Bike Accident in Miami Dade

If you are a cyclist in Miami, you face a serious risk of ending up in a bike accident in Miami Dade. Florida is consistently ranked as one of the deadliest places in the country for bike riders. Data gathered in 2014 reveals that Miami Dade County experienced 985 pedal bike accidents that year, with 15 of those collisions being deadly. One of the many reasons why our roads are so deadly for cyclists is that there are few bike lanes in Miami Dade, which means that bicyclists are often required to share the road with larger, faster vehicles. If you or a loved one were injured in a bike accident in Miami Dade and need the assistance of an attorney who appreciates the challenges you now face, contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the complex laws at play, and we have years of experience helping other people who have been injured in similar accidents. While you focus on your physical recovery, we will fight zealously for the results you deserve. You can call us toll-free at (877) 475-2905.

Riding a bike is one of the best ways to see Miami-Dade. Some of the most heavily bicycled trails in the area include:

• Amelia Trail
• Biscayne Trail
• Biscayne-Everglades Greenway
• Black Creek Trail
• Commodore Trail
• Old Cutler Trail
• Rickenbacker Trail
• Snake Creek Trail
• Southern Glades Trail

Bike accidents in Miami Dade can occur on these trails, as well as many others. One of the best steps that you can take after being injured in a bike accident in Miami Dade is to speak with a bike accident attorney as soon as possible.

Bicyclists lack the protection that people who travel in larger vehicles have. Additionally, while bicyclists are bound to follow and protected by the same rules and regulations as other drivers, those in cars often fail to respect cyclists on the roads. Some strategies that motor vehicle drivers can follow to greatly reduce the risk of causing accidents that injure cyclists include the following:

• Appreciating when bicyclists have the right of way
• Remaining alert to bicycle lanes and staying a safe distance from cyclists
• Watching out for bicyclists, who can be difficult to spot

Many motor vehicle drivers fail to pay adequate attention while driving. It is a common sight in Miami-Dade to see these drivers staring at their phones rather than the road ahead. Even worse, smartphones are only one of many driver distractions that can lead to deadly accidents. Some of the other common types of distractions include the following:

• Adjusting the radio/music playing device while driving
• Grooming while driving
• Using navigation devices while driving
• Talking with passengers in the vehicle
• Eating and drinking while driving

Anyone who contributed to causing a bicycle accident can be held accountable for the losses suffered by the accident victims. Under Florida law, each responsible party is liable for the role or the degree that they played in causing an accident. Some of the entities against which it is possible to pursue lawsuits after bike accidents in Miami Dade include:

• Bicycle manufacturers, who have a duty to provide cyclists with bicycles that are free from defects. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not always meet this standard and sometimes end up selling bicycles that contain defects that make riding much more dangerous.
• Drivers, who have a duty in Florida to prevent all types of foreseeable harm. Consequently, drivers are required to obey posted traffic laws and to operate their vehicles with care. When drivers fail to practice reasonable care, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
• Government agencies in Miami-Dade as well as the rest of Florida have an obligation to make sure that roads do not contain any dangerous conditions or hazards. If the government either knew or should have known about these dangers and did nothing, the government can end up liable for the harm that victims end up suffering.
• Pedestrians, who have a duty in Florida to use caution and remain alert when sharing the road with other vehicles including bicycles. When pedestrians jaywalk or cross the road without proper traffic signals, they can end up creating dangerous situations that seriously injure or kill bicyclists.

Following a bike accident in Miami Dade, seek the assistance of a Miami personal injury attorney at Gerson & Schwartz, PA right away. While you focus on recovering from injuries that you incurred in the accident, our lawyers will fight for the results you deserve. Contact our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation.