Bicycle accidents often lead to tragic and long-term consequences for victims. Between 2007 and 2016, statistics show that Florida was the most dangerous state for bicyclists, with the state experiencing 6.2 fatalities for every 100,000 people. Nationally, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that 840 cyclists were killed in 2016. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC are here to guide you through the process of filing a claim and obtaining maximum compensation. We have extensive experience litigating challenging personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits stemming from accidents involving bicyclists.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
Motorists are required to drive responsibly and pay attention to their surroundings. Unfortunately, many common behaviors by drivers lead to thousands of collisions with cyclists each year. The most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
In any of these situations, serious injuries and even death can occur. We’re ready to investigate your case and develop a strong strategy to help you recover the damages you deserve.
In addition to the above causes of action, you may also be able to pursue additional causes of action depending on the circumstances of your case. Our attorneys have handled several products liability cases against bicycle manufacturers for accidents caused by defective or unreasonably dangerous bicycle parts.
Road conditions may also contribute to bicycle accidents. If roads and sidewalks are improperly maintained or repaired, you may be entitled to compensation from the applicable state agency responsible for such maintenance. Regardless of how your accident occurred, we take the time to fully investigate your claims and gather witness testimony and evidence to support your case.
After an accident, many people are left confused about their options and how to begin the process of recovery. At Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC, our bicycle accident attorneys strive to make the process as easy as possible. To discuss your options during a free consultation, call us at (561) 293-2600 or contact us online. We represent clients throughout Palm Beach, Dade and Broward counties and nationally from our offices in Boca Raton and Orlando.