Cycling in Lake Worth Beach offers beautiful scenery but can pose some risks. Distracted drivers and general road maintenance near landmarks like Lake Worth Pier or along the busy downtown streets can lead to significant injuries and financial burdens. Then add to that the possibility of the negligent driver in your accident being underinsured, or worse, uninsured. Recovering from injuries and dealing with the insurance companies can prove to be too much for most people in that situation.
Ged Lawyers understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a bicycle accident. Our Lake Worth Beach personal injury lawyers will focus on obtaining the compensation you and your family need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. If a bicycle accident in Lake Worth Beach has disrupted your life, contact the law firm with a history of winning. Call Ged Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Your Lake Worth Beach Bicycle Accident Claim for Compensation
Bicycle accidents present unique challenges due to the vulnerability of cyclists on the road. When a vehicle strikes a cyclist, injuries can be severe, ranging from fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to internal bleeding and organ damage. Pursuing compensation requires understanding the specifics of bicycle accident claims.
How to Protect Your Right to Fair Compensation
There are several steps you should take following a bicycle accident to ensure your healthy recovery and protect your legal right to compensation:
- Make Sure You Are Safe: If you can, you should move you and the bike to the side of the road. If you feel unsafe moving or worry you may further injure yourself, stay where you are and wait for an emergency medical team.
- Document What You Can: Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. Write some notes on what you remember from the accident. Exchange information with the other driver and any witnesses.
- Call 911: Contact the local law enforcement and have them generate a police report. The police report will contain such information as contact and insurance information, a diagram of the accident, and the officer’s opinion on fault. It will also state if any citations were issued.
- See a Doctor as Soon as Possible: Whether it’s an emergency room doctor or your primary care doctor, see a doctor immediately after the accident. They can perform a full examination and order imaging. They will generate a medical history of your injuries and a treatment plan for your recovery. Seeing a doctor promptly also creates a connection between the accident and your injuries.
- Do Not Admit Fault: When you speak to the police, stick with what you know. Try to stay calm and don’t make any accusations, say you are sorry, or admit fault. In fact, you should also avoid speaking to the insurance companies without a lawyer. This advice also includes staying off social media for the time being. The insurance companies can twist your words against you and try to place a greater degree of blame on you for the accident. Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, if you are 51% or greater at fault for the accident, you will be unable to collect compensation.
There is no law that says you must use a Lake Worth Beach bicycle accident lawyer for your bicycle accident claim. However, a personal injury attorney can protect your rights and fight for your fair compensation while you are recovering.
Many Florida Drivers Lack Sufficient Insurance
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), just over six percent of the registered vehicles in the state were uninsured at the start of 2023. That equates to over 900,000 vehicles. This value does not even address the number of drivers who are not carrying uninsured motorist coverage.
When filing a claim, cyclists can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. If the driver lacks sufficient coverage, uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy can provide additional compensation. Many drivers do not realize the importance of carrying this additional coverage. This type of coverage could ensure you receive the financial support needed for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Call Ged Lawyers today. We can review your case during a free consultation.
Types of Damages You Can Claim After Your Bicycle Accident
Victims of bicycle accidents can pursue various types of damages to help recover from their injuries and losses. Our Lake Worth Beach bicycle accident lawyers can explain what your injury case may be worth. The following are the most common types of damages you could pursue:
- Medical expenses
- Future healthcare
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Disability and disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of Enjoyment
If you have lost a loved one, our Lake Worth Beach wrongful death lawyers can also help your family seek damages. Wrongful death damages could include many of the items listed above, as well as funeral and burial costs, final medical bills, and your loss of support and consortium.
The Deadline for Your Lake Worth Beach Accident Case Can Vary
Retaining the right to sue is crucial to your ability to effectively negotiate your settlement with the insurance companies. Without the right, you may only receive what they decide your case is worth.
Generally, personal injury victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation through the court. For wrongful death, it is also two years, but the date starts on the day your loved one dies. However, if you are filing a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage policy, you have five years to file, per Florida Statutes § 95.11.
Ged Lawyers Will Fight for Your Fair Compensation
The Lake Worth Beach personal injury attorneys with Ged Lawyers will assist you through every step of the legal process. We will:
- Investigate your accident
- Gather evidence of negligence, including police reports, witness statements, and photos and video
- Prepare and submit your bicycle accident claim to the liable insurers
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance companies
- Take your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached
Additionally, we provide you with constant updates on the progress of your case. You can reach out to us at any time, and we can advise you on what we believe is your best option. We will be there for you.
Call Ged Lawyers Today and Start Rebuilding Your Life
Reach out to us and speak with a Lake Worth Beach bicycle accident lawyer of our legal team. You can discuss your case during a free case consultation. Not only do we offer contingency fee representation, meaning you pay nothing unless we win, but we also have staff who speak Spanish, Arabic, Creole, Greek, Portuguese, Russian, and Turkish. Everyone deserves access to legal representation.
Call today.
