Whether you are driving a sedan, scooter, or motorcycle, no traveler is more exposed to injury than a bicyclist. Considering Florida's abundantly clear skies, many residents and travelers take advantage of the weather to enjoy a bicycle ride down the Clearwater coast. However, riding on busy streets without designated bicycle lanes or proper night gear is an accident waiting to happen and a number of bicyclists suffer injuries in traffic collisions on a regular basis in Florida.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents
According to the Federal Highway Safety Administration,1 each year nearly 60,000 bicyclists are injured in motor vehicle crashes, 900 of whom are killed as a result. Nearly three-fourths of motor vehicle-bicycle crashes occur near driveways and intersections, while the majority of crashes also occur during the early evening when traffic is high and visibility low.
The following are common types of bicycle crashes:
- Parallel-path crashes;
- Open car door crashes;
- Crossing-path crashes;
- Rear-end crashes.
The most frequent type of crashes occurred when motorists failed to yield to bicyclists or a driver turned or merged into a bicyclist's path because they were not paying enough attention to notice the bicyclist.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident and it is unnecessary to seek emergency medical attention, it is essential to take the following three steps at the scene:
- Gather driver information;
- Gather witness information; and
- Take video, photographs, or other recordings of the scene.
First, with the amount of domestic and international travelers who visit Florida each year, it is essential to gather proper driver information. This includes requesting to see a photo I.D., physical insurance card, and evidence that the vehicle either is or is not a rental vehicle. If the driver cannot provide you with this information, be sure to call the police immediately. Next, as witnesses may also be visitors, be sure to gather any potential witness information and contact information at the scene, as you may have difficulty locating them after the fact. Lastly, be sure to take ample photographs, videos, and record any statements made by the other driver at the scene. This may help to prove your case and identify the driver if he or she flees the scene.
Of course, if emergency personnel want you to undergo immediate treatment and transportation to a hospital, that should be your first priority.
Consult a Clearwater Accident Attorney Today to Discuss your Case
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle-bicycle accident, be sure to contact a Florida personal injury attorney immediately. Because most bicyclists do not carry personal injury or liability insurance, matters of compensation can become complex, and it is essential to have an attorney on your side. After all, why should you pay for enjoying the weather?
The Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA is your go-to motor vehicle-bicycle accident firm in the greater Tampa Bay Area, and they will advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. Call 727-451-6900 today for a free, no-risk consultation.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 800 North Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 (727) 451-6900 https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/bicycle-injury-attorneys/1https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/PED_BIKE/univcourse/pdf/swless04.pdf