Each year, over 2,000 cyclists lose their lives in auto accidents in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly 1,000 bike riders die in traffic accidents annually, resulting in a staggering $23 billion in costs for healthcare, lost wages, and other consequences, according to a recent study. These costs also reflect the immeasurable pain and sorrow experienced by families.
So, who should bear the responsibility for these expenses? Certainly not the innocent cyclists and their families. The normalization of negligence has led to countless preventable deaths on the road. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a Florida bicycle crash, it’s essential to seek justice. Hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer, such as Kevin L. Sullivan II, can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be a strenuous ordeal. The medical bills are piling up, the insurance company is calling incessantly, and you just don’t know where to turn for help. Well, look no further, Kevin L. Sullivan II is here to help. Charged with the need to get back what’s rightfully yours after years of fighting in personal injury cases, Kevin is right when needed to help.
Florida was one of the most dangerous states for bicyclists. The Tampa Bay Area can be counted as the deadliest metropolitan in terms of the number of cycling accidents in the state.
– 28,021 traffic accidents in a single year, with 275 fatalities.
– Among those, 467 accidents involved bicycles, resulting in 20 deaths and 425 injuries.
Palm Beach County, with a population slightly higher than Hillsborough County, ranks second in cycling accidents and fatalities. While the overall number of traffic crashes in both counties is nearly identical, Hillsborough County experiences a significantly higher rate of bicyclist-related accidents, particularly on Sundays.
Bicycle accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which have serious impacts on people’s lives. These reasons include:
Destructed drivers stand out as one of the largest numbers when accidents occur. While automobiles are easily distracted, there are instances during which drives do not pay their deserved attention. In such instances, the primary driver focus is lost when the bicyclist becomes endangered.
Drivers who are tired or intoxicated are far more prone to creating a wreck. Most bike accidents occur in the moving hours of the night or morning, and limited visibility raises the chances of crashing. For many reasons, the usage of “intoxicating” substances decreases response times and the skill to make intelligent decisions.
Speed is another common cause of serious or fatal bicycle crashes. Speeding reduces the time drivers have to react to unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of collisions and the severity of injuries.
Drivers do not yield the right of way at intersections, roundabouts, or when merging, causing collisions with cyclists.
According to Florida law, a motorist may not overtake a bicycle without a three-foot or more buffer. When drivers neglect this provision, they jeopardize the safety of a bicyclist and their own.
Another common cause of bicycle crashes is rolling through red lights or stop signs — especially at busy intersections in urban environments.
Tampa’s beautiful weather and abundant attractions attract plenty of cyclists, but with those cyclists, Tampa also has some of the state’s most notoriously bad roads and intersections.
– Fowler Avenue and North Nebraska Avenue: Multi-lane intersection that is challenging for cyclists to cross.
– West Hillsborough Avenue and Lois Avenue: This major metro area road sees numerous accidents despite designated bike lanes.
– 66th Street North and 54th Avenue North: A high-density area where many residents rely on bicycles for transportation.
No matter where your accident occurred, a dedicated bicycle accident attorney like Kevin L. Sullivan II can guide you through the complex legal process.
After a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. Here’s how Kevin L. Sullivan II supports his clients:
Initially, we need to check and discuss the case and everything that happened, gather evidence and police reports and consult other specialists.
Despite insurance companies working for customers, they are interested in minimizing payouts as much as possible. We are negotiating with them for a fair settlement.
In the worst scenario, we will bring the case to the court and get legal measures.
Usually, clients have recurred to bicycle because of high accident rates, which made them suffer from severe injuries. Compensation can include:
– Medical Expenses: From initial emergency care to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
– Lost Wages: Including future earning potential if your injuries impact your ability to work.
– Pain and Suffering: For physical pain and emotional trauma.
– Property Damage: Reimbursement for your damaged bike and related equipment.
Indeed, some accidents can’t be predicted, but many can be prevented. Here in Tampa, our city council is working hard to improve infrastructure.
– Wear a helmet at all times.
– Use lights on the front and rear of a bicycle and reflective devices.
– Ride predictably and adhere to the same rules as the road.
– Before making a right turn or merging, always look out for cyclists.
– On a road with cyclists present, give cyclists a 3-foot legal buffer when passing.
– Always stay focused and avoid distractions on the road.
Life can change in an instant, especially in a bicycle accident. Our clients never have to face legal and financial struggles alone after an injury. Kevin L. Sullivan II, a licensed attorney in the state of Florida, is here to help.
Contact attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II today at 813-598-4868 for a free consultation and the dedicated representation you deserve.
