Florida is known, of course, for its warm weather and beautiful scenery. As a result, countless residents and visitors enjoy riding a bicycle on roads in the Sunshine State. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are all too common.
The US Department of Transportation estimates that two percent of all traffic deaths and injuries involve bicycles. When a person is killed or injured in a bicycle accident, it's usually due to a collision with a motor vehicle.
And it's usually the fault of the driver. The law in Florida is very specific concerning responsibility in a collision involving a car (or any other kind of motor vehicle) and a bicycle.
Getting in a bicycle accident presents special legal issues, in addition to the pain and complications that come with any bicycle accident. Due to the unique circumstances of bicycle accidents,
many victims try to represent themselves when seeking compensation, and then find that they are unable to negotiate effectively with the insurance company.
This is why bicycle accident victims need an experienced Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorney.
Qualified legal representation such as John Bales Attorneys Tampa is the key to protecting your rights and getting fair compensation as a bicycle accident victim.
The attorneys and client managers at John Bales Attorneys have the knowledge to represent you, protect your rights, and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damage from a bicycle accident.
What you need to know
The law requires that the person or company responsible for causing an accident pay for your bicycle accident injuries and bicycle repairs. In Florida, injured persons may be able to have a portion of their medical bills and lost wages paid with their insurance coverage, referred to as personal injury protection, or PIP. Many victims of bicycle accidents in Tampa try to handle their own cases, without the help of a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer. Many believe that the services of a bicycle accident lawyer will be too costly, and that the insurance companies will settle the claim promptly and fairly.
Unfortunately, not all insurance claims are handled this way, which is why enlisting a Florida accident lawyer is an important step. Negotiating alone or waiting for the insurance company to settle the claim can be costly, time-consuming, and ultimately may even be fruitless. Avoid mistakes that could reduce the amount you are awarded or lead to the denial of your claim; if you are in a bicycle accident, contact John Bales Attorneys, your Tampa bicycle accident attorney.
As your experienced Tampa, Florida bicycle injury lawyer, we can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses. As Tampa accident lawyers, the attorneys and staff at John Bales Attorneys is highly experienced in the field of insurance and injury law. Our dedicated lawyers, client managers, and investigators have the resources and knowledge to help you recover for your injuries and damages after bicycle, car, motorcycle, truck, or drunk driver accidents.
What to do if you are in an accident
A bicycle accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming event. Before you suffer an accident, learn the procedures that can help you negotiate through this difficult experience. The following are tips on what to consider if a bicycle accident occurs:
- Stop immediately and be safe. Stay calm, and do what you can within reason to avoid blocking traffic. Be careful not to place yourself, your family, or other victims in a position where they may be hit by a passing vehicle or further harmed. Especially at night, make sure that other vehicles can see the accident scene and avoid it.
- Check to see if anyone is injured. Give as much comfort and aid as is appropriate, but try not to move any person who is injured, if possible.
- Remember that most victims of an accident will be confused and/or in shock by this sudden event and may act irrationally. Those in the accident may not be thinking clearly.
- Call 911 immediately for help and fully cooperate with police officers and emergency personnel. Provide the information necessary to explain what happened, but do not give your opinions, such as assuming you are guilty or at fault.
- Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, if possible. Make a mental note of what witnesses say, like "That black car was flying."
- Immediately go to the hospital, if you think you are injured or in pain, or if emergency personnel or others at the scene think you should go. They are the professionals on the scene who may be better able to evaluate your condition.
- Seek treatment from a doctor or other health care provider of your choice immediately, if you are hurt, in addition to going to the hospital. Do not allow the insurance company to choose your doctor. Report all injuries to your doctor, even those that seem minor. Sometimes an injury that does not initially seem to be severe is a serious injury that can cause lifelong pain and suffering. So it is important to advise the doctor of all medical concerns.
- Take many pictures of all bodily injuries, particularly wounds, bruises, any medical devices, and hospital visits that are required. Remember, you need a record of all that you suffered to allow others to know the seriousness of your injuries.
- Take pictures of wrecked bicycles, and, if applicable, any other vehicles involved, along with all victims, witnesses, the entire accident scene and anything else that is relevant, if possible.
- Inform your insurance company of the car collision, as soon as it is practically possible. Again, before signing or giving any recorded statements, consult a Florida motor vehicle injury lawyer.
- Do not sign anything from an insurance adjuster, if one shows up at the scene, at the hospital, or at your home. Also, do not give any statements to the adjuster without consulting a Florida accident lawyer.
- Keep complete records of accident-related experiences and expenses. A written record of details such as how you were feeling, sleep that you are missing, time you cannot spend with your family, pain levels ranging from 1 to 10, receipts for prescriptions, household services like cleaning or lawn mowing, mileage for traveling for treatments, car rentals, etc. These documents are valuable tools in presenting a personal injury claim to an insurance adjuster, or to a judge and jury in court.
- Call John Bales Attorneys. Our Florida injury attorneys and client managers have helped thousands of clients get the money they deserved for their bicycle accident related injuries.
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Contact a John Bales Attorney Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorney today. Complete a FREE Online Consultation Form now or call us toll free 1-800-CALL JOHN (1-800-225-5564) 24 hours, 7 days a week.