Bicycling is a great way to get around town and get some exercise and fresh air. Whether you bicycle to work or take your bike for a casual spin on the weekends, there are some dangers when you share the road with motorized vehicles. When you get into an accident on a bicycle, you are likely to suffer serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries. You may be entitled to compensation from the negligent party for your damages, which might include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Miami will help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents have been increasing across the country, even as new safety features are making vehicles easier and less dangerous. Bicycle accidents occur for a variety of reasons. People are driving SUVs, which can make it more challenging to see bikers nearby. Drivers are using their cell phones for texting and other reasons, which creates a distraction. Distracted driving is anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your focus off of driving. Texting checks all the boxes for distraction. While texting is illegal, many drivers still fail to put their phones down when they get behind the wheel.
Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Some of the injuries to bicyclists in accidents can be severe. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries, head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries. When a car impacts a bicycle, the rider has little protection. Even wearing a helmet won’t offer complete protection, although it can help. Traumatic brain injury might occur when the bicyclist’s head hits the pavement. You can suffer a TBI even if you don’t have an open head wound. Injuries often worsen over time, so it is best to seek medical care immediately after an accident. A bicycle accident lawyer in Miami will handle the legal issues while you recover from your injuries.
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
There are several things you should do following a bicycle accident. Always call the police, regardless of the severity of the incident. If the driver didn’t stop, don’t try to follow after, since this could pose a danger. The police will gather information at the scene and get statements from people who witnessed the accident. The police report documents the location, date, and time of the accident, as well as details about the driver. Get medical treatment as soon as possible, but no later than 24 to 48 hours after the crash. Finally, get help from a skilled bicycle accident lawyer in Miami.
Call an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Miami
The negligent party should pay for your medical expenses and all other costs that you had to pay due to your injuries. If you were unable to work, you might be owed the money you lost, along with future medical costs and more. If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, get the legal representation you need from our team at Kaire & Heffernan, LLC.