Why you need a lawyer if you are in a bicycle accident
The Sunshine State has long been the most lethal in the nation for bicyclists. There’s a litany of reasons why, among them:
- wide and fast roadways
- lack of safety education
- bad drivers
- under-equipped bicyclists
- yearlong riding weather
- lagging infrastructure and laws
The powers-that-be realize it’s a problem. Many safety advocates, planners, lawmakers and law enforcement are patching together solutions. But in the meantime, if you are a bicyclist involved in an accident, the best thing is to contact an attorney to determine your rights.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident with a motorist, or any other individual, it is important you be prepared to protect your rights. Often, an excellent attorney and the legal system can get you compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, bicycle and related equipment damage, and even your pain and suffering.
Bicycle injury laws in Florida
Bicycle crashes may have ramifications in traffic court, criminal court or civil court. There are time deadlines on most claims with which you must comply or your rights could be terminated. Contact Adam G. Franzen of the Franzen Law Firm ASAP to discuss your rights in all three courts. Mr. Franzen has expertise in bicycle personal injury cases, and has handled numerous bicycle crash claims in the past.
There are many Florida laws that pertain to riding a bicycle in Florida and how drivers need to interact with Florida bicyclists. After a Florida bicycle accident, it is important that you understand how these laws could impact your claim for damages.
Below are answers to some frequently after being involved in a Florida bicycle accident.
- Do Bicycles Have to Follow The Same Traffic Rules as Cars?
Yes. A bicyclist must follow the traffic rules common to all drivers and must also obey regulations adopted specially for bicycles.
- Do Bicycles Have To Have a Light?
Florida law states that a bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from 500 feet to the front, and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear.
- Are Bicyclists Required to Wear Helmets?
Although adults are not required to wear helmets, a bicycle rider or passenger under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted, fastened securely, and meets a nationally recognized standard.
- Can Bicyclists Wear Headphones While Riding?
No. Florida law prohibits a cyclist from wearing a headset, headphones or listening device, other than a hearing aid, while riding.
- What Side of the Road Should Bicyclists Ride on?
A cyclist on a roadway must ride on the side for his direction of travel. Riding against traffic increases crash risk.
- To Avoid a Florida Bicycle Accident, Can a Bicyclist Ride on the Sidewalk?
Sidewalks are not designed for bicycle speeds, but bicycle use is allowed except where prohibited by local ordinance. Since a bicyclist riding on a sidewalk has the rights of a pedestrian, he may ride in either direction. A cyclist riding on a sidewalk must yield the right of way to a pedestrian and must give an audible warning before passing a pedestrian.
If you have bicycle injuries in Florida, contact Adam Franzen today.
There are many other questions you may have regarding the bicycle laws in Florida. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, call Adam Franzen at (954) 462-5790. Visit his website to learn more about how he can help you with your bicycle and other personal injury cases.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 at 9:53 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
