Fort Pierce Bicycle Accident Lawyer
With flat terrain, mild weather, and coastal beauty, Martin County, Indian River County and Saint Lucie County are excellent places to ride a bicycle. However, bike riding poses many dangers for bicyclists. Drivers frequently neglect to watch out for people on bikes and fail to share the road as they should. Consequently, when a car collides with a bicyclist, the resulting injuries are often severe, encompassing broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries. At Sholtes Law, PLLC, our Fort Pierce bicycle accident lawyer are advocates for Florida bike riders, and, as a local law firm, we genuinely care about making the Fort Pierce community as safe and friendly as possible for everyone on the road.
What Rights Do Bicyclists Have in Florida?
Under the Florida Uniform Traffic Control Law, a bicycle is classified as a vehicle, and a person in control of a vehicle on a street or highway is a driver. With this in mind, a bicyclist is a driver, with all the rights and responsibilities applicable to any Florida driver. For example, when a bicyclist intends to make a left turn, they have the right to fully utilize the lane from which the turn is made. Similar to how motorists treat other car drivers, they must also handle bicyclists with care and respect. Following traffic laws is the foundation of this respect, as well as our first defense against bicycle accidents.
What Should I Do If I Was Hurt in a Bicycle Accident?
If you have sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident, ensure that you seek the necessary medical attention and maintain records of each doctor visit, treatment recommendation, prescription, and any other information relevant to your health and wellbeing. Also, make note of any time you miss from work and other effects on your life and livelihood in general. Next, make an appointment with a bicycle accident lawyer in your area to discuss your options for obtaining compensation for your injuries and damages arising from the accident. It’s best to talk to a lawyer before accepting any money from an insurance company to ensure you get the full value of your personal injury claim.
What Evidence Do I Need to Recover Compensation after a Bike Accident?
In addition to documenting medical treatment you receive after a bike accident, other important evidence that can help your bike accident injury claim includes the police report taken at the scene of the accident, witness statements, and your bike, itself. It’s best to leave your bicycle and other damaged property, such as your clothing and/or bike helmet, in the same condition as after the accident. Together, all these items can help support a strong bike accident injury claim.
Why Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Handle My Bike Accident Injury Claim?
Bike accident injury cases are rarely straightforward and frequently involve complex legal issues. Insurance companies don’t want to pay for the expensive medical treatment bike accident injuries often require. An experienced Florida bike accident lawyer can protect your rights as an injury victim and assert your right to fair compensation under Florida law. If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Saint Lucie County or Martin County, please contact Sholtes Law, PLLC in Fort Pierce for a free, no-commitment consultation. Should you decide to hire us, we’ll start working on your case right away, so you can focus on your recovery.