South Florida is considered to be one of the most dangerous places for cyclists. Over 120 people die in Florida from a bicycle accident each year. Although the national average of bike fatalities in the United States is 2%, the rate in Florida is twice that. Urban areas account for 75% of serious bicycle accidents. Many of the incidents occur in broad daylight. In addition to this, the Sunshine State has more child bike injuries than any other state and the number of such accidents is on the rise.  

A Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorney would provide you with all the help you need with your case. Evidence is required when filing a claim for damages to prove that the other driver or a business such as a city transportation facility or the manufacturer of the vehicle is to blame for the accident. When it comes to negligence, the following are some examples that lead to a bike accident. 

• Careless driving

• Distracted driving

• Red light/ stop sign running

• Failure on the part of the driver to provide space to the cyclist 

Generally, anyone who is a victim of a bicycle accident in Florida has up to four years to take action according to the law. However, the statute of limitations only grants two years in case of wrongful death. You must understand that the deadline is tighter than you think, especially when government employees or agencies have been involved to some degree. This is why you must act fast. The fact is that the action you take following the accident determines whether you would receive the entire compensation amount or not. 

What Do You Have To Do After the Bicycle Accident?

You should consider the following tips if you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Florida. 

• Carry Emergency Information: If you are a cyclist, you must carry emergency information with you at all times. It includes your emergency contact details, your ID, and your smartphone. Even though it is quite normal for many people to have these items with them, they are necessary in case you are involved in an accident. As your ID card would be present, witnesses as well as health professionals would be able to contact your family if you are found unconscious. They would also get to learn more about your background before providing any treatment. 

• Contact 911: If you are conscious following the incident, you need to contact the police and an ambulance. However, if you cannot call 911, you should request someone near you to help out. Now, if you are not seriously injured, it is still important that you see a medical professional. When you have documentation that proves the injuries, you can use it in court. 

• Wait until the Police Arrive for an Official Report: When there has been a collision, police documentation is crucial. It will be used by the attorney to defend your case. 

• Document Everything: It is a good idea to snap pictures and videos to document every bit of the scene. You should also write about the experience so that you remember everything. 

• Avoid Rushing to Your Bicycle or Fixing It: Until the police reach your destination, you should not move the bicycle or get it fixed. Only if leaving the bike on the road would prove dangerous should you move it. In addition to this, your bicycle should not get repaired unless your lawyer says so. 

• Gather Contact Details of the Witnesses: As you require the testimony of witnesses to support your case, it is important that ask for their contact details. 

• Do Not Negotiate with the Other Party: No matter who is at fault, you should never negotiate with the other driver as it is not your responsibility. It is something that your attorney would handle on your behalf. What you need to do is find out who the driver is, their insurance details, and the passenger names. Besides, you should still be able to collect compensation as long as the driver is insured. Hence, you have nothing to stress about. 

• Avoid Speaking with the Insurance Company without Your Lawyer Present: To avoid making any wrong statement that affects the success of your case, you should first speak with your lawyer and ensure that they are present when talking to the insurance company. 

Choose a Reputable Fort Lauderdale Accident Lawyer

A bicycle accident is not something that you should handle on your own. This is why you must hire a reputable personal injury lawyer to help you out every step of the way. All you need to do is schedule a consultation with us today.