Bicycle riders in West Palm Beach have the same duties and rights as motorists under Florida law, but drivers sometimes are not looking for bicycles on the road, and a crash happens.
In that case, the rider needs to retain the services of a skilled injury lawyer experienced handling bicycle accidents in order to be compensated for expenses and losses resulting from the event.
Bicyclists also should know the laws specific to bicycles so that the rider can avoid bearing some fault in the crash, which would reduce the amount awarded for damages. Florida has adopted the comparative negligence doctrine which limits the award by the percentage of fault. A West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyer can help fight for their client’s rights to compensation.
Florida’s bicycle statutes cover a range from requiring a proper seat to brakes that can stop a bicycle traveling at 10 mph in 25 feet in ideal conditions.
The following includes some of the laws cyclists need to know to prevent accidents and have a strong legal case should a West Palm Beach bike accident occurs.
Because motorists commonly do not look for bicycles they do not see them, a cyclist must take responsibility to avoid being hit by paying attention to what is going on along the roadway. Riders should continually look ahead and to the side, have a rearview mirror and use it.
Others on the road need to know what a cyclist is going to do, so using hand signals for turning is crucial. West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyers would recommend riders to travel with the traffic, not against it, wear highly visible clothing colors, and obey all traffic signs and not take risks.
Because a bicycle offers no protection in a collision, chances are, the cyclist will be the only person injured if struck by a car or truck and the injuries can be significant.
Cyclists who are hit by a vehicle should promptly call a West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyer for advice. The attorney can explain your rights and legal options and evaluate the strength of your case.
If the accident was the result of another person’s negligence, a bike accident lawyer in West Palm Beach can work to prove that and take the necessary steps to build a timely, strong case and achieve the compensation their client deserves.
If you are injured and unable to come to us,
our attorney will come to you - there is no charge for us to do so.