Beware Of Cars, Trucks, And SUVs If You Are A Florida Bicyclist
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
All across the country, including right here in the Sunshine State, people ride bicycles to get from place to place. There are lots of reasons why individuals take this action. For one, the activity is a great form of exercise. The venture can increase stamina, improve overall health, and help the rider lose weight. Additionally, being a cyclist can save a person some money in the long run too. How? Well, unlike car owners, bicyclists do not need auto insurance. As such, they can save hundreds or possibly even thousands of dollars per year, when it comes to liability or full coverage insurance.Gas is another area where cyclists can save. The majority of cars in the United States run on gasoline today. Of course, some vehicles use alternative fuels like propane or electricity, but, for the most part, gas is king. The price of topping off one's tank varies on a case by case basis. It depends on things like the size of the motor and the size of the vehicle itself. Sometimes, $20 per week will do the trick. Then again, in other instances, filling up can cost $50, $75, or over $100. Such prices can add up in a hurry. So, perhaps, one of the best reasons for becoming a cyclist is to keep more cash in your pocket.
Not Everything Is Sunshine And Rainbows With Riding A Bike
Sure, the pros mentioned above sound extraordinary. However, bad stuff can happen from time to time when riding a bike too. For instance, Florida cyclists have to share the roadways with motorists. Yes, there are bike lanes to keep riders out of traffic, but still, accidents happen. Don't just take the words in this post for it, though. There are stats that show collisions between cars and bikes occur more often than one might believe.
According to Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 6,590 incidents took place in 2018. Outcomes of the crashes included 160 fatalities and 6,183 injuries. Those figures are not acceptable, but unfortunately, with so many cars and bicycles sharing the streets in the state, it is easy to see why accidents occur. Most cyclists try to prepare for just in case moments. They buy helmets, elbow/knee guards, and more. However, the safety equipment can only do so much when a car strikes a rider.
Common Injuries Associated With Auto/Bicycle Accidents
No two accidents are exactly the same. In turn, the wounds that riders experience will vary from one situation to the next. However, if a car collides with a cyclist, he or she may obtain damages such as...
• Internal Organ Damage
• Paralysis
• Loss Of Limbs
• Fractures/Broken Bones
• Traumatic Brain Injury
Providing that the individual is able to recover fully from the injuries, the process can take months or even years. In other words, the victim can blow through his or her savings in the blink of an eye paying for surgeries, therapy, doctor bills, and medications. But, what if the driver was deemed at fault for the accident and damages?
An Accident Lawyer Can Help
If it can be proven that a driver's negligence caused the collision and injuries, the victim may be entitled to compensation. Going it alone can be quite a tall order, though, as many people don't even know where to begin when it comes to collecting evidence and building a strong case. Luckily, Floridians don't have to face such situations alone. An accident lawyer gathers witness statements, police reports, driver histories, cell phone records, and more to fight on their behalf. The professional, and his or her team, will go above and beyond to recover the compensation that their clients need, want, and deserve.