The Dangers Of Bicycling In Miami

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 38,880 bicycle-related injuries in the United States in 2020. The state of Florida had the highest number of bicyclist fatalities, with 170 deaths. In Miami specifically, bicyclists face many dangers when riding on the roads.

If you are an avid bicycle rider, then you know all too well that Miami’s roads are notoriously congested with drivers who sometimes ignore the rules. Many drivers fail to yield to bicyclists, drive too close to them or even make irresponsible maneuvers that put bicyclists in danger.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a bicycle accident, then you need the help of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. At Kaire & Heffernan, we have decades of experience representing bicycle accident victims and helping them recover compensation for any damages they have suffered. We understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be, the dangers of bicycling in Miami, and we will fight for your rights.

Just How Dangerous Is Biking In Florida?

Bicycling is a great form of exercise. When you get on and begin peddling, you might think of the fun, fresh air, company, and scenery. You might also be thinking of how many calories you’re burning and how great you’re going to look because you are performing this exercise.

One thing that you are more than likely not thinking of is the danger lurking around the next corner. Bicycle accident dangers abound in Miami, but they could be anywhere. There are some unusual occurrences that lead to bicycle injuries, but there are a few injury causes that are more common, such as:

• Not paying attention to cyclists while driving
• Driving while distracted (texting, talking on the phone, etc.)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Opening motor vehicle doors without looking first
• Failing to yield to bicyclists
• Speeding
• Conducting commercial vehicle negligence
• Driving too close to bicyclists
• Producing a bike with defective bicycle parts
• Poorly maintaining roads
• Designing defective roadways

As shown, most of the common bike accident dangers are human negligence in nature. In order for bicyclists to be truly safe there needs to be a combination of occurrences such as better bicycling paths, improved driver’s education and improved laws to protect bicyclists.

Here are a few laws that currently exist in many states:

• Drivers should pass on the left side of cyclists, allowing a safe distance between them.
• Drivers should not park or drive in bicycle lanes.
• When opening the doors of a vehicle, drivers and passengers should do so only when safe.
• Drivers should exercise due care to avoid bicycle collisions.
• Drivers should yield to bicyclists making left turns.

Why is it so important to protect cyclists? There are several reasons, including that it’s a human right to be safe and protected. Also, bicycling is a growing sport, and we are likely to hear of more injuries if we don’t do something now. Other reasons include the following eye-opening bicycle personal injury accident statistics:

• Six hundred 30 bicyclists died in the United States in 2009.
• Seventy-four out of 630 were 14 years old or younger.
• Two percent of all 2009 traffic fatalities were bicycle deaths.
• Ninety-three bicyclists 15 years old and under were killed.
• Thirteen thousand bicyclists 15 years old and under were injured.
• Forty-one years old is the average age of bicyclists who die from accidents in United States.
• Thirty-one years old is the average age of bicyclists who are injured in accidents in the United States.
• Bicyclist injuries increased from 43,000 to 51,000 from 2007 to 2009 (a big increase).

The numbers speak for themselves. The causes do as well. What about the cyclists? What about the injuries? These can range from mild to moderate to severe and even to death and may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (some recoverable but many not)
• Fractures (from simple to complex and from recoverable to permanent impairment)
• Lacerations and contusions (from simple cuts to major, life-threatening ones)
• Head injuries
• Neck and spine injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Paralysis or paralysis-like symptoms
• Emotional trauma
• Wrongful death

Injuries from bike accidents can be extremely serious and require extensive medical care. Furthermore, the insurance company may try to downplay the extent of your injuries or deny your bicycle accident claim outright. Hire a lawyer you can trust to pursue fair compensation in a bicycle accident injury case. At Kaire & Heffernan, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Will a Lawyer Help After a Miami Bike Accident?

At Kaire & Heffernan, we are lawyers who will take the time to understand the circumstances of your accident and develop a legal strategy to maximize your compensation. We will investigate the accident, collect evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We will also represent you in court if necessary.

We have the experience and resources to handle any type of bicycle accident case. We frequently handle cases involving:

• Collisions with motor vehicles
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Accidents involving children or minors
• Accidents resulting in serious injuries or wrongful death

Contact Us to Learn More About the Dangers of Bicycling in Miami

Injured in a bike accident? You need a strong advocate on your side. Contact Kaire & Heffernan today by calling (305) 876-6001 or reaching out online. We can review your bike accident case and help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. We will work diligently to get you the fair compensation you deserve after experiencing the dangers of bicycling in Miami.