Pensacola Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Pensacola Bicycle Accident Attorney

Sometimes, even when you’re riding your bicycle safely, out of the way of the road or oncoming traffic, you can still get hurt in an accident because of another person’s negligent behavior. If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident, speak with a Pensacola bicycle accident lawyer in order to file a claim and recover the damages you’re entitled to.

At the law office of Phil Hall, P.A., our legal team is understanding and qualified to assist our clients in pursuing compensation after suffering from a variety of injurious accidents.

The types of personal injury cases our firm handles include car accidents and other traffic collisions, slip-and-falls (premises liability), medical malpractice, and defective products. Our injury attorneys are adept at negotiation as well as litigation if the need to go to court arises.

Bodily Injuries and Harm a Bicycle Accident May Cause

Traffic accidents can be potentially catastrophic for any party involved, but some people, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, are more vulnerable and likely to sustain serious physical injury in a collision. This is due to the cyclist’s body having little protection from the force of impact compared to motorists inside a vehicle.

In addition to their body being subjected to the full impact of a collision, cyclists are also more likely to be flung from their bicycle and make subsequent, damaging impacts with the surrounding environment (e.g., pavement, another vehicle, stationary objects). These are some injuries frequently observed in bicycle accidents:

• Bruising, lacerations
• Road rash and scrapes
• Bone fractures and dislocations
• Internal wounds and bleeding
• Torn ligaments and tendons, nerve and soft tissue damage
• Traumatic head and brain injuries
• Damage to the neck and spinal cord
• Dental and facial injuries, damage to one’s hearing or vision
• Wrongful death.

Why Do Bicycle Collisions Happen?

Bicycle accidents often occur for similar reasons that any other motor vehicle accident might. The difference is that most drivers on the road aren’t usually looking for bicyclists, which can lead to them turning or moving while cyclists are crossing an intersection. Additionally, any conditions where it’s expected to affect a driver’s ability to see the road or diminish visibility (e.g., driving at night, heavy rain, fog), it’s even more likely for them not to see a bicyclist.

Some factors that contribute to bicycle accidents include reckless driving, such as speeding and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while fatigued, drivers who are distracted by the radio, their phone, passengers, the failure to follow traffic laws — examples including improperly switching lanes, illegal turns, ignoring traffic lights or signs, etc.

What to Do After Getting into a Bicycle Accident

It can understandably be very disorienting after getting into a traffic collision, especially when you’ve been hit while riding a bicycle. The first thing you should do is ensure your safety and assess your injuries and those of anyone else involved in the incident. If you sustained a head injury or can’t walk, call emergency services right away if you’re able — otherwise, don’t try moving and request that someone else on the scene call for law enforcement and medics.

It’s then a good idea to gather as much information and evidence related to the accident as you can. Obtain the contact information of all parties affected by the collision, including motorists, pedestrians, and any eyewitnesses to the accident. You should also get the other driver’s registration and insurance information. Take photos or video evidence of the accident scene, such as the vehicles involved and any nearby obstacles, in addition to your injuries.

FAQs

How Much Compensation for a Cycle Accident in FL?

How much a person injured in a bicycle accident may receive in compensation will depend on the case circumstances. For example, influencing factors include the degree of negligence and the insurance company of the at-fault party, whether the victim was partially responsible, how serious their physical injuries were as a result of the accident, the skill level of their lawyer, and the damage to the bike, among other details.

Who Is Usually at Fault When a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

In Pensacola, FL, it is typically the driver’s fault for most bicycle accidents. Common reasons for a motorist to collide with a bicyclist include drunk or distracted driving, not looking for cyclists when making a turn, and not following traffic laws. Cyclists are also expected to follow the same traffic regulations, which means they can be found partially liable if there is negligent behavior, such as failing to yield, riding their bike while intoxicated, or not wearing a helmet.

Does PIP Cover Bicycle Accidents in Florida?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Florida does cover injuries resulting from a bicycle accident. Injured cyclists may be able to file a claim against the responsible party’s driver’s insurance in addition to submitting a claim through their own PIP coverage.

However, while PIP benefits cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages, it’s often not enough to cover all costs resulting from the accident. This is why filing a claim against the at-fault party can be worth it.

Do I Need an Injury Attorney for a Bike Accident in Florida?

Florida law will not force anyone to acquire the services of an injury attorney, regardless if they decide to file a claim against the negligent driver. It is advised, however, that those seeking compensation following a bicycle accident injury consult with an experienced lawyer and retain their counsel. Your injury attorney can ensure you are fairly compensated, whether from your own insurer or the other driver’s insurance company.

Compassionate and Qualified Personal Injury Law Firm

With the help of injury attorney Phil Hall, P.A., you can receive a fair compensation payout, which covers all expenses and damages lost as a result of your injury and reflects the degree of suffering the incident has brought you overall. We won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you or offer a settlement that’s below what you’re entitled to. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.