Bicycles have been around since the early 1800s and they have gained in popularity ever since. Unlike the early 1800s when bikes were used purely for transportation, today's bikes are ridden for exercise, for commuting, for racing in all shapes and forms, and for fun; they are ridden all over the world, by people of all ages, and from all walks of life. As bicycling continues to gain in popularity, so do the risks and dangers inherent in any activity that involves vehicles, other cyclists, trails, roadways, sidewalks, obstacles, and pedestrians. It is these risks and dangers that cyclists face every day when they pedal away to their destinations. The issues and challenges presented in the aftermath of a Jacksonville bicycle accident involving personal injuries to a cyclist are many in number. They range from medical treatment to insurance issues to financial issues to legal issues and beyond. It is extremely difficult for an injured cyclist, who may know very little of the specific bicycle laws to handle all of the issues that inevitably arise. Further, most people have limited experience and knowledge in dealing with legal and insurance matters.
It is important for cyclists to be educated as to these issues and legal matters so that they can make an informed decision about medical treatment, insurance coverage, insurance claims, reimbursement, and legal representation. There are far too many factual and legal complexities and factors in any given personal injury claim or case to be able to write a "cookie cutter" manual on how to handle bicycling injuries. Because of the complexities of these cases and the sophistication of the adjusters and attorneys hired by the insurance companies, it is important for the injury cyclist to retain the services of an experienced Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer.
While riding and sharing the roads with motor vehicles, cyclists are at risk for personal injury. Certainly, protective clothing and helmets can help reduce and prevent personal injuries in some instances. However, it should be noted that a cyclist is no match size or weight to any motor vehicle out on the roads whether the motor vehicle is a compact automobile, motorcycle, or commercial truck. The injuries sustained by an injured cyclist can and often are significant and catastrophic.
In the State of Florida in 2015, there were 7,108 total reported bicycle crashes according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Of the total crashes, there were 134 fatalities. In 2014, there were 7,084 total reported bicycle crashes. Of the total crashes, there were 135 fatalities. It is interesting to note that in 2014 and 2015 - the total number of crashes and total number of deaths were just about even.
When a cyclist is injured as a result of the negligence of others, the cyclist deserves a voice and an advocate to protect and enforce his or her rights under the law. David A. Wolf has over 30 years of experience representing the interests and rights of injury victims including adults and children injured as result of a bicycle accident. While bicycles are not motor vehicles as defined by the Florida statutes, there are many aspects of Florida automobile insurance laws that apply to Jacksonville bicycle accident cases. Issues involving automobile insurance, medical treatment, and compensation for personal injuries can be quite complicated. Insurance companies have their teams in place in the form of adjusters, investigators, and attorneys. The injured cyclist and the family of the injured cyclist should get legal representation in place as soon as possible to make sure that the legal rights of the injured cyclist are properly protected and enforced.
David A. Wolf is the co-author of the book "Bikes, Trikes and Automobiles - Legal Rights of the Injured Cyclist". The book was released in 2015 as a resource and guide for injured cyclists and their families. A free copy of the book is available. Please contact David A. Wolf on the Contact Page of this website to order a copy of the book. Get D Wolf On Your Side - At Your Side.