Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycling is a great form of exercise. Many people use bicycles as their main form of compensation and while this promotes good health and energy savings, riding a bike is not the safest activity. Hundreds of Americans are killed in bicycle crashes every year. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, make sure you obtain the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Jacksonville bicycle accident attorney Charles J. Gillette can help.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
While bicycle accidents can be caused by the bicyclists themselves, many are caused by negligent motorists. Here are the most common causes:
- Distracted driving. Smartphones, passengers, eating, changing radio stations, and other distractions cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. This can cause them to hit bicyclists.
- Drunk driving. Driving while impaired causes a person to lose their judgment. They are unable to make good decisions. They may not slow down or see a bicycle in their path, causing a serious crash.
- When a vehicle is going too fast, they don’t have enough time to make quick decisions. They might not see a bicycle until it’s too late. However, even low-speed crashes can cause serious injuries to bicyclists.
- Unsafe lane changes. When a motorist is recklessly changing lanes and weaving in and out of traffic, they may not notice a bicycle next to them. If they fail to look before changing lanes, they can hit a bicyclist and cause serious injuries.
How to Avoid Bicycle Crashes
Bicyclists have a responsibility to ride safely. If they don’t follow the rules or ride in a dangerous manner, they can become victims. Here’s how to avoid bicycle crashes:
- Get the right size. A bike that is too small or too big is not only uncomfortable but hard to control.
- Maintain your bike. Make sure your bicycle works before you go on a ride. Don’t try to ride a bike with no brakes—you’ll regret it when you need to suddenly stop.
- Make yourself visible to others. Bright clothing, reflective gear, and lights on your bike will make it easier for motorists to see your bicycle.
- Look for road hazards. Bicycles are not able to traverse over objects in the road like motor vehicles can. Therefore, you need to scan ahead and avoid potholes, sticks, rocks, train tracks, and other hazards.
- Be alert. Don’t be distracted by your phone or music. Keep your eyes and ears on the road so you can look and listen for hazards.
- Plan your route. The more you can avoid vehicles, the better. Try to find a route with minimal traffic that’s safer for bicycle riders.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Jacksonville?
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, your safety is the top priority. Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Call the police to file an accident report and document the scene by taking photos of your bike, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Finally, contact a Jacksonville bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my bicycle accident?
Yes, Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto bicyclists to minimize payouts, so it’s important to work with an experienced Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer who can protect your rights and help maximize your claim.
What types of damages can I recover after a Jacksonville bicycle accident?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical costs. In severe cases, you may also seek damages for permanent disability or loss of quality of life. A skilled Jacksonville bicycle accident attorney can evaluate your case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact a Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Bicyclists have no protection in the event of a crash. If you have been injured in a bicycle crash, make sure you understand your legal rights.
Seek legal help from Jacksonville personal injury attorney Charles J. Gillette. He can assess your case and fight for your rights to compensation. Schedule a free consultation with Gillette Law, P.A. today. Call 904-600-4758 or fill out the online form.
