycle accident lawyer in Ft Lauderdale FL has the option of legally speaking on your behalf. This is especially important when you need someone to represent you and take a stand against the at-fault party. Your bicycle accident lawyer in Ft Lauderdale will fight on your behalf, keeping the other party from misrepresenting the case. Typically, your personal injury lawyer represents you when speaking to witnesses, insurance representatives or other lawyers.
Damage Estimates and Recoverable Compensation
If you suffered injuries or had your property damaged as a result of your accident, you must estimate the extent of the damage. This is so you can determine how much the responsible party must pay. Legal advice is an important part of estimating damages, as you may overlook certain areas. For example, in addition to medical fees, you are legally allowed to include any lost wages due to the accident. Other areas you may be able to receive compensation for include:
- Surgery or physical therapy.
- Loss of future income.
- Prescriptions.
- Pain and suffering.
- Impaired quality of life, including any necessary home adjustments.
- Disability.
- Wrongful death.
Scheduling Medical Appointments
Many bicycling accidents result in significant injury to the cyclist. If you are hurt and need help scheduling medical appointments, your attorney can arrange for medical assistance. Your attorney will include any incurred medical expenses as part of the damages. He or she will also know what information or documents to collect from your doctor to help prove your case.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents
The statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The statute of limitations changes depending on the nature of the accident. You have up to four years to file a lawsuit for cases of:
- Personal injury.
- Negligence.
If the accident resulted in wrongful death, you must file a lawsuit within two years. If you are worried about missing any of the deadlines, speak with a personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Brian Pabian. Call 1-800-747-3733 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
About Ft. Lauderdale
According to the most recent census, Fort Lauderdale is home to more than 160,000 residents. That does not include the 12 million visitors who come into the area each year. Because of its year-round beautiful weather and warmer climates, cycling is enjoyed by a large number of the population.
Many tourists who visit the area opt to travel within certain areas of Lauderdale by bike, especially around the beaches. As a result, bicycle-car accidents happen with great frequency. Take the time to familiarize yourself with cycling laws in Ft. Lauderdale to keep yourself and your family safe.
Ft. Lauderdale Information
Tourism is one of Ft. Lauderdale’s largest industries, accounting for more than 100,000 jobs. Tourists spend in excess of $10 billion dollars each year and use the infrastructure of the area including the cultural venues and seashores. Some of the more critical city departments are listed below.
Ft. Lauderdale Courthouse
201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301
954-831-6565
Ft. Lauderdale Medical Center
1600 S. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
www.browardhealth.org/services
954-355-4400
Ft. Lauderdale Police Department
1300 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 828-5700
Ft. Lauderdale Fire Department
528 NW 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/fire-rescue
(954) 828-6800
Ft. Lauderdale City Hall
100 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/
(954) 828-5000