Spring Hill Bicycle Accident Lawyer | Whittel & Melton

Bicycle accidents happen more often than you think, and Whittel & Melton can help.

Did you know Florida is listed as one of the top three most dangerous states for cyclists? It’s also listed as the state with the highest bicyclist fatalities per capita. While some of these accidents are certainly the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, it’s important to note that many bicycle accidents result from human error on both the cyclist’s and driver’s parts.

When a cyclist is involved in an accident in Spring Hill, Florida, they must understand their rights, the laws governing bicycle safety, and their options for pursuing compensation. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bicycle accident in the Spring Hill area, the personal injury attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help.

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We can answer any questions about the process and help you understand what happened in the accident, who was at fault, and your rights. We can also determine if you have a case worth pursuing, and if so, we can help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong defense.

Who is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle is Involved in an Accident

It’s important to note that both the cyclist and driver of the vehicle can be found at fault in a bicycle accident in Florida.

Under Florida state law, bicycles are considered vehicles, which means that the same laws apply to cyclists as drivers of motor vehicles.

This means, the cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as the vehicle driver. Unfortunately, many people believe that if a bicycle is hit by a moving vehicle, it is the motorist’s fault no matter what.

This is largely because in 2021 alone, there were a total of 6,631 bicycle crashes throughout the state of Florida, with 5,939 of those accidents resulting in injuries and 178 resulting in fatalities.

Many people assume the motorist is at fault because they are in a large, motorized vehicle, while the bicyclist is a much smaller and seemingly less dangerous vehicle. However, this is not the case. Even though the car may initially appear to be the source of the collision, legally, the cause of the crash will be determined based on the facts and circumstances of the case.

Can a Cyclist Be at Fault in a Spring Hill Bicycle Accident?

Absolutely! A cyclist can be found at fault in Spring Hill, Florida, just as much as the motorist can. A cyclist can be at fault for a bicycle accident in several ways, including:

• Riding in a negligent manner that results in an accident
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Making an illegal turn, etc.

Sometimes, a cyclist can be partially at fault for an accident, which means their share of the liability is less than that of the vehicle’s driver.

Involved in a Spring Hill Bicycle Accident? Here’s What You Should Do

Spring Hill, FL is a great place to ride a bike, but accidents can happen. If you were involved in a bicycle accident in Spring Hill and sustained injuries, you may be wondering what to do next.

Whether you were the cyclist or the driver, you can take the following steps to ensure that you are doing everything you can to protect your rights:

1. Stay Put!

The most important thing you’ll want to do following a bicycle accident is stay put! If you move from the scene of the accident, you could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, which is a serious crime in Florida.

Since most of these accidents happen on the road, you can move to a safe area on the side of the road. However, do not move the bike or vehicle from the scene of the accident. This is important because you want to preserve the scene so the police can adequately document the accident.

2. Take Photographic/Video Evidence of the Accident

You’ll also want to take as much photographic and video evidence of the accident as possible. This includes any images or videos of the area immediately surrounding the accident, photos or videos of the crash, and pictures or videos showing the extent of your injuries.

3. Call the Authorities

While you’re working on documenting the accident, you’ll also want to have the proper authorities called to the scene. This could include calling the police and an ambulance if anyone was injured.

4. Gather all Contact Information from all Parties Involved

After calling the authorities to the scene of the accident, gather as much information as possible from everyone involved in the crash. This includes collecting contact information from witnesses. Identify and gather information from all parties involved, including the driver of the vehicle and the cyclist.

Doing so ensures you have the necessary information to pursue any legal action you may be entitled to.

5. Head to Your Doctor for a Full Checkup

Once you have documented and received clearance to leave the scene, go to the emergency room. After, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for a complete physical examination.

This is an essential step because you’ll want to document any injuries you have sustained due to the accident.

This will allow you to understand the extent of your injuries and determine the next steps you should be taking.

5. Head to Your Doctor for a Full Checkup

You’ll also want to gather copies of any tests, scans, medical treatments, and bills you’ve received due to the accident. This will allow you to better document the extent of your injuries, their impact on your quality of life.

You need these documents to have a complete record of your injuries and the extent of your medical care following the accident, allowing you to better pursue any damages you may be entitled to because of the accident.

7. Speak with a Spring Hill Bicycle Accident Lawyer

It’s essential to speak with a Spring Hill bicycle accident lawyer from Whittel & Melton as soon as possible following an accident. The earlier you begin working with a personal injury attorney, the better your chances are of securing the compensation you deserve. 

When you schedule your consultation, you’ll want to make sure you bring all your documentation from the accident and any other relevant information. This will allow us to begin working on your case immediately and ensure that you receive proper compensation.

In Need of a Spring Hill Bicycle Accident Lawyer? Whittel & Melton Can Help

If you were involved in a bicycle accident in Spring Hill, Florida, and need a bicycle accident lawyer to help you get compensation for your injuries, you’ve come to the right place.

At Whittel & Melton, our bicycle accident lawyers have helped many victims of bicycle accidents get the compensation they deserve. We dedicate ourselves to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Whittel & Melton for a free consultation today.