Frequently Asked Questions: Bicycle Accidents
Have you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident in Miami due to another individual’s negligence? If so, you might be dealing with medical bills, property damage, lost time at work, pain and discomfort, emotional stress, and unsure as to your future financial stability. The bicycle accident attorneys at Suarez & Montero can help alleviate your worries by fighting for the compensation you are entitled to receive. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions after being involved in a bicycle accident:
Can I sue the driver of a car that hits me while I’m riding my bicycle? Yes. If the driver was at fault, you can make a claim for your injuries.
Is there anyone else I can make a claim against if I am injured in a bicycle accident? Although the most common claim is against the driver who hit you, claims are possible for negligent design or manufacture of the bicycle, negligent service or maintenance on the vehicle that hit you, or even a claim against the city or government agency responsible for designing and maintaining the path or roadway you were riding on.
What damages can I recover in a bicycle accident case? Just as with a car accident case, victims of a bicycle accident may recover the cost of their medical bills, lost earnings, and other expenses. In addition, a bicycle accident victim may make a recovery for pain, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, damage to family relationships, and impaired future earnings. In the case of a death caused by a bicycle accident, the family may receive compensation for the pain and suffering of their family member before his death, as well as loss of emotional support, love, affection, and care, and in certain cases, loss of economic support.
What if I was partly at fault for my bicycle accident? Bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. Additionally, bicyclists have a general duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of themselves and others. However, even if you are partly at fault for your bicycle accident, you can still make a recovery for your injuries. Any damages you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if my child was injured or killed while riding a bicycle? Injuries to children are handled differently than other claims, and it is important that you consult with an attorney experienced in handling claims for injuries to children. If your child was injured while riding a bicycle, a claim could be made against the driver who caused the accident. If the accident results in a child’s death, the family may have a wrongful death claim against the driver.
What if a pothole or other defect in the roadway caused my bicycle accident? While an operator of a bicycle has a duty to pay attention, sometimes defects in the roadway, such as potholes, are so big or difficult to avoid that the city or other governmental entity may be responsible for the injury. However, there are many complicating factors in claims against governmental entities.
What if improper repairs or maintenance caused my bicycle accident? If you brought your bicycle into a shop for repairs or maintenance shortly before your accident, and you believe the work was done improperly, you could have a claim against the person or shop that performed the repairs. However, you would need to prove the accident was caused by the negligence of the person who did the repairs.
Do I need an expert witness for my bicycle accident case? While not always necessary, an expert witness can be an important part of establishing liability in a bicycle accident case. Expert witnesses can determine the speed of the vehicles involved and express opinions on the most likely way the accident happened.
Who will pay my medical bills following a bicycle accident? Insurance coverage following a bicycle accident can get complicated. If the vehicle that hit you has personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, that coverage will pay your medical bills. If the driver did not have PIP coverage, then the bicyclist’s own auto insurance or health insurance could provide coverage. An experienced bicycle accident attorney will work with all the involved insurance companies to make sure the appropriate entity is paying your medical bills. Ultimately, any recovery made from the driver who caused the accident should include medical bills as well as non-economic damages.
Contact our Accident lawyer in Miami
Let us use our expertise and experience to get you the maximum compensation for your bicycle accident injury. Our law firm focuses on helping clients recover damages either through a negotiated settlement or filing a personal injury lawsuit in court. We use all our considerable resources, talent, and skills to achieve the goal of maximum compensation for our clients. If you’ve been injured in an accident, it is important to work with attorneys who can deliver results, protect your rights, and win the compensation you deserve. We Whether the injury you sustained in your bicycle accident is minor, major, or catastrophic, we will give your case the undivided attention and focus it deserves. The Law Offices of Suarez & Montero represents consumers in various types of car accident claims including bicycle accidents. Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and Westchester.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Weston; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.
