The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released statistics that should be alarming for every Floridian. According to experts, Florida is the deadliest state across America for bike riders. In 2018, over 125 bicycle riders were fatally killed during accidents.
If you’ve been involved in a serious bicycle-related accident in Florida, then it’s important to know your rights when it comes to compensation. Florida’s insurance laws are set up so that you’ll be able to get compensated whether you were at fault or not. Learn more about the 8 steps to take if you’re in a bicycle accident.
Florida’s No-Fault System Works for Bicycle Accidents
Florida’s auto insurance policies operate under a no-fault system, which means you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance provider after a bicycle crash. Your automobile insurance policy covers you even when you’re riding a bike. It will also take care of your medical bills even if you were partially at fault for the crash.
What If I Need More Compensation Than What my Insurance Can Provide?
While Florida’s no-fault system provides much-needed relief to accident victims, your own insurance policy often can’t cover the full extent of your losses after a serious bike crash. After your accident, you probably suffered significant injuries. You incurred medical bills and likely weren’t able to return to work right away. On top of that, you’ll also be forced to deal with the emotional trauma of being struck by a car.
Never assume that you’ll need to take on these losses after a bicycle accident, even if your insurance company has paid you the full amount of compensation that they can. You are legally entitled to seek out additional compensation from the driver responsible for your accident.
If the vehicle’s driver is found to be fully at fault for your accident, then they’ll be on the hook for all your losses. This includes any type of disability that you may suffer as a result of your injury.
If you were partially at fault, then a Florida courtroom may be responsible for determining the respective percentage of fault each party contributed. Your compensation award will get reduced based on the amount of negligence you displayed leading up to the crash.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Bicycle Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a bicycle accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of bicycle accidents in Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.