While there are many different reasons why bike accidents occur in Florida, one of the most common factors is poorly maintained roads or highways. Potholes, sewer grates and other impediments may cause riders to crash, resulting in serious (and sometimes fatal) injuries.
Potholes represent a particular problem in Florida, and they generally are present due to long-term wear on roads and/or poorly performed maintenance. Depending on the location, a state, county or city agency is in charge of maintaining roads and may be liable if it did not address a known hazard or notify riders of its presence through proper signage. The same is true for loose gravel and other hazards that can be particularly dangerous for bicyclists.
Government agencies also have a responsibility to ensure that sewer grates and rail tracks are reasonably safe for bike riders. Grates, for example, should never run in the same direction as traffic, as riders’ wheels can get caught in them and cause a serious crash. Train or trolley tracks that run at a steep angle may present a similar hazard.
Injury claims and public entities
Filing an injury claim against a government agency requires a different process than if you were taking action against a private individual or entity. You have a limited amount of time to notify the agency of an accident, and it can be difficult to know which agency to contact in the first place. Generally, these claims tend to be very complex and require an elevated burden of proof compared to other types of claims.
To learn more about your legal options after a serious Florida motorcycle accident, meet with a knowledgeable Bradenton personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.