Bicycle Safety and Preventative Measures in Miami

Bike riding is supposed to be a fun way to get around town, especially when you can take advantage of the good weather. However, other vehicles can pose a risk to cyclists. Before hopping on the back of a bike or letting your family go out for a ride, you should be aware of various bicycle safety and preventative measures in Miami that could help you stay safe. 

If a bike accident occurs, taking the right protective measures could keep you safe. If you suffer an injury, the fact that you used appropriate preventative measures could also help strengthen your case if you decide to pursue a lawsuit for financial compensation. A skilled local lawyer could meet with you to review the details of your accident and let you know if you have a potentially successful lawsuit. 

Relevant Safety Measures for Miami Cyclists

Florida lawmakers set forth specific laws that pertain to cyclists in Florida Statutes § 316.2065, including the following:

• Riders and passengers under age 16 must wear a properly fitted helmet
• Bikes must have seats, unless specifically designed without them
• Bikes should not carry passengers, with the exception of young children in proper safety seats, unless designed for that purpose 
• Cyclists cannot attach themselves to another vehicle, such as by grabbing onto the back of a car
• If they are traveling slower than other traffic, cyclists should ride in a dedicated bike lane or, if there is not bike lane, then as far to the right of the road as possible
• If cyclists are riding two abreast and are traveling too slowly for traffic, they need switch to ride single file
• Bicycles must have the appropriate lamps and reflectors for riding at night 
• Bikes should have properly functioning brakes 

In addition to statutory requirements, cyclists should also follow common-sense safety guidelines. For instance, they should ride in dedicated bike lanes when possible, not wear headphones in both ears, which could block traffic sounds, not weave through traffic, travel at reasonable speeds, and stay aware of what is happening around them. In addition, cyclists need to modify their behavior to be appropriate for the situation.

A skilled Miami lawyer understands how correct safety and preventative measures can make a difference in preventing a bike accident and reducing the risk of injuries. However, even if a cyclist did not take appropriate measures, they could still be eligible for compensation. A knowledgeable attorney could offer them guidance. 

How Safety Measures Could Affect Recovery of Damages in a Bike Accident Claim

Taking appropriate preventative and safety measures can keep a cyclist safe and can also help them if they decide to pursue a legal claim in Miami against a negligent motorist who strikes them. If a cyclist does not operate their bike safely, they might still be able to pursue a claim for damages, as long as the cyclist’s failure to follow reasonable measures was not more than 50 percent to blame for causing the accident. If a court determines that the cyclist’s unsafe operation was less than 50 percent to blame, under Florida’s modified comparative fault standard, the cyclist could still pursue a claim. However, a court could reduce their recoverable damages in proportion to their degree of blame for contributing to the accident and to the severity of their injuries. 

Trying to understand Florida’s rules regarding comparative fault can be confusing, which is why working with an experienced local attorney is essential. 

Call a Miami Attorney About Bike Safety Measures

Following good bicycle safety and preventative measures in Miami can keep you and your family safe and prevent serious harm. In addition, following bike safety rules can protect you against accusations that you contributed to your own injuries in an accident. However, even if you were not riding with the appropriate bike safety guidelines, you might still be eligible to bring a lawsuit.

Call a determined local lawyer today to learn about your legal rights.