Bicycle Accident Lawyer Hollywood, FL
Year-round beautiful weather means there’s always plenty of cyclists on the roads. Whether you’re out on a pleasure jaunt, making a more eco-friendly commute, or serious about your two-wheeled exercise, as a cyclist, you have just as much right to most of the Hollywood roads as drivers. However, car-bicycle accidents happen all too often, and the cyclist often ends up in much worse condition than the auto driver.
If you’ve been struck by a car or involved in a cycling accident with another party, our Hollywood, FL bicycle accident lawyer, from Newman Injury Law can help you get the compensation you need for your losses, holding the at-fault party accountable.
Hollywood Bicycle Accident Lawyer Advocating For You
Bike accident injuries could change your life. Even with a helmet, the chances of suffering a concussion or traumatic brain injury are high. You may also have physical limitations after the wreck. Serious fractures or a spinal cord injury may make it impossible for you to get around without help. Your ability to work, attend school, or care for your family may be limited while you heal. If your injuries are severe enough, you could even end up permanently disabled.
The driver’s insurance adjuster may contact you soon after the accident, asking questions about your injuries or requesting a statement about what happened. Note this: you have no obligation to tell them anything. In fact, it’s usually better that you don’t. Instead, refer the other party’s insurance company to your bike accident attorney. They can protect your interests, as the insurance adjuster may twist your words into an admission of fault for the crash, so they don’t have to pay a large settlement.
Securing Compensation After A Bicycle Accident
You have the right to file a personal injury suit for compensation after a bicycle wreck you didn’t cause. Your compensation can include covering your current medical care and future needs, such as rehabilitative therapy or surgery. You probably missed work because of your inquiries, and your compensation may include covering your lost wages (even if you used PTO or sick days), plus compensation if you can no longer work your old job and have to take a lower-paying one that accommodates your changed abilities.
You may also be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering from your injuries, as well as emotional trauma. Many people develop situational anxiety or PTSD after being struck while riding their bike, and these conditions can be just as debilitating as your physical injuries. Your lawyer can argue for fair compensation for your diminished quality of life.
Legal Support And Safety Insights For Cyclists
In the bustling streets of cities and quiet lanes of the countryside, bicycles offer a sustainable, health-conscious, and enjoyable mode of transportation. However, navigating these paths is not without risks, and understanding the importance of safety measures, alongside knowing where to find dependable legal support, is crucial for every cyclist. A bicycle accident lawyer in your area can help. Contact Newman Injury Law to get assistance with your specific case.
Understanding The Risks On The Road
Cyclists face unique challenges and dangers on the road. Unlike motor vehicles, bicycles offer minimal protection in the event of a collision or crash. The physical exposure of cyclists makes them vulnerable to serious injuries, even in seemingly minor accidents. Awareness and preparedness can significantly mitigate these risks.
Emphasizing The Importance Of Safety Gear
Safety begins with the individual. Wearing a properly fitted helmet is non-negotiable. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of head injuries, which are among the most severe and life-altering injuries a cyclist can suffer. Reflective clothing and properly functioning lights are equally important, especially when riding in low visibility conditions such as at dawn, dusk, or night. These simple tools can make a cyclist significantly more visible to drivers, potentially preventing accidents.
Adhering To Road Rules And Regulations
Familiarity with and adherence to local traffic laws is essential. This includes signaling turns, obeying traffic signals, and riding in the designated bicycle lanes where available. Being predictable on the road is a key element of safety for cyclists. When motorists and cyclists understand and predict each other’s actions, the likelihood of accidents decreases.
The Role Of Defensive Cycling
Defensive cycling is a proactive approach to road safety. It involves being constantly aware of the surrounding environment, anticipating potential hazards, and making safe and informed decisions. This could mean maintaining a safe distance from parked cars to avoid “dooring” incidents or making eye contact with drivers at intersections to ensure visibility and intention are communicated.
A Safety Net For Cyclists
Despite all precautions, accidents can and do happen. In such unfortunate circumstances, having knowledgeable legal support is invaluable. Legal professionals specializing in bicycle accidents understand the complexities of the law as it pertains to cycling. They can offer guidance, from navigating insurance claims to pursuing compensation for injuries and damages.
Bicycle accident attorneys not only advocate on behalf of their clients but also contribute to a broader understanding of cyclists’ rights and safety. Their work plays a crucial role in promoting safer roads for everyone.
Reach Out Today
Cycling should be a joy, a form of exercise, and a practical mode of transportation, not a source of anxiety or harm. Taking responsibility for personal safety, being vigilant on the road, and knowing one’s legal rights and resources can empower cyclists to ride with confidence.
Should the unexpected occur, it’s essential to have a reliable bicycle accident attorney ready to support and guide through the recovery and claim process. Seeking out legal professionals who specialize in this area ensures that cyclists’ rights are protected and voices heard.
For those who seek peace of mind on two wheels, remember: safety is paramount, and in times of need, legal support is just a call or click away. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy the ride. Contact Newman Injury Law to learn more about how we can help.
Contact Our Law Firm Today For A Free Consultation
At Newman Injury Law, we take your rights seriously and are ready to fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident. We can negotiate for a fair settlement with the driver or at-fault party or take your case to court if we cannot achieve results from good-faith negotiations. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Hollywood bicycle accident lawyer.
Key Factors That Influence Bicycle Accident Settlements
There are a variety of factors that come into play when a bicycle accident occurs, many of which can have an impact on a settlement. Victims often want to know what they can expect when seeking compensation, but it’s important to understand that each case is unique. In this list, we break down key elements that can influence the outcome of a bicycle accident settlement. Working with a skilled team, like a Hollywood bicycle accident lawyer, can help clarify the options available for a fair recovery.
1. The Severity of Injuries
One of the primary factors influencing a settlement is the seriousness of the injuries. More severe injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal damage, typically lead to higher settlements. The extent of medical treatment required, ongoing care needs, and long-term impacts on health all weigh heavily on the final amount.
2. Medical Expenses and Future Care Needs
Medical bills play a significant role in settlement calculations. This includes both the cost of initial treatment and the projected cost of future care. Insurance companies and courts will consider the financial burden that ongoing treatments may pose to the victim. The more extensive the medical expenses and future medical needs, the more they will impact the settlement.
3. Liability and Comparative Fault
Determining who is at fault can significantly affect the settlement amount. In some cases, both parties may share fault. If a cyclist is found partially responsible for the accident, this can reduce their compensation. States have varying laws on comparative fault, so the percentage of fault assigned to each party will impact the settlement.
4. Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity
A bicycle accident can lead to time off work, or in severe cases, prevent a person from returning to their previous job. Lost wages from missed workdays can be added to the settlement, as can any reduction in future earning capacity if the injuries prevent the victim from resuming their previous duties. A more substantial settlement may be available if the victim’s ability to work is permanently affected.
5. Emotional and Psychological Impact
Beyond the physical injuries, a bicycle accident can cause significant emotional distress and psychological trauma. Settlement negotiations often account for pain and suffering, which refers to both the physical pain and the mental toll of the accident. The presence of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges caused by the accident can be considered, particularly if they impact the victim’s quality of life.
6. Insurance Coverage Limits
As our Hollywood bicycle accident lawyer will share, the insurance policies involved in the accident can limit the amount available for a settlement. Many times, the at-fault party’s insurance coverage will only provide compensation up to a specific limit. If this limit is lower than the total amount of damages, it can restrict the settlement size unless there are other sources of compensation available.
7. The Strength of the Evidence
Solid evidence can be a deciding factor in the outcome of a settlement. Documentation such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and even photographic or video evidence from the scene can strongly support the case. A well-supported claim often results in a higher settlement offer, as it gives the opposing party little room for dispute.
8. Quality of Legal Representation
Experienced legal support can make a difference in the settlement outcome. Having a lawyer who understands the factors impacting bicycle accident claims can significantly benefit the process. Skilled representation allows for accurate evaluation, assertive negotiation, and ensures the settlement reflects the full scope of damages.
Evaluating Settlement Outcomes In Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicycle accidents can be profoundly impacted by each of these factors. For victims, understanding how these elements affect compensation can help set realistic expectations. If you’ve been in a bicycle accident and are considering your legal options, working with a Hollywood bicycle accident lawyer can be invaluable; our firm has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Contact us at Newman Injury Law, PLLC to discuss your case and determine how we can help you pursue fair compensation. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our firm today.
Client Review
"A friend recommended Attorney Jared Newman after I was involved in a car accident. From the start Jared has been absolutely amazing. From staying in constant contact with me with updates on my case, to explaining things I didn’t understand, to getting me the best outcome possible, he has not disappointed. I’m glad I made the right decision with Jared Newman and I’m definitely keeping his number saved for anything in the future."
Raegan V.
