(561) 375-9500
The Sunshine State is a favorite among cyclists. Unfortunately, more bikes on the road means more possibilities for accidents. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Lakeland, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact a Lakeland bicycle accident attorney from Kogan & DiSalvo today. We’ll evaluate your case, determine how we can help, and lead you in the right direction. The initial consultation is always free.
The Role of a Bicycle Attorney in Lakeland
Roadways often include clearly marked bike lanes to help minimize the dangers of biking on the road. However, the lanes cannot protect bikers from negligent automotive drivers.
It’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Lakeland if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident because of a reckless driver. A Kogan & DiSalvo attorney has the necessary knowledge, ability to investigate and gather evidence, negotiation skills, and trial experience to represent you fairly.
Our determined attorneys will:
- Navigate the legal system
- Collect evidence and investigate the accident
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Show up for you in court
- Most importantly– protect your rights
Understanding Bicycle Accident Cases in Florida
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a bicycle accident, you have the right to understand how the legal process works. When you choose a Kogan & DiSalvo Polk County bicycle accident lawyer, you are promised someone who will clearly explain it to you, starting with the first step.
Step 1: The Consultation
Kogan & DiSalvo will evaluate your case and offer advice on your legal options. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you can think of.
Step 2: The Investigation
We will gather evidence in your case, including witness statements, contact information, insurance details, medical expense receipts, and more. We’ll use it all to determine liability.
Step 3: The Negotiation
All of our attorneys are highly skilled at negotiating with insurance companies. We’ll ensure they offer you fair compensation covering your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Step 4: The Litigation and Judgement
If the insurance company decides not to treat you fairly, we have no problem taking them to court. We’ll assist you in filing a lawsuit and make sure the jury hears all relevant evidence.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Polk County
Drivers operating a motor vehicle often disregard the safety of cyclists, whether they intend to or not. Common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Failure to stop at a posted sign
- Poor road conditions
- Following the bicyclist too closely
- Drunk driving
- Failure to obey speed limits
- Distracted driving
- Defective equipment
- Aggressive driving
- Failing to adequately check the surroundings before pulling in or out
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Besides helmets, there are limited protections for bicyclists, increasing the danger of severe injuries.
For example, when struck by a moving vehicle, objects within the vicinity – such as trees, telephone poles, and other pedestrians– pose a higher risk of causing broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or brain injuries.
Common, and sometimes catastrophic injuries, from a bicycle accident in Lakeland include:
- Road rash
- Lacerations
- Severe bleeding
- Head and neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Amputations
- Death
Compensation for Your Injuries
Your Lakeland bicycle accident attorney will work diligently to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. Following your accident, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Investigating and Proving Liability in Bicycle Cases
With the growing popularity of cycling, bicycle accidents have also increased. You deserve the most comprehensive legal representation possible if you’ve been involved in an accident.
A Kogan & DiSalvo attorney from Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, can be that for you. Our team will work to investigate your accident and prove that whoever was operating the vehicle is liable for the accident.
A third party, such as a government agency, may also be at fault if road conditions are poor.
How You Can Help Your Attorney
If you’ve been struck by a moving vehicle while riding your bike, you’re most likely feeling shocked and unsure how to begin moving forward. We understand this. Helping your attorney build a strong case is an easy way to gain back your feeling of control.
To ensure you win your case and get the compensation you deserve, follow these simple steps.
- Check for injuries. Your safety is the main priority. If able, check yourself for injuries to ensure you are alright.
- Call 9-1-1. Contacting law enforcement is crucial to maintaining the scene’s integrity and protecting the investigation step. Request copies of the police report for evidence.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel alright, you may not be. Being examined by a medical professional is essential as injuries may manifest up to 48 hours after the accident.
- Document the accident scene. Photos can be used as evidence in your personal injury claim. Take photos of your bike, the vehicle that struck you, your injuries, and the scene itself.
- Speak with witnesses. If people were around at the time of the accident, ask if they saw what happened and collect their names, phone numbers, emails, and addresses.
- Consult with Kogan & DiSalvo. A Polk County bicycle accident lawyer will assess your case’s monetary value, handle the insurance company, and guide you through your claim.
How to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
Finding a trustworthy law firm is a crucial first step in filing a bicycle accident lawsuit. That’s where Kogan & DiSalvo come in.
We’ll file your insurance claim with the responsible party. It will then be assigned to an insurance adjuster working to settle without going to court. As Florida is a no-fault state– meaning that drivers have insurance to cover their injuries/damages– you will be expected to use your insurance company for your medical bills. However, this does not mean you are barred from recovering medical expenses in your lawsuit.
Please note: the statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Florida has recently changed from four years to two. It’s recommended that you file as soon as possible to preserve evidence and receive fair compensation.
Kogan & DiSalvo Are Ready to Help
A bicycle accident is a terrifying event. At Kogan & DiSalvo, we understand how vulnerable and afraid you might feel now. As Lakeland’s premier personal injury law firm, we’ve spent years developing our understanding of bicycle accident cases to serve you best.
We know that legal victories never come from a one-size-fits-all approach; they stem from individualized attention, rigorous preparation, and hard work.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a bicycle accident in Polk County, Florida, and need comprehensive legal representation, contact Kogan & DiSalvo.
The initial consultation is always free. A member of our compassionate team is waiting for your call.
