Some people consider bicycles to be relatively safe, but the sad truth is that bicycle accidents are a common occurrence. Florida laws allow survivors of bicycle accidents to file a personal injury suit to secure compensation to cater to their injuries. Most personal injury lawsuits get settled outside of court, and a fair settlement is guaranteed with the assistance of a seasoned personal injury lawyer.
What Is The Average Settlement For A Cyclist Hit By A Car In Florida?
Victims who sustain injuries when they get hit by a car may wonder whether there’s a standard settlement to cater to their injuries. The overall amount of compensation for a cyclist hit by a motor vehicle depends on the specific details of the claim and the outcome of negotiations. Your Miami bicycle accident attorney provides insight into the damages you’re eligible for in your lawsuit. According to research, a typical bicycle accident lawsuit in Florida ranges from $100,000 to $600,000. The settlement amount varies depending on the circumstances of each case.
Duties Of Bicyclists In Florida
A bicycle is defined as a vehicle according to Florida laws. Florida cyclists, therefore, have the same privileges, duties, and rights applicable to drivers. That being said, bicyclists in Florida should undertake specific responsibilities. All bicyclists must ride in the designated bike lane if traveling at slower speeds than vehicle traffic. If there is no bike lane, bicyclists should ride on the far right to avoid interrupting the traffic. Bicyclists who are 16 years and below must wear a helmet when riding their bicycles at all times. Bicyclists in Florida should also obey various traffic signals while biking to minimize the possibility of an accident.
Factors Affecting The Worth Of My Bicycle Accident Case
Victims who sustain injuries following a bicycle accident may recover from non-economic and economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages vary depending on the severity of your injuries. These damages can make up the bulk of your bicycle accident claim settlement. Most bicycle accident lawyers in Florida will pay attention to the importance of these damages. Non-economic damages don’t have a specific monetary value and vary widely. They include the following:
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
Economic Damages
These damages include those calculable and tangible losses related to the bicycle accident. Some of the common examples of economic damages include:
- Future loss of income and lost wages
- Future and past medical expenses
- Property repair and damage
The majority of economic damages are easy to prove and quantify with documentary evidence. Recovering these damages helps alleviate most victims’ financial burdens after a bicycle accident.
Causes Of Bicycle Accidents In Florida
Bicycle accidents are commonplace in Florida and usually occur in any given place. Bicyclists in these accidents usually sustain severe injuries as they don’t have a car shield to protect them other than their helmets. Even at low speeds or on neighborhood streets, bicycle accidents sometimes result in fatal and severe injuries. Multiple factors lead to the occurrence of a bicycle accident. These factors are essential as they help establish fault after an accident. Common causes include speeding, failure to yield, driver inattention, dangerous road conditions, impaired driving, bad weather, or riding at night.
While most bicycle accidents happen due to the driver’s error, bicyclists may be found partially liable for the fault in some situations. Bicyclists should always ride their bikes with caution at all times. However, certain unavoidable situations, including bad road conditions and dangerous weather, exist subjecting bicyclists to the risk of an accident.
Victims who sustain injuries following a motorcycle accident may feel overwhelmed by the accident’s emotional, physical, and financial consequences. Accepting the initial offer may seem the right way forward, but it may cause more harm than good. Work with a seasoned Florida bicycle accident attorney to help you secure a fair settlement.
