Pensacola Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Proudly Representing Victims of Bike Collisions
Every year, thousands of bicyclists are killed and countless more are injured in collisions with motor vehicles throughout Florida. In fact, according to a recent report, Florida is one of the most dangerous states for both bicyclists and pedestrians.
If you were one of the thousands of people injured in a bike accident in Florida, you could be entitled to financial compensation. At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we proudly represent injured cyclists and their families, providing personalized legal support and guidance during an immensely difficult time. We are passionate advocates for bicyclist safety and believe that negligent motorists should be held accountable. We have recovered numerous million- and multimillion-dollar results for our clients, totaling more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts.
Find out how our Pensacola bicycle accident attorneys can help you with your claim; call (850) 695-8331 or contact us online today.
Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident
Many victims are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering after a bicycle accident. Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but our experienced attorneys at the Law Office of J.J. Talbott are here to help you every step of the way.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights:
- Right to Compensation: If another party was at fault, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Insurance Claims: Understanding how to effectively file an insurance claim can significantly impact the compensation you receive.
- Statute of Limitations: Florida has specific time limits for filing personal injury claims, so it’s essential to act promptly.
- Legal Representation: Having a knowledgeable attorney can strengthen your case and ensure that your rights are fully protected.
We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone—contact the Law Office of J.J. Talbott to learn how we can assist you in securing the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Like other vehicle accidents, most bicycle accidents are the result of negligence. Although bicyclists themselves can make mistakes that may result in a crash, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by negligent motorists.
Some common causes of bike accidents in Pensacola and the surrounding areas include:
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Speeding/driving too fast for current conditions
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to check for bicyclists in vehicle blind spots
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Driving or parking in a designated bike lane
- Failing to properly share the road
- Unsafe or illegal passing, turns, and other driving maneuvers
- Driving too close when overtaking a bicyclist
- Disobeying red lights, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
These and other unsafe driving behaviors put bicyclists at serious risk. Whether you were injured by a negligent motorist or involved in a multiple-bicycle crash, the Law Office of J.J. Talbott can help you seek fair compensation for your damages.
Are Bicycle Accidents Covered by No-Fault Insurance in Florida?
Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning all motorists must carry a form of no-fault insurance known as “personal injury protection,” or PIP. Under this system, motorists are automatically covered for certain damages following an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This extends to bicyclists who are injured in collisions with motor vehicles. In other words, if you were injured in a bicycle accident involving a car, truck, motorcycle, or SUV, you are typically covered by your or the driver’s no-fault insurance.
Under the no-fault system, you do not have to prove that the driver or anyone else was to blame for the crash. You could even receive compensation for your losses if you were partly or entirely at fault. However, no-fault coverage is limited. You can only receive compensation for certain economic damages; PIP does not cover any noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered After a Bike Accident?
Due to their relative lack of protection, bicyclists tend to suffer severe, catastrophic injuries when they are involved in collisions with large, heavy motor vehicles. Common bicycle accident injuries include head and back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding.
The cost of treating these injuries is immense, leaving many victims understandably concerned with how much their bicycle accident claim could be worth and what types of damages they may be entitled to receive.
In Florida, no-fault or PIP insurance only covers the following damages:
- Up to 80% of the victim’s “reasonable and necessary” medical expenses
- Up to 60% of the victim’s lost income/wages
- $5,000 in death benefits
Additionally, to collect these benefits, you must receive medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. This is known as the 14-day rule. If you do not follow the 14-day rule, you cannot file a PIP claim.
However, the state of Florida allows those with “serious injuries” to go outside the no-fault system and bring personal injury (or wrongful death) lawsuits against liable parties. To do this, your injury must meet the state’s “serious injury threshold.”
An injury meets the Florida serious injury threshold if it results in at least one of the following:
- Permanent injury (within a reasonable degree of medical probability)
- Significant and permanent scarring and/or disfigurement
- Significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, member, organ, or system
- Death
Many bicycle accident victims find that their injuries do meet the serious injury threshold, allowing them to pursue additional damages outside the confines of the no-fault system.
If you have suffered a serious injury after a bicycle accident, you can seek compensation for the following damages:
- All past, current, and future medical expenses
- All past, current, and future lost income/wages
- Loss of earning ability due to permanent injury or disability
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anguish
- Diminished enjoyment/quality of life
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses associated with your injury
You may even be entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to punish the at-fault party for acts of egregious or gross negligence, wanton or willful misconduct, or intentional infliction of injury. Our Pensacola bicycle accident lawyers can review your claim during a no-obligation consultation; reach out to the Law Office of J.J. Talbott to learn more.
When to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney
It can be incredibly difficult to get back on your feet after a bicycle accident. If you or your loved one has suffered a severe injury due to a bike crash, we encourage you to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The insurance company is not likely to offer a fair settlement; you need someone on your side who can fight for the full, fair amount you are owed.
With decades of combined experience, the bike accident attorneys at the Law Office of J.J. Talbott have the resources, knowledge, and real-world trial experience to effectively advocate for you. We are proud to stand up for the rights of injured cyclists against the interests of insurance companies and other large, powerful players. We genuinely care about you and your recovery and are prepared to do everything we can to help ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.
Ways To Reduce The Chances of a Bicycle Accident
Below are some practical tips in Florida:
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect against serious head injuries in case of an accident.
- Use Reflective Gear: Equip your bicycle and yourself with reflective gear and lights, especially when riding at night or in low visibility conditions.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic signals and signs. Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists.
- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as using a phone or listening to music with headphones. Being aware of your surroundings helps you react to potential hazards.
- Ride in Bike Lanes: Use designated bike lanes whenever possible. If there are no bike lanes, ride in the direction of traffic and as far to the right as practicable.
- Signal Your Intentions: Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops, making your movements predictable to drivers and pedestrians.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your bike in good working order by checking brakes, tires, and gears regularly.
By following these safety measures, cyclists can minimize their risk of accidents. Should an accident occur, consulting with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and pursue any necessary legal actions.
You do not owe any legal fees unless/until we win your case! Call (850) 695-8331 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation with our team today.
Our Clients Say It Best
"Has always done it correctly and thoroughly. You can give complete trust to J.J. and the whole Talbott staff."
- Brian C.