Rear-end bicycle accidents injure thousands of people each year throughout the state of Florida, sometimes leaving them with lifelong medical problems and disabilities that affect them on a day-to-day basis. Because bicycles are smaller than other motor vehicles, they are often more difficult for motorists to spot, making rear-end accidents a real risk.
How Do Rear-End Bicycle Accident Occur
Rear-end bicycle accident take place in a variety of ways, almost all of which reflect fault on the part of the driver who rear-ended the cyclist. They can happen when bicyclists are coming to a stop at a stop sign or simply sitting at a stop light. In addition, a bicyclist who is moving forward could easily be rear-ended by a driver who is simply moving faster and did not see the cyclist in front of them. Not all rear-end accidents are the fault of the driver in the rear, however, so it is important for anyone involved in a rear-end accident to retain a personal injury familiar with traffic accident law.
Common Rear-End Bicycle Accident Injuries
Rear-end bicycle accidents can cause extremely serious injuries. Unlike motorists, bicyclists have almost no protection from the world around them, save protective gear and hopefully a helmet. Many bicycle accidents result in the cyclist being thrown from his or her bike, potentially into other vehicles, the ground, buildings, or the other objects. There are many serious injuries that can be the result of rear-end accidents, including the following:
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Amputations Dislocations Sprains and strains Nerve damage Disfigurement |
These and other bicycle accident injuries have the potential to cause significant economic and noneconomic losses. For example, if you sustain a brain injury in a bicycle accident, you could incur tens of thousands of dollars in medical expense and be unable to return to work for weeks or months, if at all. In addition, you would likely experience significant physical and emotional pain and suffering and also be unable to do things that you once enjoyed. Fortunately, under Florida law,2 these and other losses that victims sustain in bicycle accidents are often compensable through a personal injury claim.
What Should You Do if You are Involved in a Rear-End Bicycle Crash?
Being involved in a rear-end bicycle accident is almost always a traumatic experience. After an accident, you may be so severely injured that you are required to go directly to the hospital for emergency treatment. If this is the case, you should, of course, accept treatment and make sure that your injuries are properly addressed by medical professionals. If, however, you are physically able to stay at the scene of the accident, you should document information about the way in which the accident occurred. Write down the name of the driver who struck you, the location of the accident, and obtain contact information from anyone who may have seen the accident. In the days following your accident, you should take the following steps:
Schedule an appointment with your doctor – you should see you physician as soon as possible after your accident. Doing so will generate an official medical record detailing the severity of your injuries, a document that may be important in establishing damages.
Do not discuss your accident with anyone else – and refrain from posting about it on social media. You may inadvertently say or post something that admits liability, which may jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
Speak to an attorney as soon as you can – a lawyer will protect your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a New Port Richey Bicycle Accident Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a New Port Richey bicycle accident, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At the Dolman Law Group, we are dedicated to helping accident victims recover for their injuries and work hard to ensure that each client we represent receives the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation with one of our New Port Richey accident attorneys, call our office today at (727) 853-6275 or contact us online.
Dolman Law Group
5435 Main Street
New Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 853-6275
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/bicycle-injury-attorneys/
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