Bicycling and utilizing scooters and mopeds are a year-round activity in South Florida as we all can take to the road to enjoy the weather, exercise, or even commute to work. However, with a greater exposure to vehicle drivers, bicyclists and those riding scooters and mopeds are more likely to become involved in an accident despite the fact that vehicle drivers are legally required to share the road with cyclists.
The injuries from such an accident can be serious or even fatal. If you are a cyclist or were using a scooter or moped and injured by a negligent driver, contact accident Attorney Pelosi.
Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s statistics on bicycle accidents, Florida is considered the most dangerous state for cyclists. The bicycle fatality rates were greatest in the Sunshine State with cyclists making up 5.1% of all traffic fatalities.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, bicycle crashes, fatal and non-fatal, increased between 2014 and 2015. In 2015, more than 6,600 cyclists were injured in bicycle accidents.
In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention released their findings on bicycle fatalities between 1975 and 2012. Florida not only had the highest cyclist mortality rate, it also had the 2nd lowest percent decrease during that time period, with cyclist fatalities only falling by 9.7%.
However, in 2015, Broward County cycling accidents decreased by 4.5%. Despite the decrease, thousands of cyclists were still injured in motor vehicle wrecks.
Although drivers are supposed to drive alongside cyclists, it’s common to see near-miss accidents between motorists and cyclists. Both motorists and cyclists must learn to share the road in order to prevent an accident. Some of the most common causes of a bike accident include:
- Right turn across bicyclist’s lane
- Motorist turned left on non-dedicated left-turn intersection
- Cyclist or motorist failed to stop
- Vehicle or cyclist passed on the right
About 7% of all bicycle accidents occur at intersections. Others also occur due to negligent behaviors, such as:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Tailgating
Another common type of bike accident is when a cyclist is “doored.” This means a driver or passenger opened the door in the cyclist’s path, causing the rider to crash into it.
Similar to motorcycle accidents, many cyclists will suffer serious, life-changing injuries after an accident. Even the smallest collision can cause a cyclist to be thrown off their bicycle and onto the hard concrete of a road or sidewalk. Even with safety gear, like a helmet and pads, cyclists can endure various injuries, including:
- Head trauma
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Road rash
- Dental injuries
Head injuries occur most frequently in cycling accidents and account for 47% of all injuries and 60% of bicycle-related fatalities.
Determining who is at fault after a bicycle accident can be difficult. A knowledgeable accident lawyer can help you determine if the driver was negligent or reckless behind the wheel, and if the cyclist contributed in any way to their injuries.
Bicyclists in South Florida are allowed to ride on sidewalks, so long as it is not in a business district or on sidewalks with signs that prohibit riding on the sidewalk. Under Florida law, bicycles are treated just like other drivers, which means they must follow the same traffic rules as all drivers. Additionally, when passing a cyclist, drivers must provide a 3-foot buffer zone.
Seek immediate medical attention afterward, and contact us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via telephone at (954) 870-5479 or email at geoff@pelosiinjurylaw.com. We will always keep in touch with you every step of the way throughout your case and respond to all telephone calls and emails; you will never be left wondering what is occurring with your case and you will never be told we are too busy to speak with you.
