Boynton Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding your bicycle to work, or simply for recreation, should not be considered a risky activity. Yet every year hundreds of bicyclists are killed–and thousands more seriously injured–while riding on Florida’s roads. Palm Beach County’s crowded streets can be especially dangerous for bicyclists, who are exposed to the elements even when wearing a helmet and pads.
If one, or someone that you care about, has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver or other party, Steinberg Law is here to help. Our Boynton Beach bicycle accident lawyers can investigate your accident, assist you in determining who is legally responsible for your medical bills and other damages, and represent you in negotiating a settlement or, if necessary, presenting your personal injury case in court.
Negligence and Bicycle Accidents
Personal injury claims require proof of negligence, i.e., a defendant’s failure to honor some duty of care owed by law to the plaintiff. When it comes to bicycle accidents in Palm Beach County, the first thing we look at is driver negligence. Bicyclists have the same right to be on the road as anyone driving a car, truck, or other motor vehicle. But as any seasoned bicyclist will tell you, motorists often do not act that way.
Some common examples of driver negligence leading to a bicycle accident include:
- Failure to Yield — A motorist fails to give a bicyclist the right of way at an intersection, leading to a collision.
- Improper Turns — A driver makes a left-hand turn without checking for bicycles traveling behind them, causing the bicyclist to slam into their vehicle.
- Unsafe Passing — Motorists often get too close to a bicycle when attempting to pass, which can force the bicyclist to suddenly brake or swerve in a failed attempt to avoid a collision.
- Distracted Driving — Motorists who are distracted by their phones, eating, or talking with other people in their car are not keeping proper attention on the road, which poses a special risk to bicyclists who are often more difficult to spot.
In addition to motorist negligence, a bicycle accident may also be the result of dangerous or defective roadway conditions, and the injured bicyclist may have a claim against the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the roadway. Some bicycle accidents are also due to a defect in the bicycle itself, in which case the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable for a bicyclist’s injuries.
Contact Steinberg Law Today
If you have Florida auto insurance, your no-fault Personal Injury Protection benefits will still cover you in the event of a bicycle accident. But PIP benefits are only meant to partially compensate you for relatively minor injuries. Bicycle accidents frequently result in more serious injuries, which may allow you to step outside of the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury claim directly against the negligent driver who struck you.
To learn more about your options for seeking compensation from a seasoned Boynton Beach bicycle accident lawyer, contact Steinberg Law today to schedule a consultation.
