West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicycle Accident Injuries We Handle

Our West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyers understand that the impact of a crash extends far beyond visible wounds. We've helped clients who have experienced:

• Traumatic brain injuries: From mild concussions to severe cognitive impairment, TBIs can have life-altering consequences.
• Spinal cord damage: Injuries ranging from herniated discs to paralysis require extensive, long-term care.
• Orthopedic trauma: Fractures, joint injuries, and soft tissue damage can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other hidden injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
• Psychological trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common after bicycle accidents.
• Chronic pain syndromes: Some injuries lead to persistent pain conditions that can be debilitating.
• Wrongful death: In the most tragic cases, we fight for families who have lost loved ones, seeking damages for their immeasurable loss.

We can consult medical professionals to ensure every aspect of your injury is thoroughly documented and factored into your claim. We understand that an airtight case requires a comprehensive view of how the accident has impacted your life, both now and in the future.

Compensation You Can Recover After a West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident

Our lawyers will work diligently to secure damages that fully reflect the impact of your accident, including:

• Medical expenses: This covers all accident-related healthcare costs, from emergency room visits to long-term rehabilitation.
• Lost wages and earning capacity: We'll fight to make up for income lost due to your injuries, as well as any reduction in your future earning potential.
• Property damage: This includes repairs or replacement of your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering: We'll work to quantify the physical and emotional toll of bicycle accidents.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, we'll seek damages for this loss.
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct.

Our goal is to secure a settlement or verdict that truly reflects the full extent of your losses, both economic and non-economic. Our bicycle accident attorneys have recovered millions for accident victims in West Palm Beach, and we're prepared to lead the charge in the fight for the financial recovery you deserve.

Critical Florida Bicycle Laws Impacting Your Case

Several of Florida's laws affect your rights on the road. Here are key statutes that could impact your case:

Statute of Limitations

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims arising from bicycle accidents also have a two-year statute of limitations. However, this can be reduced to just three years in cases involving government entities, like accidents caused by poorly maintained public roads.

Three-Foot Passing Law

Florida Statute 316.083 requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. This law is designed to prevent sideswipe accidents and create a safety buffer for cyclists.

Bike Lane Obstruction

Florida Statute 316.1945 makes it illegal for vehicles to park or drive in designated bike lanes, except in specific circumstances like emergencies or accessing driveways.

Right-of-Way at Intersections

Under Florida Statute 316.2065, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles when it comes to the right-of-way at intersections. This means drivers must yield to cyclists in the same situations they would yield to other cars.

Mandatory Use of Bike Paths

Contrary to popular belief, Florida does not require cyclists to use bike paths when they're available. Riders have the right to use the main roadway, even when a separate bike path exists.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows a pure comparative negligence system, which can significantly impact bicycle accident cases. Under this law, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

No-Fault Insurance Laws

Florida's no-fault insurance system can complicate bicycle accident claims. Under this system, each party's own insurance typically covers the first $10,000 of medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, bicycle accidents often result in injuries that far exceed this threshold.

Mandatory Insurance Requirements

Florida drivers are only required to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability. This often falls far short of covering the damages in serious bicycle accidents.