Graced with exquisite beaches, scenic trails, and the charming, historic district of St. Augustine, bicycling in St. Johns County offers commuters and recreational riders alike a climate-friendly and healthy mode of transportation that can be enjoyed year-round. However, sharing the roads with motorcycles, cars, vans, trucks, and buses can be dangerous—and with so many distracted drivers on the road these days, accidents happen more often than you might expect.
When collisions occur between motorists and bicyclists, the latter are far more likely to be harmed and suffer serious personal injury. If you or a loved one was harmed while riding a bicycle, consider consulting with a St. Johns County bicycle accident lawyer. A skilled personal injury attorney could explain the legal process, review your case, and determine whether you have a viable claim for compensation to cover your expenses and mitigate your pain and suffering.
The Compensable Consequences of Bike Wrecks
Bicyclists are particularly prone to injury when a collision with a motor vehicle occurs. Even a minor crash that would only constitute a minor fender bender if two cars were involved could lead to life-altering injuries for a cyclist knocked off their bike, especially one without a helmet.
Typical bicycle crash injuries include cuts and bruises, fractured or broken bones, internal bleeding, facial injuries, organ trauma, internal bleeding, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. While some of these injuries may mean short-term pain and inconvenience, others can radically change a victim’s life forever, leaving them disfigured and disabled.
In addition to injuries, victims are usually saddled with unexpected medical costs. Hospital, physician, pharmacy, therapy, medical device, and vehicle and car modification bills can pile up, all while an accident victim may be unable to work due to their injuries. A St. Johns County bicycle crash attorney could help a bike accident victim pursue compensation to alleviate the financial burden of these sudden expenses.
Negligence and Recklessness Can Cause Bicycle Accidents
When it comes to bicycle crashes involving a motor vehicle, negligence or recklessness on the part of at least one involved party is typically to blame for the accident. Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Riding against the flow of traffic
- Disobeying traffic signs and signals
- Riding in the dark without lights and/or reflectors
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving, such as unsafe passing or excessive speeding)
- Driving while intoxicated
In some cases, both the driver of a vehicle and an injured bicyclist are at fault. Under Florida Statutes §768.81, which establishes Florida’s pure comparative negligence doctrine, a partially liable cyclist could still recover damages through civil litigation.
However, their recoverable damages would be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault assigned to them. A skilled bike accident lawyer in St. Johns County could thoroughly investigate an accident and fight for the most beneficial outcome on a plaintiff’s behalf.
Contact a St. Johns County Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
When a bicycle crash has interrupted your life and left you with what may feel like a mountain of bills, a compassionate and skilled St. Johns County bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation. In some cases, a settlement demand may prove successful, while other cases may require initiating a lawsuit. Either way, a qualified attorney could work hard on your behalf to secure you compensation, so call today to learn more.
