Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer | Whittel & Melton

With over 6,000 Florida bicycle accidents in 2020, it’s crucial to know that there are Miami bicycle accidents lawyers to help you should you be involved in one yourself.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you are likely facing a difficult time emotionally, physically, and financially. If you hire the right bicycle accident lawyer, however, you can rest assured that you will receive the best legal representation possible and have the best chance of receiving compensation for your injuries.

If you need a Miami bicycle accident lawyer, the team at Whittel & Melton is here to help. Contact us today!

Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/

Why Might You Need a Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents happen more often than you may think – and a Miami bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities that come with them.

Bicycling is a great way to exercise, get some vitamin D, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also the perfect way to get to the beach or commute to work. Unfortunately, cyclists are often in danger of being involved in a serious accident.

It is difficult to predict when or where a bicycle accident may happen. When a cyclist is involved in an accident with a motorized vehicle, things can quickly go from bad to worse. In some cases, a motorist may not even be at fault.

Miami bicycle accident lawyers understand the unique legal issues that arise from these situations. Having the right legal help becomes crucial when one or both parties sustain injuries. While cyclists usually sustain more significant injuries, motorists can also suffer from head, neck, back, and other soft tissue injuries.

Other common injuries that the cyclist may experience following an accident may include:

• Brain injury
• Broken bone
• Dental injury
• Dislocations
• Internal injuries
• Road rash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Death

Depending on the severity of the situation, a Miami bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In some cases, the bicycle accident victim may be able to seek compensation for their pain and suffering, which can help with the recovery process.

The Miami bicycle accident lawyers at Whittel & Melton are here to help you through this challenging time and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Miami

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Miami, but there are also risks. If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, you may have questions about what you can expect regarding who is responsible, what role insurance plays, and so much more.

Here are some of the most common questions about Miami bicycle accidents:

Does Florida Have Designated Bicycle Laws?

Florida has several laws that govern the operation of bicycles, including those that govern the construction of bicycle lanes and paths.

In general, cyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road that apply to motor vehicle operators. However, several designated bicycle laws govern the operation of bicycles, including:

• Every bicyclist shares the rights and responsibilities applicable to the driver of any other vehicle.
• A person operating a bicycle must ride a permanently attached seat unless the manufacturer designed the bicycle to be ridden without a seat.
• A bicycle may not carry more individuals simultaneously than the number for which it was originally designed for.
• A person operating a bicycle upon such a highway may ride as near the left-hand or edge of such roadway as practicable.
• Every bicycle that is in use from sunset to sunrise shall be fitted with a lamp shining from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear, each exhibiting visible red light from at least 600 feet to the rear

Who is Responsible for a Bicycle Accident in Miami, FL?

In the state of Florida, either party (or both) can be found responsible for a bicycle accident. This is determined based on the degree of fault.

For example, if one party was found to be completely at fault, they may be liable for 100% of the damages. If both parties were negligent to a certain degree, each party may be liable for a percentage of the damages based on the degree of their fault.

Fault is determined based on several different factors, including:

• The type of accident (hit & run vs. Collision vs. Intersection)
• Who had the right of way at the time of the accident
• Whether or not alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident, etc.

Does Car Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents in Florida?

If the accident was caused by a motor vehicle, in many cases, the driver’s car insurance will cover the damages. In some cases, the bicycle accident victim may be able to pursue their own insurance company for coverage, though this is not always the case.

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will also cover bicycle accidents in some cases. In no-fault states such as Florida, PIP insurance can help a person pay for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, regardless of who was at fault.

What Sort of Compensation Could Be Collected After a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, those who have been injured could pursue compensation, including lost wages, medical bills, and more. The amount of compensation that can be collected will vary based on the severity of the injuries and how long they last.

What to Do Following in a Miami Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Miami, FL, you must take the necessary steps to ensure that you’re protected.

It’s easy to panic at the moment and start making decisions without thinking things through. However, this is rarely in your best interest. In the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident, it’s best to take some time to gather your thoughts and make sure that you have a clear understanding of what happened. This will help you identify any potential issues or questions that you might need to answer.

At this point, it’s also essential to document everything that happened as best as you can. This can include taking photos of the accident scene, any injuries that you sustained, any damage that was done to your bike/vehicle, and anything else that might be useful when seeking compensation. If you have access to a phone with video capabilities, you should consider taking a video of the scene. This will allow you to preserve any vital evidence and will also serve as a good record of what happened.

At this time, you’ll also want to have the authorities called to assess the situation. This will ensure that everything is documented and that the scene is preserved. The police will be able to take necessary measurements and photographs. They may also be able to identify any potential witnesses who can provide more information about the accident.

Once all is said and done, it’s crucial that you get a copy of the police report. This will serve as your official record of the accident and will provide you with essential details that your medical and legal teams may need should you consider filing a case against the other party.

From there, you’ll also want to seek out a medical evaluation. This will allow you to make sure that you’re free of any severe injuries and will enable you to document your injuries if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.

After you’ve collected all of the information you need, you should consider reaching out to a Miami bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your next steps. Our skilled attorneys at Whittel & Melton have the resources and experience necessary to help you to get the best result possible.

Need a Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer? Whittel & Melton Can Help

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident in Miami, FL, and you’re unsure what to do next, then Whittel & Melton can help. We have the experience and resources necessary to help bicycle accident victims throughout Miami and the surrounding areas get the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one need a Miami bicycle accident lawyer, then contact us today for a free case evaluation.