Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cycling is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way of traveling in Miami. That said, when heading to work, jogging, or sightseeing, you deserve to feel safe along the highway. Unfortunately, cycling incidents are all too common, which in most cases end in severe injury and astronomical medical bills. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact a knowledgeable Miami injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA for a free consultation today.

Bicycle Helmet Laws in Miami

Florida law requires all cyclists under the age of 16 to wear a properly fitted, fastened bicycle helmet that meets federal safety standards. While adults are not legally required to wear helmets, wearing one is always recommended for your safety. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and can even save lives.

It’s important to understand how helmet use may affect your case. In Florida, we have a comparative negligence system. This means if you are injured in an accident and were not wearing a helmet, the insurance company or opposing party might argue that your injuries were partly your fault. Even though helmet use is not mandatory for adults, insurance adjusters often try to use this fact to lower the compensation you receive. An experienced attorney can push back on these arguments and work to protect your rights.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents in Miami often occur because of negligent or reckless behavior on the part of drivers, although hazardous road conditions and other factors can also play a role. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car devices while behind the wheel
• Failure to yield at intersections or when turning, leading to dangerous collisions with cyclists who have the right of way
• Opening car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist without checking for bike traffic, commonly referred to as “dooring”
• Unsafe lane changes or merging into designated bike lanes without proper signaling or awareness of cyclists
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which impairs judgment, reaction time, and awareness
• Speeding or aggressive driving that reduces the driver’s ability to stop in time or avoid hazards
• Poorly designed or maintained roadways, including potholes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage that creates hazards for cyclists
• Weather conditions such as heavy rain, which can reduce visibility and increase the chance of skidding or losing control
• Failure to follow traffic signals or signs by either the driver or, in some cases, the cyclist

Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists are vulnerable on the road because they lack the protection that a vehicle’s frame provides. As a result, injuries in a bicycle accident can be severe, long-lasting, and even life-altering. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are as follows:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions, skull fractures, and other forms of head trauma
• Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis
• Broken bones, particularly fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone
• Facial injuries, including fractures, dental injuries, and severe lacerations
• Internal organ damage, such as punctured lungs or abdominal injuries
• Road rash, which refers to painful abrasions caused by sliding across pavement
• Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
• Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following the accident

These injuries can require extensive medical care, including surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy. Some victims may never fully recover their previous level of function. When you work with our firm, we take these long-term impacts into account when seeking compensation.

Financial Compensation for a Bicycle Accident Injury

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you were involved in a bike accident. Financial compensation is there to allow you to recover from the physical, emotional, and financial stress of the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident you were in, you may be able to collect for:

• Medical expenses like hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits, physical therapy, and further medical attention for your injury
• Lost wages, if your injury either temporarily or permanently keeps you out of work
• Loss of future income potential, if you are unable to go back to your previous work or to work in the future
• Pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
• Property damage, including repair or replacement of your bicycle and any other damaged personal property
• Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injuries deprive you of the enjoyment of past activities

Contact a Miami-Dade County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a bicycle accident in Miami, do not wait to get the help you need. The Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, from your initial consultation to the resolution of your claim. Contact us today to discuss your case with a dedicated Miami bicycle accident lawyer.