West Palm Beach Florida Bicycle Accident Lawyers

1. Assess your injuries. If you are seriously injured, call 911 immediately. If you are not seriously injured, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Contact the police and file a report. The police report will be important for any claim you may want to pursue.
3. Exchange information: Get details of the other other parties involved in the accident. This includes their name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers.
4. Take pictures: Capture images of the accident scene, including the condition and position of the bicycle and the other vehicle involved.
5. Get witness statements if possible. Get witness statements if possible, as these can be critical evidence in your bicycle accident case.

What To Do In The Days And Weeks After The Accident

Keep track of all of your medical expenses and rehabilitation expenses.

• Doctor’s visits
• Hospital stays
• Prescriptions & over-the-counter medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Transportation costs (to and from medical appointments)

Document any lost wages or other financial losses.

• Lost wages and income (paystubs, tax returns, employment records)
• Future earnings loss if injuries result in permanent disability (consult financial experts)
• Injury-related childcare if unable to care for your children due to injuries
• Bicycle damage and repair costs

Additional Tips To Help You Recover Damages in a West Palm Beach Florida Bicycle Accident

• Do not speak to the other driver or their insurance company without legal assistance.
• Be mindful of social media posts; insurance companies and defense attorneys may use your posts against your claim.
• Do not sign any documents without first consulting an experienced bicycle accident attorney.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in West Palm Beach Florida

While not all bike accidents involve motor vehicles, a large percentage do. Common causes include:

• Although not every bike accident involves collisions with motor vehicles like cars, trucks or motorcycles, a large percentage do. When automobiles are involved, it’s not uncommon to cite: Failure to yield, running red lights / stop signs or distracted driving.
  Some other causes for a Florida bicycle accident include:
  Unsafe Passing: When drivers pass cyclists too closely or recklessly, they can cause accidents. Florida law requires drivers to give at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist.
  Dooring: When a motorist or passenger opens a car door without looking first. This can result in a cyclist colliding with the open door.
  Driveway and Parking Lots: When drivers reverse from driveways or parking spaces without checking for approaching cyclists.
  Impaired Driving: Drunk or drugged driving can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents involving cyclists.
  Right Hooks and Left Crosses: Improper turns. A “right hook” occurs when a vehicle turning right collides with a cyclist going straight, and a “left hook” involves a vehicle crossing the path of an oncoming cyclist..
  Lack of Visibility: Cyclists can be difficult to see, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Without proper lighting and reflective gear, cyclists may not be visible to drivers.
  No Bicycle Lanes or Infrastructure: The absence of dedicated bike lanes or inadequate cycling infrastructure can force cyclists to share the road with motor vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
  Inadequate Education: Lack of awareness and education about bicycle safety for both cyclists and motorists can contribute to accidents. Promoting safe practices and awareness campaigns can help mitigate this issue.
  Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, uneven road surfaces, and inadequate road maintenance can pose hazards to cyclists and lead to accidents.
  Construction: Construction zones can create hazards for cyclists, including uneven surfaces, detours, and traffic pattern changes.  If your bicycle accident was due to a poorly maintained area or infrastructure, you might be eligible for a premises liability lawsuit.

If your accident was caused by poorly maintained roads or infrastructure, you may be eligible for a premises liability lawsuit.

West Palm Beach Florida Bicycle Accident Statistics

Data from recent years show serious bicycle accidents and fatal bicyclist crashes remain a significant concern:

2023 (Year-to-date through June 29)

Florida: 1,559 serious bicycle and pedestrian crashes
Palm Beach County: 107
West Palm Beach: 11

2022

Florida: 3,239
Palm Beach County: 203
West Palm Beach: 32

2021

Florida: 3,241
Palm Beach County: 190
West Palm Beach: 28

2020

Florida: 2,951
Palm Beach County: 198
West Palm Beach: 30

The city of West Palm Beach accounts for about 15% of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Palm Beach County, which itself accounts for approximately 6% of such accidents statewide. These figures highlight the importance of understanding Florida’s bicycle laws and the need for legal assistance after serious bicycle accidents.

Why You Need Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys in West Palm Beach

Bicycle accident cases often involve complex issues such as proving negligence by negligent drivers, calculating damages for spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, internal injuries, and other injuries suffered. Our law firm has extensive experience handling bicycle accident claims and lawsuits to help clients recover maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering.

We understand Florida’s bicycle laws and traffic laws that apply to both bicycle riders and motorists, including the requirement that cyclists follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. Our attorneys will help you navigate the entire process, gather medical records, accident reports, and evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys to secure a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary.

Get A Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in West Palm Beach, do not hesitate to contact Winegar Law Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our entire team is committed to providing you with outstanding job support and legal options tailored to your case. We work on a no recovery, no fee basis so you can focus on healing while we handle your bicycle accident claim.

Protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries with the help of extremely professional bicycle accident attorneys who care about your recovery and legal success.