Skilled Legal Representation From Our Auburndale, FL Bicycle Crash Lawyer

From taking a leisurely ride along Auburndale TECO Trail to commuting to work on your bike or joining a cycling club, the Auburndale area is perfect for year-round bicycle riding. But, if you were in a bicycle accident, there’s a good chance it was because a driver was negligent. Driver negligence accounts for the majority of bicycle accident claims. When a car strikes a vulnerable cyclist, their injuries are often severe. Our Auburndale, FL bicycle crash lawyer can help you get fair compensation after a bike crash, whether it was due to a distracted driver, a daydreaming pedestrian, or because the city or country failed to maintain the roads safely.

At The Turnbull Firm, we advocate for the rights of injured cyclists like you. Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating contentious bike accident claims. We know what it takes to win, and we’re ready to get to work for you. Call us today for a free consultation.

Our Attorneys Handle Complications Common In Bike Accident Cases

Bicycle accident cases can be more complex than many victims realize. Most of these accidents happen because the cyclist was hit by a car, and so the injuries the victim suffers are often severe. Broken bones, head injuries, soft tissue damage, and painful road rash are common and can be debilitating. The cost of treating bicycle accident injuries, especially if you require surgery or develop complications, can quickly reach into the tens, sometimes hundreds, of thousands of dollars. Insurance companies take a hard look at high-value claims like this and will find many reasons to deny the claim or minimize the extent of your injuries.

One of our primary strengths is building a strong case that will withstand insurance carrier scrutiny. Our attorneys gather evidence to build your case, including witness statements, any video of the accident, such as dashcam footage, and testimony from medical experts who explain how your injuries occurred and what medical treatment is necessary for recovery.

Don’t try to take on the driver’s insurance company on your own. As you’re trying to heal, the last thing you should worry about is what to say to an insurance adjuster determined to deny your claim. Our attorneys act as the primary point of contact for your case to help prevent this.

Compensation Available For Bicycle Accident Claims

You have the right to claim compensation for all the financial damages you incurred because of the bicycle accident. This includes all current and future medical bills, lost wages if you couldn’t work due to your injuries, and property damage, like repairing or replacing your bike. Some victims may be disabled following a bike accident or have serious brain trauma that prohibits them from returning to the job they had before the accident. If this happens to you, our attorneys can also demand compensation for your loss of earning potential.

We also seek compensation for your diminished quality of life, scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. These non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify, but we have decades of combined experience doing so and seek fair consideration for the overall impact of the accident on your life.

If you have been injured in a cycling collision, our Auburndale bicycle crash lawyer is ready to help you assert your right to compensation. Call The Turnbull Firm today for a free case review.

Why Do Bicycle Crashes Happen?

An Auburndale bicycle crash lawyer knows that an accident can occur for various reasons, many of which involve the actions of other drivers or environmental factors. Cyclists are especially vulnerable on the road, as they lack the protection that motor vehicles provide. While cyclists may sometimes be at fault for accidents, many crashes are caused by other parties, particularly motorists. If you have been injured in a crash, call The Turnbull Law Firm for legal help.

Motorist Negligence

Motorist negligence is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents. Drivers of cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles often fail to notice or properly yield to cyclists, leading to dangerous collisions. Some of the most common forms of motorist negligence include:

• Failure to Yield the Right of Way: This often happens at intersections or crosswalks where cyclists have the legal right of way, but drivers fail to stop or slow down to allow cyclists to pass.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions are less likely to notice cyclists on the road. Distracted drivers may fail to see cyclists in their blind spots or inadvertently veer into a cyclist’s lane.
• Reckless Driving: Motorists who speed, tailgate, or make sudden lane changes without signaling can endanger cyclists. These actions can cause accidents when a cyclist is caught off-guard or unable to maneuver out of the way in time.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to see or properly assess hazards. This increases the likelihood of fatal collisions with cyclists.

Road Hazards

Road hazards are a significant cause of bicycle accidents, as cyclists are more vulnerable to irregularities in the roadway than motor vehicle drivers. Common road hazards include:

• Potholes: A large or poorly marked pothole can cause cyclists to lose control of their bike, leading to a crash. This is especially dangerous at high speeds or in low-visibility conditions.
• Loose Gravel or Debris: Roads covered in loose gravel, sand, or debris can make it difficult for cyclists to maintain control. A sudden change in terrain can cause a cyclist to swerve or fall, resulting in injury.
• Uneven Surfaces: Cracks, raised pavement, or unmarked potholes can cause a cyclist to lose balance or control. These obstacles often go unnoticed by motorists but can be dangerous for cyclists, particularly in poorly lit areas or at high speeds.

Poor Infrastructure

The lack of proper infrastructure for cyclists is another major cause of accidents. Many roads and urban areas are not designed with cyclists in mind, which increases the risk of accidents. In these situations, an Auburndale bicycle crash lawyer can determine who is liable for the accident and what steps will be needed to pursue for damages. Some infrastructure issues include:

• Lack of Dedicated Bike Lanes: Cyclists are forced to share the road with motor vehicles when bike lanes are not present or clearly marked. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially on busy streets or highways, where cyclists are not always visible to drivers.
• Inadequate Signage and Road Markings: Roads that lack clear signs or lane markings for cyclists can confuse drivers and cyclists. Without designated lanes or proper indicators, it becomes more difficult for motorists to know when they should yield to cyclists or how to navigate around them safely.
• Obstructions in Bike Lanes: In some cases, even when bike lanes exist, they may be obstructed by parked cars, trash bins, or other objects, forcing cyclists into traffic. These obstructions increase the likelihood of accidents with vehicles.

Inclement Weather Conditions

Inclement weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or strong winds, can create hazardous conditions for both cyclists and motorists. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to weather-related accidents, as they are more exposed to the elements and have less control over their bikes in poor weather.

• Rain and Wet Roads: Wet or slippery roads reduce traction, making it difficult for cyclists to maintain control. Puddles or waterlogged roads can hide dangerous obstacles, increasing the risk of crashes. Drivers may not be as attentive or drive too fast in wet conditions, leading to accidents.
• Fog: Reduced visibility in foggy conditions can make it difficult for cyclists and motorists to see one another. Cyclists may not be visible to drivers until it is too late to react, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Wind: Strong winds can throw cyclists off balance, especially if riding in an open area or near large vehicles, which can cause turbulence. Wind gusts can make it harder for cyclists to steer, increasing the likelihood of falling or being knocked into traffic.

Let Our Personal Injury Law Firm Help

If you have been injured in a bike accident, you may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Call The Turnbull Law Firm to speak with a dedicated Auburndale bicycle crash lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.