Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Get an attorney who protects the rights of injured cyclists in Palm Beach County

Bicycle accidents in Palm Beach County, Florida, can have devastating consequences for cyclists and their families. Despite efforts to promote road safety and accommodate cyclists, collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles continue to occur due to a variety of factors. From reckless driving and distracted behavior to failure to obey traffic laws, the causes of bicycle accidents are diverse and complex.

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Palm Beach Gardens or the surrounding area, victims may face physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Seeking justice and compensation for their losses can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal challenges. That’s when having an experienced bicycle accident attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., Mr. Shomo understands the unique challenges faced by bicycle accident victims in Palm Beach County. Mr. Shomo and his experienced legal team are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured cyclists and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Whether you’ve been injured in a collision with a motor vehicle, suffered injuries due to road hazards, or experienced any other type of bicycle accident, Mr. Shomo is here to help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Palm Beach County, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Palm Beach County

Bicycle accidents can result from various factors, often involving a combination of driver negligence, distracted driving, and failure to adhere to traffic laws. Some of the leading causes of bicycle accidents include:

Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, aggressive maneuvers, and improper lane changes significantly increase the risk of accidents involving cyclists. Drivers who fail to exercise caution and respect for cyclists on the road endanger the safety of vulnerable road users.
Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making drivers more prone to causing accidents. Intoxicated drivers pose a severe threat to cyclists, as impaired perception and decision-making can lead to catastrophic collisions.
Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or using navigation systems divert drivers’ attention away from the road and increase the likelihood of accidents. Inattentive drivers may fail to notice cyclists sharing the road or fail to react in time to avoid a collision.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Drivers who disregard traffic signals and signs, such as running red lights or stop signs, put themselves and others at risk of accidents. Ignoring traffic laws not only violates road safety regulations but also heightens the danger for cyclists who rely on motorists to follow the rules of the road.
Improper Lane Changes: Drivers who make sudden or improper lane changes without signaling or checking their blind spots pose a significant hazard to cyclists. Abrupt maneuvers can catch cyclists off guard and lead to collisions, especially in areas where bike lanes are not clearly marked or protected.
Making Illegal Turns: Illegal turns, such as illegal U-turns or turning from the wrong lane, can result in collisions with cyclists who have the right of way. Drivers must exercise caution when navigating intersections and ensure they yield to cyclists and pedestrians as required by law.

Locations where bicycle accidents commonly occur

Bicycle accidents can happen in various settings, each presenting its own unique set of challenges and risks for cyclists. Some of the most common locations where bicycle accidents occur include:

Intersections: Intersections, especially busy crossings, are notorious hotspots for bicycle accidents. The convergence of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at intersections increases the likelihood of collisions, particularly when drivers fail to yield the right of way or fail to notice cyclists.
Urban Areas: The dense traffic and complex road layouts in urban environments pose significant hazards for cyclists. Navigating through congested streets with limited bike lanes and unpredictable vehicle movements can increase the risk of accidents and collisions with motor vehicles.
Parking Lots: Parking lots can be challenging environments for cyclists to maneuver safely, particularly when numerous vehicles are moving in and out of parking spaces. Cyclists are at risk of collisions with cars backing out of parking spots or drivers failing to see them while navigating through the parking lot.
Bike Lanes and Shared Paths: While bike lanes and shared paths are designed to provide a safe space for cyclists, they can still be sites of accidents, especially when poorly maintained or obstructed by debris, parked cars, or pedestrians. Cyclists may also collide with other cyclists or encounter hazards such as potholes and uneven surfaces.
Rural Roads: Rural roads with narrow shoulders and high-speed limits can be particularly dangerous for cyclists. Limited visibility, sharp curves, and lack of bike lanes increase the risk of accidents, especially when motorists are not accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists.
Sidewalks and Crosswalks: Cyclists riding on sidewalks or crossing at crosswalks are at risk of collisions with pedestrians, especially in crowded urban areas. Poor visibility and limited space for maneuvering can lead to accidents and injuries for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Common bicycle accident injuries

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of severe injuries due to the minimal protection afforded to cyclists. Unlike occupants of motor vehicles, cyclists lack the protective structure of a car or truck to shield them from impact. This lack of protection leaves cyclists vulnerable to direct contact with the road, vehicles, and other objects in the event of a crash. As a result, even relatively low-speed collisions can lead to significant injuries. Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries include:

Head Injuries: Cyclists are at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures, which can have long-term cognitive and physical effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of impact in a bicycle accident can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired mobility.
Broken Bones: Cyclists often suffer fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, which may require surgery, casting, or immobilization to heal properly.
Neck Injuries: Whiplash, cervical fractures, and herniated discs are common neck injuries in bicycle accidents, resulting from sudden deceleration or impact.
Facial Injuries: Cyclists may sustain facial fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries from direct impact with the ground or objects during a crash.
Shoulder Injuries: Shoulder dislocations, fractures, and soft tissue injuries are prevalent in bicycle accidents, particularly in collisions with motor vehicles.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a bicycle accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ dysfunction, and other life-threatening complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Cyclists may suffer from sprains, strains, bruises, and contusions to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which can cause pain and limited mobility.
Road Rash: Abrasions, lacerations, and friction burns, known as road rash, can occur when cyclists slide across the pavement during a crash, leading to pain, scarring, and infection.
Leg Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries to the legs are common in bicycle accidents, often resulting from impact with the bicycle frame, vehicle, or ground.

These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for cyclists and their families. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Who’s at fault for a bicycle accident?

In Florida, determining fault in a bicycle accident involves assessing the actions of both the bicyclist and the driver involved. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help investigate the incident to prove the driver was at fault. However, even if the bicyclist is found to have contributed to the accident, it does not prevent them from seeking damages if the other party is largely at fault. Under Florida law, you can still recover compensation for your injuries as long as you were no more than 50% at fault.

What to do after a bicycle accident in Palm Beach County, FL

After being hit by a car, here’s what a bicyclist should do:

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
Call law enforcement to report the accident.
Collect information from the driver, including their name, contact information, and insurance details.
Gather contact information from any witnesses.
Document the scene by taking photos of the accident, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Contact an attorney experienced in bicycle accidents to understand your legal rights and options for compensation.

When involved in a bicycle accident, it’s essential to refrain from discussing fault or making any statements about the incident until you’ve had the chance to speak with an attorney. This precaution helps protect your legal rights and ensures that you receive proper guidance on how to handle the situation effectively. Remember, seeking legal advice early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Get personalized legal help after a bicycle accident in Palm Beach County

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we realize that bicycle accident victims are more than just cases – they’re individuals with unique needs and challenges. That’s why we prioritize personal attention and care in every aspect of our legal representation. Mr. Shomo is not just your lawyer; he’s a trusted ally who will stand by your side through every step of the legal process.

With a compassionate approach and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for you, we go above and beyond to ensure that you feel supported and empowered throughout the process. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation or visit us at our Palm Beach Gardens office.