pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer sarasota / bradenton

Accidents involving bicyclists or pedestrians and vehicles are among the worst kinds of accidents. While our sunny, warm weather makes for ideal conditions, unfortunately Florida is one of the most dangerous places for walkers and bikers.

Recent data showed that as of 2021, Florida had the second highest pedestrian fatality rate in the country. Similarly for bicyclists where according to US News reporting, Florida was the third most dangerous state in the country for cyclists and the state with the highest bicyclist fatality rate.

Bicycle Crashes & Accidents

Whenever someone else is responsible for causing or contributing to the bicycle accident, it is important to get legal help. The various causes of bike accident that could form the basis for recovering or suing the driver responsible include:

Speeding
Running a red light or stop sign
Failing to keep a proper look out
Distracted driving
Drunk driving (DUI)
Failing to obey a traffic signal
Careless or reckless driving

In some instances, poor road conditions may have caused your accident and under those circumstances, you may be able to hold the government responsible.

Bicyclists are especially vulnerable and so to reduce their risk of harm, it’s always good to be aware of not only what is required of bicyclists but what is prudent.

When on the road, you are expected to obey the traffic laws. Use marked bike lanes if available; if not, ride to the right (except when making a left turn).
If riding on a sidewalk or crosswalk, bikers are treated like pedestrians. As between a biker and a pedestrian, the walker has the greater rights; this means that bikers must yield to walkers and must also audibly announce themselves before passing a walker.
All bicyclists should wear a helmet, though only bikers under age 16 years are required to wear one. Wearing reflective and easily visible clothing and appropriate footwear are also a good idea.
After sunset, a headlamp (visible for 500’) is required as is a tail reflector (visible from 600’).

Fighting for those Injured in Bicycle Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident, you know firsthand the emotional and financial devastation that can result. Let the experienced Lakewood Ranch bike accident injury lawyers at Luhrsen Goldberg assist you in determining if there is anyone to hold responsible and, if so, can work with you to build a case.

Pedestrian Accidents

Our warm climate and ample sunshine make Florida a great place to walk—for fun, for exercise or to get you places. Unfortunately, pedestrians are especially vulnerable to serious life-altering and even life-ending injuries when hit by a car.

Causes of pedestrian accidents include a variety of negligent or careless behaviors. Common causes include

Failing to yield the right of way at crosswalks
Failing to keep a proper lookout, especially in heavily trafficked areas such as parking lots
Distracted driving
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Speeding
Careless or reckless driving

When a driver negligently injures pedestrians, significant damage often results. Injuries affecting and altering the quality of life can include:

Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Broken bones
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Road rash and burn injury
Musculoskeletalal injuries

Even when the pedestrian is partly to blame for the collision (for example, crossing a road outside of a crosswalk or against a traffic signal), you may still be entitled to a recovery. As a comparative fault state, your recovery could be reduced by your share of the fault. Under circumstances where the pedestrian may be partly at fault, it is vital that you consult with an experienced pedestrian and bicycle injury attorney as soon as possible.

Seeking the Maximum Recovery Possible for Pedestrian Injury Victims

If your loved one was hurt in a pedestrian accident, our experienced pedestrian injury lawyers would like to hear your story. Hiring a pedestrian accident attorney can be a very positive step forward to holding the driver accountable and getting the resources your family needs to recover. Consultations with the experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Luhrsen Goldberg are always free, and no attorney’s fees or costs are owed by you unless and until we win your case.