A recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Florida is the most deadly state in the country for bicyclists.
The study, released in early September, found that each year, more than 100 cyclists are killed in the Sunshine State. Some attribute the high number of fatalities to the sunny weather, which allows people to spend more time outdoors than in other parts of the country. Additionally, as a popular tourist destination, many visitors choose to sightsee by bicycle. Yet some cyclists believe there is an absence of respect and caution throughout the state.
In an interview, one cyclist said she regularly sees dangerous behavior from cars, buses and trucks while riding her bike. Thus, advocates are working to improve safety for bike riders by pushing local municipalities to install bike paths, larger bike lanes and better signage.
Bike advocate Monty Andrews of Venice noted that he believed education for both bike riders and motorists would be the most powerful tool in reducing the number of cyclist fatalities in the state.
What if a bike accident occurs?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you will first want to ensure you receive proper medical attention. You should also notify the police that the accident took place. Law enforcement officials will visit the scene of the crash and file a report detailing their understanding of how it occurred. Be sure to also get the contact and insurance information of anyone else involved, and take pictures of any relevant signs, traffic signals or damage.
Afterwards, you may choose to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your losses, which may include lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering and more. At this time, it might be beneficial to work with an experienced attorney, who can work to negotiate a fair settlement.
For further guidance on your legal options, speak with an experienced Bradenton bicycle accident lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.