Bike Accidents Broward County
Biking is a great form of exercise and one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the sights in Broward County. This does not mean, however, that biking is safe. Florida has the highest rate of bicycling deaths in the country, which is double that of the national average. If you have been injured in a bike accident, you are not alone. The attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz, PA have substantial experience representing people impacted by bike accidents in Broward County, Florida. We understand that bicyclists injured in accidents can face hardships for years. We will help you pursue the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering, Contact a lawyer at Gerson & Schwartz, PA. today at 954- 845-0535 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Biking in Miami and Broward CountyIn the last few years, both Miami Beach and Broward County launched bike programs, which were modeled after New York City's bike rental programs.
Some of the popular locations in Broward County, Florida where bicyclists are known to ride and where bike accidents are known to occur may include:
- C.B. Smith Park
- Cypress Creek Greenway, which goes from Tamarac to Pompano Beach
- Central Broward Regional Park
- Everglades Holiday Park
- Hiatus Road, which goes along C-42 Canal in West Broward
- Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
- Markham Park
- New River Greenway, which is a path running from the Everglades to University Drive
- Piccolo Park
- Plantation Heritage Park
- Quiet Waters Park
- Topeekeegee Yugnee Park
- Tradewinds Park
- Tree Tops Park
- Vista View Park
- West Lake Park
Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Broward include the following:
- Speeding - When drivers operate too fast they have less time to react to a bicyclists and others on the road. Bike riders are often defenseless to cars and other vehicles on the road. Drivers to operate at a higher speed may not see a cyclist causing a crash or collision. Our lawyers understand how to prove cases due to negligent drivers in Broward county that operated too fast than Florida law permits.
- Distracted Driving - Paying attention to the road is important for all motor vehicle operators in Broward County, Florida. Texting and driving and looking at your cell phone are common types of distracted driving bike crash cases that may result in serious injuries.
- Aggressive drivers. Florida drivers have a duty to share the road with bicyclists. Unfortunately, drivers who fail to use adequate caution when driving near bicyclists can cause deadly bike accidents in Broward.
- Alcohol and drugs. Bicyclists and drivers can endanger others on the road after consuming alcohol or drugs. Driving or riding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs greatly increases the chances of deadly bicycle accidents.
- Inexperienced riders. With more bicyclists on the road, there are more inexperienced riders who may be unfamiliar with their surroundings and with the rules of the road. All bike riders should know critical safety laws including who has the right of way, how to properly pass through an intersection, and when turns can be made safely before setting out.
- Road design. Many of Florida's roads were built for large, high-power, motorized vehicles rather than bicycles. While Broward and Miami have made efforts to make the area safer for bicyclists, there are still various risks that exist for bicyclists. As a result, road designs are sometimes responsible for bike accidents in Broward.
While they will not eliminate the risk, there are some safety strategies that Florida bicyclists can follow to greatly reduce the chances of ending up in a bike accident in Broward like always wearing a helmet while riding, properly maintaining the bike you ride, and exercise the highest degree of care when riding near other vehicles.
Parties That Can be Held Accountable for Bike Accidents in BrowardBased on how a bike accident occurred, several parties can be held responsible for the resulting injuries. Some of the most common parties who are held liable for bike accidents include the following:
- If a bicyclist was forced off the road or struck by a negligent driver, the driver's insurance policy should provide coverage for the resulting damage.
- If a bicyclist was involved in an accident with either another cyclist or a pedestrian, the negligent party might be liable for damages.
- A state or local government agency is liable for injuries caused by defectively designed or maintained roads or bike paths.
- A third-party contractor who was retained to build or maintain a road or bike path can be held liable for injuries caused by his or her failure to do so.
- Bicycle manufacturers or the manufacturers of various bicycle parts or helmets can be held liable for defective products that result in injuries of users.
Bike accidents in Broward involve a complex area of law, and navigating these cases often requires the assistance of an attorney who is prepared to fight for the rights of Florida cyclists. If you or a loved one was injured in a bike accident, our attorneys have the experience necessary to make sure that your case resolves in the best possible manner. Following bike accidents in Broward, contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA today to schedule a free case evaluation to review your legal options.