As more and more adults rediscover cycling for fun, transportation and exercise, bicycles are an increasing presence on Florida roads. Unfortunately, many drivers haven’t caught up. In Florida’s car-centered transportation culture, many drivers don’t see bicyclists, simply because they’re not expecting to see them. They may also resent cyclists for taking up space on the road, even though Florida law gives bicyclists all the rights and responsibilities of other vehicle operators. Less often, drivers react to cyclists with “road rage,” making dangerous moves in traffic or even intentionally trying to hurt them. In all of these cases, the driver would clearly be at fault in any resulting crash.

Unfortunately, the question of who was at fault is little comfort to seriously injured cyclists and their families. Bicycle accident injuries can be very serious, up to and including wrongful deaths. When bicyclists aren’t killed, they may suffer head injuries, broken bones and serious tissue damage from “road rash.” These are physically and emotionally serious injuries that can sometimes lead to permanent disability. And that’s to say nothing of the financial damages that cyclists can suffer, which can include high bills for hospitalization and follow-up care, loss of income and the destruction of expensive bicycles.

Under Florida law, when drivers are at fault for bicycle accidents, they are responsible for all of the injuries and costs those accidents caused. Just like drivers injured in car crashes, bicyclists should be able to make an auto insurance claim to cover these costs. Unfortunately, the lack of respect on the road for bicycles sometimes translates to a lack of respect at the settlement table, particularly if the claim is very expensive. Some studies have shown that bicyclists’ settlements are 30 to 40 percent smaller than drivers’ settlements for the same injuries. Insurers may try to blame cyclists for their own injuries or contest the value of a high-end bike. If this has happened to you, don’t hesitate to call the West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyers at Balliro to protect your rights.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami, Balliro represents clients throughout Florida from offices in seven cities on the state’s east and west coasts. Our Miami bicycle accident attorneys understand that it’s difficult to handle an insurance claim with an insurer who may be up to no good while also dealing with the physical, emotional and financial effects of a serious injury. We want to lift that burden from our clients, allowing them to focus on their recovery while we use our legal expertise and experience to get them the best possible financial results. In a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawsuit, we can claim compensation for serious injuries or a wrongful death, physical pain, emotional suffering and all of the costs of the accident, including future medical costs or lost income.

If you’ve been hit on a bicycle in Florida by an at-fault driver, Balliro can help. To learn more about your legal options at a free consultation, you can contact us through the Internet or call toll-free from anywhere within Florida at 1-866-INJURED today.