Gainesville Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents 

Most bicycle accidents result from negligence or wrongful conduct. Sometimes, bicyclists themselves are careless, but more often, it is the drivers of motor vehicles who cause these devastating collisions through error, carelessness, or reckless behavior. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Gainesville

• Failure to keep a safe distance 
• Road rage and aggressive driving 
• Speeding 
• Distracted driving, including texting 
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Failure to properly share the road 
• Drunk driving 
• Dooring (opening a car door into a bicyclist or bicyclist’s path)
• Failure to properly signal 

Sometimes, bicycle accidents are the result of dangerous, defective, or otherwise hazardous conditions. This includes roadway defects, such as potholes, as well as inclement weather, improper highway design, and poor roadway maintenance. In such cases, a private or municipal entity may be partly or entirely liable for an injured bicyclist’s damages. 

Understanding Florida's No-Fault Insurance for Bicyclists

Florida’s no-fault insurance, known as personal injury protection (PIP), does cover bicycle-vehicle collisions. If you are insured, you can file a PIP claim and receive compensation for certain damages. However, PIP does not cover the full cost of your damages. Instead, it only covers up to 80% of your medical expenses after an “emergency medical condition” (EMC) and up to 60% of your lost wages and miscellaneous related expenses after a disabling injury. If you do not have an EMC, you will only be entitled to $2,500 in PIP compensation. 

If you do not have auto insurance, or if you suffer a “serious” injury (as defined by the state), you can go outside the no-fault system and seek additional compensation by filing a claim against the liable party. If you file a third-party personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including all medical expenses and lost income, loss of earning ability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and more. 

Our Gainesville bicycle accident attorneys can review the details of your case and advise you on your various legal options. We offer free initial consultations and case evaluations. 

Severe Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in Gainesville

Bicyclists are no match for large, heavy, fast-moving vehicles. As a result, they often sustain catastrophic injuries when they are involved in bicycle-vehicle collisions. Sadly, many of these injuries ultimately lead to serious impairment, lifelong disability, and death. 

Typical Injuries Sustained in Gainesville Bicycle Collisions

• Broken bones/fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Internal bleeding
• Serious cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
• Soft tissue damage 
• Injuries to internal organs 
• Head, neck, and back injuries 
• Accidental amputation
• Facial injuries 

The cost of treating these and other severe injuries can be immense, easily amounting to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Additionally, many victims are unable to return to work for weeks, months, or even years, leading to lost wages, income, and employment benefits. 

One of the harshest costs of a bicycle accident, however, is the significant physical and emotional pain and suffering victims experience. The only way to be fairly compensated for your pain and suffering after a bicycle-vehicle collision is to bring a personal injury claim directly against the liable party.