Daytona Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Daytona Beach

Riding a bicycle is a cost-efficient, environmentally-friendly way to get around. It can also be very dangerous. In 2015 alone, more than 1,000 bicyclists died in bicycle accidents, and nearly a half a million people sustained injuries due to bike crashes with motor vehicles on public roadways. Unfortunately, Florida, where the weather is almost always “bicycle weather,” led the nation in bicycle fatalities in 2015, with 150 deaths.

Florida bicycle accident statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• 84% of bicycle fatalities involved bicyclists being hit by the front of the vehicle
• 70% of bicycle fatalities occurred in urban areas
• 61% of bicycle fatalities occurred at non-intersections
• 45% of bicycle fatalities involved light trucks
• Only 3% of bicycle fatalities occurred when a bicyclist was in a bike lane

Bicycle safety in Daytona Beach Florida

Often times, the common cause of a bicycle accident is the driver of the car, not the behavior of the bicyclist. And most of the time, a bicyclist simply cannot control that. This doesn’t mean there aren’t precautionary measure that bicyclists can take, however In addition to riding in bike lanes where available, bicyclists should wear reflective clothing, use reflective tape on both their bicycles and their clothing, and equip their bikes with a light. This improves visibility to motorists, which is critical in bicycle accident prevention. If you do ride a bicycle at night, then you should consider these tips for bicycling at night to avoid an accident.

The importance of wearing bicycle helmets in Florida

In Florida, only bicyclists under the age of 15 are legally required to wear bike helmets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that every bicyclist wear a helmet, however, since any bicyclist who doesn’t wear a helmet increases their risk of sustaining a head injury if involved in a crash.

While bicycle helmets are an important safety choice, if you are injured in a bicycle accident, don’t let your lack of wearing a helmet discourage you from pursuing a lawsuit to recover for your injuries. Our bicycle accident Attorneys Daytona Beach are familiar with Florida Statute § 316.2065 (18), which clearly states the failure of someone – even a child – to wear a bicycle helmet while riding a bike “may not be considered evidence of negligence or contributory negligence.” In other words, if you were riding a bike and injured, failure to wear a helmet will not be held against you in court, and you are still entitled to collect damages for your injuries to the same extent as if you had been wearing a helmet.

Common injuries in Florida bicycle accidents

The most common types of injuries in bicycle accidents include:

• Bone fractures
• Head injuries
• Neurological damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury

Keep in mind that symptoms of some of these types of injuries are not always apparent immediately after the accident.

Need an experienced Daytona Beach bicycle accident lawyer?

Recouping financial losses stemming from injuries sustained during a bicycle accident – both in lost wages and out of pocket expenses, as well as pain and suffering – is your right under Florida law. Keep in mind, however, that the statute of limitations limits the amount of time you have to file a claim.

If you’re in need of a bicycle accident attorney in Daytona Beach, contact Zimmet & Zimmet today to schedule your complimentary consultation. We will meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your case, and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve. You pay nothing unless we obtain a positive result in your favor. Call us today at 386-255-6400 to learn more.

Zimmet & Zimmet is proud to serve Deland, Deltona, Sanford, Orlando and all for Florida from our Daytona Beach and mobile offices.