Plantation Bicycle Injury Attorney

Quick Answer

After a bicycle accident in Plantation, you generally have two years to file an injury claim in Florida (Florida Statutes § 95.11), after the 2023 change that shortened the old four-year deadline. People on bicycles generally have the same rights and duties as drivers, so a driver who turns across a bike lane or opens a door into a rider can be held responsible. Under Florida’s 2023 comparative fault law, you can still recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, with your award reduced by your share. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Have You Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Goldberg & Loren's bicycle injury lawyers in Plantation are here to help you. Our experienced team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been injured in bicycle accidents. We have a proven track record of success and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

Contact our bicycle injury lawyers in Plantation today at (954) 758-4553 for a free consultation and let us start working on your case. You don't have to face this alone - we're here to help you every step of the way.

Most Common Causes of Plantation Bicycle Accidents

Some common causes of bicycle accidents in Plantation may include:

Distracted Driving: Drivers may be distracted by their phones, adjusting the radio, or even talking to passengers.
Failure to Yield: Failure to yield often occurs due to motorists' lack of awareness or misunderstanding of traffic laws regarding bicycles.
Improper Lane Changes: Drivers fail to properly check their blind spots while changing lanes.
Dooring Accidents: Driver or passenger carelessly opens their door without checking for approaching cyclists.

In 2024, there were 947 injuries related to bicycle accidents in Broward County. [1]

Types of Injuries From Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:

Road Rash

This type of injury occurs when a cyclist falls or is thrown from their bike, causing their skin to scrape against the rough surface of the road. Road rash can range from mild to severe, with deeper wounds often requiring medical treatment and resulting in long-lasting scars.

Fractures or Broken Bones

Depending on the force of the impact, these injuries can range from minor hairline fractures to more severe compound fractures, where bones protrude through the skin. Broken ribs, wrists, collarbones, and legs are among the most commonly fractured bones in bicycle accidents.

Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures are all common head injuries associated with bicycle accidents. These injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive function, motor skills, and overall quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injuries

When the spinal cord is damaged, it can result in various levels of paralysis, from temporary numbness to permanent loss of sensation and muscle function. These injuries can be particularly devastating, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment to restore independence and functionality.

Bicycle accidents can cause a wide range of other harm, including lacerations, dislocations, dental or facial injuries, and internal injuries.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Get from a Bicycle Accident in Plantation?

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, some potential compensation available may include:

Medical expenses: You may be able to recover the costs of medical treatments, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical care related to your injuries.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or result in a loss of income, you may be able to seek compensation for the wages you would have earned during your recovery period.
Property damage: If your bicycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
Pain and suffering: Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological suffering caused by the accident and its aftermath.
Loss of enjoyment of life: In cases where the accident has significantly impacted your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed or has caused a permanent disability, you may be able to seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages: In some cases, where the at-fault party's actions were considered extremely reckless or intentional, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These damages aim to punish the responsible party and discourage similar behavior in the future.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Get from a Bicycle Accident?

What To Do After a Plantation Bicycle Accident

After you are involved in a bicycle accident, there are a few things you should do, including:

Ensure your safety: Move to a safe location, if possible, away from traffic or any ongoing dangers.
Seek medical attention: Assess your injuries and seek medical help, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may be internal or take time to appear. Document your injuries and treatment for potential legal purposes.
Contact the authorities: Call the police and report the accident. They will create an accident report, which can be useful for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Gather information: Collect the contact information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers, of the parties involved in the accident, including any witnesses. If feasible, take photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries or property damage.
Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide a factual account of what happened without admitting fault.
Preserve evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, including the damaged bicycle, clothing, or any objects involved. Take note of road conditions, weather conditions, and any other relevant details.
Consult with our personal injury attorney: If you believe you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or damages, it is advisable to consult with our personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accidents. We can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Get a Free Consultation From a Plantation Bicycle Injury Lawyer Today

Our bicycle accident lawyers at Goldberg & Loren take the time to listen to your concerns, gather all relevant evidence, and craft a strong legal strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome.

With our in-depth understanding of insurance practices, the personal injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren are well-equipped to negotiate your bicycle accident case aggressively. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Plantation Bicycle Injury Lawyer Goldberg & Loren

Source:

[1] FLHSMV. (2019, October 9). Crash Dashboard - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/