The Florida city of Fort Lauderdale is known to be one of the most dangerous places for bicyclists. Various factors contribute to the danger, including difficulty cycling on streets designed for motor vehicles, lack of bike lanes and designated routes, poor road quality and signage for cyclists, and inadequate bike safety features such as lights and reflective strips. In just one year, law enforcement registered 715 bicycle-related incidents, 676 of which led to an injury. If those figures do not raise concern, consider how many fatalities were recorded. The Florida Highway Safety recorded 11 fatal accidents in the same year alone. A loss of life should not be taken lightly, and significant steps must be taken to make this city more cyclist-friendly.
Despite the dangers, many people still brave the roads and commute daily. Some use their bicycles for leisure activities and exercise. Bikes make up just one percent of total trips made by humans in Fort Dale. However, there have been more bicycle-related tragedies as compared to the ones involving motor vehicles. Vehicle owners often overlook bicycle presence and injure or kill cyclists. The issue of looking down upon bicyclists is so pre-eminent in Fort Dale that a type of accident called “dooring” where a motorist opens the door of their car in the path of a cyclist is common here.
The lack of seriousness regarding bicycles is worsened by poorly designed infrastructure. Many bike riders are forced to ride in the streets alongside motor vehicles, while some use sidewalks.
Potential Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
It is crucial to remember that there is a significant disparity between bicycles and motor vehicles. Bikes are much smaller and come equipped with fewer safety features. A vehicle chassis serves as a protective shell for its occupants. If a car is involved in a collision, the driver and passengers will remain relatively safe. Those riding bicycles are at significant risk of incurring injuries during an accident. The spectrum of injuries can range from minor to severe. The severity of these injuries can be life-changing. These injuries can induce profound time loss from work or cause permanent disability or death.
Injuries from bicycle accidents include lacerations, fractures, abrasions, and concussions. These types of damages may go unnoticed until they become serious. One example is a head injury. If a laceration is left untreated, it can lead to infection and brain damage. Some fatal incidents can potentially lead to death. A catastrophe can occur through broken bones in the pelvic area, neck, and skull. If the victim is not wearing a helmet, they are at higher risk of fatality. Some victims have even lost limbs due to severe accidents involving bicycles.
Damage Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Filing a bicycle accident claim is a complicated process. Various steps are involved to ensure it is as successful as possible. Ideally, the claimants should contact legal counsel immediately after an accident to ensure that all evidence is collected and preserved. From there, they should contact their insurance company and seek compensation for their injuries.
Florida requires motorists to have at least $ 10,000 in personal injury protection to ensure that they are cushioned in case of a claim. A bicycle accident lawyer can handle this process. Through their expertise, they can ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered. They will ensure that all parties involved are present during this process and that those who were at fault are held accountable for their mistakes or negligence.
