Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer | Whittel & Melton

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

Should you or a family member suffer injuries from a bicycle mishap, you’re probably dealing with challenging circumstances emotionally, physically, and financially. Suppose you hire the right bicycle accident lawyer. In that case, you will receive the best legal representation possible and the best chance of compensation for your injuries.

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

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 vitamin D, enjoy the outdoors, and commute to work. Unfortunately, cyclists are often in danger of being involved in a serious accident.

You cannot 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 helps you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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 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 bike is designed to be ridden without one.
• A bicycle may not carry more individuals simultaneously than the number for which it was originally designed.
• An individual riding a bicycle on such a road can travel as close to the left-hand side or boundary of the roadway as feasible.
• 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 Cycling Accident in Florida?

In 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 an accident, those injured could pursue compensation, including lost wages, medical bills, and more. The amount of compensation will vary based on the severity of the injuries and how long they last.

What to Do Following an 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.

Firstly, take a deep breath and do not panic. Secondly, after a bike accident, take a moment to think and make sure you understand what happened. This will help you identify any potential issues or questions you might need to answer.

At this point, it’s also essential to document everything that happened as best as you can. If feasible, capture images of the incident, any harm you’ve suffered, any destruction to your bicycle/vehicle, and any other elements that could be beneficial to the case. You should consider taking a video of the scene. This will allow you to preserve any vital evidence and 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.

What Happens After?

Once all is said and done, you must 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 confirm you are 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 the information you need, you should reach out Miami bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your next steps. Our skilled attorneys at Whittel & Melton have the resources and experience to help you 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 to help bicycle accident victims throughout Miami and the surrounding areas get the compensation they deserve.

Need a Miami bicycle accident lawyer? Contact us today for a free case evaluation.