Bicycles share the roads of St. Petersburg, Florida with all other motor vehicles. In that regard, cyclists are at a disadvantage. Bicycles are hard to see, hard to follow, and offer the operator no protection if they were to be in an accident with a motor vehicle. If a cyclist was to get into a collision with a truck, car, or bus, the results could lead to terrible results. If you were injured in a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg, you should contact an attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and lost wages through the driver’s no-fault insurance policy if you were involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. If you were injured because of the conditions of the road, you may be able to sue the municipality responsible for the maintenance of the street surface. You should contact an attorney immediately if you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident. If you need an attorney to effectively represent your interests, contact the bicycle accident attorneys at Youngblood Law Firm today to discuss your situation with a free consultation.
Injured in a Bicycle Accident Due to Driver Negligence? Our Attorneys Can Help.
Other drivers are a major factor in bicycle accidents. Drivers who recklessly operate their vehicles put everyone at risk for injury. Excess speeding, improper lane changes, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and those who drive with no care for others on the road cause many bicycle accidents each year. The rise of technology is a major issue on the roads of Florida. Distracted driving is quickly becoming one of the most frequent reasons for bicycle accidents. People use their cell phones to make calls, text others, send and receive emails, and surf the web while operating a vehicle. Distracted driving is six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Even though the driver’s personal injury protection coverage will cover the immediate medical bills and lost wages, if your injuries surpass the coverage, you may have to consider your legal options to recover the necessary compensation.
The Role of Road Conditions in Bicycle Accidents
Road conditions can be a major factor in bicycle accidents. Not all roadways and cycling lanes are maintained well. Potholes, cracked and uneven pavement, obstacles that obscure vision, and obstacles that block bicycle lanes are just some of the hazards that can lead to bicycle accidents. If you are injured in an accident caused by road hazards, the driver of the motor vehicle may not be to blame. Depending on the situation, you may have to bring a lawsuit to the municipality responsible for the street surface. Suing a municipality is more complicated than a regular personal injury lawsuit. If you need to hold a municipality responsible for your injuries, is important to consult with our experienced bicycle accident attorneys.
The Burden of Proof
If you have been seriously injured in a St. Petersburg bicycle accident, it is important that you do not hesitate to start thinking about your legal options. In the state of Florida, all personal injury claims must be brought within four years of the date of the accident. Another requirement in a personal injury case is that the burden of proof must be satisfied. This means that you, the victim, are required to prove that the party who hit you was acting negligently and that this negligence caused the bicycle accident. This can be done with photos, surveillance videos, police reports, witness statements, and more.
Recovering Damages
Youngblood Law Firm has recovered millions in damages for clients who have been injured because of the negligence of another party. If you have been seriously injured, we may be able to recover damages on your behalf, too. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, loss of independence, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact Our Florida Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured by a bicycle accident, it is important to talk to an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney. Youngblood Law Firm serves St. Petersburg and the surrounding area with quality legal services. Bicycle accidents can be serious and leave you with lasting, unforeseen consequences. You could face a lifetime of financial burdens through mounting medical bills and lost wages. If you need an effective and attentive lawyer, contact Youngblood Law Firm today.
