Even though bike riding is a seemingly harmless activity, it could become harmful in a blink of an eye when a crash occurs. Bicyclists could sustain injuries such as broken bones, organ damage, head, and spinal trauma.
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for damages. A seasoned Seminole bicycle accident lawyer could help you recover compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced personal injury attorney could review your case and provide insight into your future recovery options.
Bicycle Regulations in Seminole
All motorists and bicyclists are required to follow the rules of the road. Traffic regulations are put in place to keep everyone safe and help prevent bicycle accidents from occurring. Bicycles are considered the same as vehicles under Florida law. Bikers are required to comply with the same rules as everybody else on the road.
Florida Statutes §316.2065 outlines a majority of the bicycle rules and regulations that apply to bikers and their passengers. Some of the regulations under the statute include the following:
- All bicycles are required to have brakes that can stop within 25 feet traveling at 10 miles per hour
- One hand must be kept on the handlebars while riding at all times
- All bikes must be fitted with a fixed, regular riding seat
- Bicyclists must obey all traffic signals and controls
- Parents are also responsible for making sure that their children adhere to Florida’s bicycle laws
It is best to reach out to a Seminole bicycle accident lawyer to learn more about the laws for bicyclists and how it could affect their case.
Financial Recovery For a Collision
Issues of comparative fault could affect the plaintiff’s financial recovery. When an injured claimant is found to be partially at fault for the collision, comparative fault rules help courts determine how much compensation they may be eligible to recover.
Under the pure comparative fault rule, the plaintiff may recover compensation for damages even if they are 99 percent liable. However, their damages may be reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident.
Filing a Lawsuit for Bicycle Accident Injuries in Seminole
Before filing a lawsuit, bicycle accident victims may be able to settle their case. Typically, the claimant’s bicycle accident attorney may send a demand letter to the defendant and their insurance company, if applicable. Settlement negotiations could be entered into and is usually handled by the defendant’s insurance carrier, or their attorney. If settlement negotiations fail, the plaintiff may pursue litigation as long as they meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.
Florida Statutes §95.11 gives plaintiffs four years to file their personal injury lawsuit to recover economic, non-economic, and property damages. If the injured claimant files their lawsuit after the four-year statute of limitations, they may be unable to recover compensation for their damages, unless a tolling exception applies. Under rare circumstances, tolling exceptions extend the time limit given to plaintiffs to file their case.
Let a Seminole Bicycle Accident Attorney Help
Suffering from a bicycle accident-related injury could be a traumatic experience. Unlike drivers, who have the protection of their automobiles, bikers very little safety protection.
The physical and legal consequences of a bicycle collision are often difficult to handle by yourself. Resourceful defense law firms and insurance companies will create barriers between you and the just compensation you have the right to receive. A Seminole bicycle accident lawyer might be able to offer their advice and counsel and help you on your road to relief. Call today to get started on your case.
