Gainesville Bicycle Accident Attorney

Florida leads the nation in bicycle deaths, with an average of 18 people getting into a bike crash every day. Careless drivers, bad weather, hazardous road conditions, and other threats on the road create unique challenges on Florida’s roads. When accidents with motor vehicles occur, a cyclist’s minimal protective equipment can often lead to serious injuries.  

If you’ve been injured in a Florida bicycle accident that was someone else’s fault, a personal injury claim can help you find the compensation you need. Make sure you get help from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Florida who knows how to fight for you.

At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys are focused on helping you get the compensation you deserve. Based in Gainesville, FL, we’re available to help bike accident victims throughout Alachua County and the state. For a free consultation about your case, contact us by phone or use our online form today.

Causes Of Bike Accidents In Gainesville, Florida

Florida is a popular destination for cyclists with its sunny, warm climate and scenic bike routes. In fact, some cities, like Gainesville, are considered bicycle-friendly communities and designated Trail Towns due to their diverse biking trails. However, the popularity of cycling also comes with its own set of challenges. 

While Florida bike laws are put into place to help keep cyclists safe on the road, other drivers may not fully adhere to these regulations. Similar to accidents involving motor vehicles, there are several causes of bike accidents.

Distracted Driving

One of the most significant threats to cyclists is drivers who are not paying full attention to the road. The rise of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems has led to a surge in distracted driving incidents. When a driver’s eyes or mind is not on the road, they can easily overlook a cyclist.

Driver Fatigue or Drowsiness

A tired driver is a dangerous driver. Fatigued or drowsy drivers often have slowed reaction times and impaired judgment. Such a state can lead to mistakes that can put a bicyclist at high risk.

Intoxicated Driving

Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is a college town that sees its fair share of DUI accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs greatly diminishes a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Reduced coordination, blurred vision, and impaired judgment can lead to severe accidents, especially involving vulnerable road users like cyclists.

Speeding

A car traveling at high speeds is more likely to cause severe injuries or fatalities in the event of a collision. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and can make it harder to spot a cyclist, especially in areas with limited visibility.

Not Leaving an Adequate Buffer

Cyclists require a safe distance from motor vehicles to avoid being sideswiped or forced off the road. When drivers fail to leave a sufficient buffer, it can lead to dangerous situations for both parties.

Traffic Weaving and Unsafe Lane Changes

Erratic maneuvers, like weaving in and out of traffic or changing lanes without signaling, can catch cyclists off guard. These unpredictable actions can lead to dire consequences if a cyclist is in the driver’s blind spot or nearby. Per Florida law, drivers must leave a minimum three-foot buffer zone when passing or driving alongside bicyclists.  

Failing to Yield

All road users, including cyclists, have the right to use the road. When drivers don’t yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or roundabouts, it can lead to dangerous collisions.

Failing to Look Before Turning

Drivers who don’t correctly check for cyclists before making a turn can cause serious accidents, especially when cyclists are in blind spots.

Failing to Stop at a Red Light or Stop Sign

Disregarding traffic signals and signs puts all road users at risk. Cyclists crossing intersections can be particularly vulnerable to drivers who fail to stop as they are required to.

Unsafe Road Conditions

Potholes, road cracks, and uneven pavement can cause a cyclist to lose control or swerve unexpectedly into traffic. Missing or obscured traffic signs, malfunctioning signals, and inadequate bike lanes can also contribute to bike accidents. In some cases, the city or state who’s responsible for road maintenance may share liability when unsafe conditions cause a crash. 

Where Do Gainesville Bicycle Accidents Occur? 

Bicycle accidents in Gainesville can happen anywhere, but certain areas are more dangerous than others. Specifically, the area around the University of Florida campus is prone to bicycle wrecks due to the high-volume mix of student cyclists and vehicle traffic. Other areas to be cautious around include: 

• 16th Boulevard and 43rd Street
• Archer Road and 34th Street
• Main Street and University Avenue
• 13th Street and University Avenue
• 39th Avenue and 13th Street

Even the most experienced cyclists can find these areas challenging to navigate, especially during rush hour or at night. 

What Are Some of the Consequences of Gainesville Bicycle Accidents?

Gainesville bicycle accidents can lead to severe and lasting impacts for the victims. Firstly, the physical repercussions are often immediate and can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities. The lack of protective barriers for cyclists compared to car occupants makes them more susceptible to these injuries.

Beyond the physical consequences, the psychological and financial consequences can also be profound. Accident victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or fear of returning to the road. Additionally, the mounting medical bills, potential loss of wages, and bike repair or replacement costs can strain one’s finances. This adds yet another layer of distress to an already challenging situation.

Common Bike Accident Injuries

Bicycling exposes riders to certain risks on the road. When accidents occur, cyclists, lacking the protective shell that vehicles offer, often bear the brunt of the impact. Below are some of the most common bike accident injuries:

• Cuts and abrasions
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Contusions
• Dental and facial injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

While bicycle helmets can help reduce the severity of some injuries, they may not prevent all of them. It’s best for cyclists to always be aware of their surroundings and follow all applicable traffic laws to ensure their safety.

What To Do After Getting Into A Bicycle Accident

Experiencing a bicycle accident can be a disorienting and distressing event. Knowing the right steps to take in the aftermath is crucial for both your immediate well-being and any potential legal proceedings. Here’s what to do after getting into a bicycle accident:

1. Assess Your Injuries

Prioritize your safety and well-being. Before anything else, assess yourself for injuries. If you’re able to, move to a safe location off the road to prevent further harm.

2. Gather Information

Exchange information with the other parties involved. Obtain their names, contact details, driver’s license information, vehicle license plate numbers, and insurance information. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.

3. Take Photos

Document the scene. Use your phone to take photos of the accident site, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and signage. Visual evidence can be crucial in reconstructing the sequence of events.

4. Call The Police

Even if the accident seems minor, reporting it to the police is essential. They can create an official report that documents the accident’s details, which can serve as valuable evidence for insurance claims or potential legal actions.

5. Consider Contacting A Bike Accident Lawyer

If injuries or significant damages are involved, consulting a bike accident lawyer is advisable. They can provide legal guidance, help you understand your rights, and ensure you’re taking the appropriate steps for seeking compensation.

Determining Fault In Bicycle Accidents

In Florida, bicycle accidents are treated similarly to other motor vehicles, like cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Cyclists are generally expected to follow the same legal duties and rules as other drivers, with few exceptions.

If a bicyclist acts negligently, such as not wearing a helmet, cycling under the influence, or ignoring the right of way, this can impact the determination of fault. However, a significant number of severe bicycle crashes in Florida occur due to the negligence of other drivers.

Such negligence can include situations where drivers are drunk, texting while driving, not watching for cyclists when turning, disregarding traffic signs, or violating other traffic laws. If another driver is found responsible, a bicycle accident attorney will work diligently to help prove that another driver owed you a duty of care.

Depending on the specifics of the accident, other parties might be responsible for injuries or fatalities, including government agencies or municipalities, bicycle manufacturers, or manufacturers of faulty bike parts.

After an initial consultation, our law firm can begin a thorough and independent investigation of the crash. We’ll work to find out what happened and who was responsible for your injuries.

What If the Driver Fled the Scene of the Bike Crash?

Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road, and when a driver flees the scene, cyclists need to act fast to protect themselves. If you’re involved in an accident where the driver hits you and flees the scene, do your best to capture the license plate number and description of the vehicle that hit you. If you didn’t catch it, immediately talk with those in the area to see if anyone else did.

If you were injured and unable to get that information, and there were no witnesses, there may be other ways to get information about the driver. A personal injury lawyer can work with local authorities, talk with individuals and businesses who may have a video of the accident, and work diligently to uncover the identity of the person who hit you.

In some hit-and-run crashes, the responsible driver may never be found. Even if you are in this situation, you may still have an avenue for recovery under Florida law. If you have auto insurance that includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you may be entitled to benefits under that policy, even though you weren’t driving your car at the time. Our Florida personal injury lawyers are prepared to pursue every option for your recovery.

Meet Our Gainesville Bicycle Accident Lawyers 

When you’re recovering from a bicycle accident, you need legal representation from attorneys who understand the nuances of Florida’s bike laws and how they apply in Gainesville. At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., our team is deeply rooted in our community with extensive experience in bicycle accident cases. Not only do we understand bicycle law professionally, but we’re also passionate cyclists ourselves, often taking family bike trips during our vacation time. This firsthand experience on the road gives us unique insight into the challenges and dangers cyclists face everyday in Florida. 

Here’s the team that has your back: 

• Jack Fine brings almost five decades of legal expertise to your case. His experience teaching at UF’s Levin College of Law and his background as a public defender give him invaluable insights into how to advocate for injured cyclists in the Alachua County court system. 
• Cherie Hoch Fine has built a reputation as a formidable advocate for accident victims with over 43 years of legal practice. Her leadership as a former president of the local bar association reflects her commitment to maintaining the highest standards in representing her clients. 
• Julie Aleve Fine handles her cases with the strategic mindset she’s developed during her 12 years in law, including her experience as a state attorney. Currently, she serves on the board of the Florida Justice Association.  

We’re also proud that former Chief Judge of Alachua County, Martha Ann Lott, chose to bring her extensive judicial experience to our office before her retirement. Together, our team brings over a century of combined legal experience. When you choose to work with our firm, you’re not only getting attorneys, but you’re also getting dedicated advocates who will stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.  

Additionally, former firm member, Jonathan Ramsey, was recently appointed as an Alachua County Judge by Governor DeSantis. Not only is this a testament to the high regard in which our team is held locally, but it’s also an acknowledgement of the state’s leaders recognizing the talent and potential in people associated with our Gainesville law firm.

Florida Statute Of Limitations For Bike Accident Injury Claims

Florida operates under a statute of limitations, which sets a specific timeframe within which legal action must be initiated for bike accident injury claims. Bike accident victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a suit for their injuries and any damage to their property. If someone dies due to a bike accident, a representative of their estate may bring a wrongful death suit within two years from the date of death.

There may be rare circumstances where you have a more extended amount of time, but it’s essential to know that courts usually enforce these limits without question. That means if you fail to file a suit within the legal time limits, you may lose your right to compensation.

If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to start your claim. As years pass, evidence may be lost, witnesses may be harder to contact, and your claim may become more challenging. By starting the process quickly, you’re protecting yourself, your bicycle accident claim, and your rights.

Compensation After a Bike Accident in Florida

After a bike accident in Florida, there may be several types of compensation available for your losses. The types and amount will depend upon the unique circumstances of your case. However, there are standard forms of compensation, including:

• Compensation for your medical bills and medical treatment.

Collisions between motor vehicles and cyclists can potentially lead to severe injuries like brain trauma and fractures. You may need extensive medical treatment after an accident, time in a hospital, and physical therapy for months or even years afterward. A bicycle accident claim may include the cost for any past, present, or future medical treatment related to the crash.

• Compensation for the wages you miss out on after an accident, and compensation for lost opportunities in the future.

A bicycle accident can put you out of work for a long time. Your injuries may also hurt your ability to earn money in the future. A bicycle accident claim may include compensation for the income you lose due to your injuries, and the opportunities you may lose in the future.

• Compensation for your pain and suffering.

A bike accident may leave you with lasting physical and emotional pain. Physical pain may hang around for years and prevent you from doing the activities you once loved. When an accident leaves you with mental pain, severe problems such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety may develop. Our experienced bike accident lawyers will work with you and medical professionals to understand your pain and how much compensation you may be entitled to.

• Compensation for property damage.

In a crash, it’s common for a bicycle to be destroyed. Bicycles are no match for motor vehicles, and even a minor impact can total your bike. A bike accident claim may include compensation for your bicycle, your clothing, your helmet, and any other personal possessions that were damaged or destroyed during the accident.

• Punitive damages may be available in a bike accident case.

Punitive damages are a special type of extra damages that a court can add to your award. In Florida, punitive damages may be available when the defendant’s conduct was intentional or reckless and resulted in your injuries. Punitive damages are a unique type of compensation, and their availability will depend on your case.

Contact Our Gainesville Bike Accident Attorneys Today

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Gainesville or South Florida, our experienced Florida bicycle accident attorneys can develop a legal strategy, prepare any evidence, and zealously fight for you in any proceedings. We’re proud of the work we do for clients, and we’re available to help you. Contact us by phone or use our online form today.