Miami is a beautiful city, but it’s unfortunately among the worst U.S. cities for bicyclists. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Miami-Dade County alone sees around 1,000 bicycle accidents annually and more than one dozen bicycle accident-related deaths each year. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you may have cause to seek compensation for your medical expenses and other accident-related losses. At Aigen Injury Law, we diligently pursue compensation on behalf of bicycle accident victims throughout Miami and South Florida. It’s our mission to see that you obtain the maximum recovery you need to make up for the damages done. Contact a Miami bicycle accident lawyer from our firm today so we can begin fighting for you.
Why Choose a Lawyer from Miami-Based Aigen Injury Law?
Aigen Injury Law solely handles personal injury cases. We understand all the ways that an injury from a bicycle accident can affect your life, from medical bills to pain and suffering caused by an accident. We know how to build your case and pursue financial recovery for damages.
It’s always best to speak to an attorney for a case evaluation as soon as you’re able. A personal injury lawyer can do more than speak on your behalf. Aigen Injury Law knows the ins and outs of personal injury courts and how best to approach insurance companies for your compensation needs. Our Miami-Dade County personal injury attorney will stand firm in protecting your rights as an accident victim. You have nothing to lose by connecting with our office.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Miami
Here in Miami, bicycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Just some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents are as follows:
- Inclement weather conditions
- Unsafe road conditions
- Faulty bike parts
- Driver negligence
Miami has heavy vehicle traffic and minimal bike-friendly infrastructure, which makes riding a bicycle very unsafe on congested city streets. Riding on designated bike trails such as the Rickenbacker Causeway Trail or the Commodore Trail, however, can help reduce risks faced by Miami cyclists. These were built with the riders in mind, and they are safer than the city streets. The Venetian Causeway, which connects downtown to Miami Beach, is also a favorite among cyclists, as is the new Underline Trail, which runs beneath the Metrorail.
The intersections on US-1 and other busy roads, such as Brickell Avenue, are the most dangerous places to ride in Miami-Dade, in comparison. The City of Miami also provides bicycle safety guidelines and maps of the dedicated bike lanes, which can help reduce the risks for riders who are careful about the bicycling regulations and infrastructure of the area.
Driver Negligence
Drivers, as well as cyclists, are required to follow the rules and regulations of the road at all times. When they fail to do so and people are injured, the negligent driver may be sued for compensation. Some of the most common types of driver negligence are as follows:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Texting while driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Failure to yield
- Trying to overtake cyclists
- Opening car doors without looking both ways
- Ignoring traffic lights or signs
Florida law requires vehicles to leave bicyclists a minimum of three feet when passing them on the road. Unfortunately, Miami-Dade has a history of severe bicycle accidents due to drivers crowding cyclists. This non-enforcement is why it is imperative that riders be aware of the busiest streets in Miami and that injured cyclists know their rights.
Bike riders in Florida are also deemed vehicle operators. This means that they should obey traffic lights, ride with the flow of traffic, and give signals when turning. Helmets are also mandatory for riders under the age of 16.
Despite this age limit, all cyclists should wear one, as there is a high possibility of head injuries in the event of an accident. The purpose of these rules is to keep both drivers and cyclists safe, but not all of them are followed or enforced consistently throughout Miami.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Miami
The aftermath of a bicycle crash can be devastating. Making the right moves is vital to your safety and also to your chances of getting compensation in the future.
- Call 911 immediately. Call the police to the scene and ensure an accident report is made. This document will be used as valuable evidence for your injury claim.
- Share information. Collect the driver’s name, license, insurance, and vehicle details. Remain calm and do not talk about fault.
- Collect evidence. Take pictures or videos of the scene of the accident, the condition of the road, the damaged bicycle, and the visible injuries.
- Identify witnesses. Get names and contact information of any witnesses to the crash. Their testimony may help you build your case,
- Consult a doctor. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not become apparent until later. There are hospitals nearby, including Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Baptist Hospital of Miami, and Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, which offer emergency treatment and follow-up care.
- Request your crash report. Accident reports can be obtained through the Miami Police Department Records Unit, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office portal, or the Florida Crash Portal.
- Contact a lawyer. Speak to a Miami personal injury lawyer immediately. At Aigen Injury Law, we’re always ready to begin building your case.
Types of Compensation
Aigen Injury Law works fervently to see that you obtain the necessary compensation for your injuries. Your damage recovery may include compensation for related medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and physical and psychological suffering.
Compensation can include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, diagnostic testing such as CT scans, MRIs, surgeries and hospitalization, prescription drugs, rehabilitation treatment and equipment such as wheelchairs.
- Lost Income: Income lost in the recovery period, future earnings, and retraining in case you will not be able to continue with your previous profession.
- Pain and Suffering: Recovery of chronic pain, emotional distress, loss of independence, and loss of enjoyment of daily activities.
- Home and Vehicle Adaptations: Ramps, lifts, modified vehicles or other accommodations required to provide long-term mobility and independence.
Since bicycles do not offer any protection to riders, the medical and financial consequences of such accidents are usually more severe than those in other accidents. Riders can require prosthetic equipment, numerous operations, or a lifetime of rehabilitation to restore mobility. Reasonable and fair compensation is necessary not only to cover the immediate expenses but also to address the long-term effects of a serious bicycle accident.
No Recovery, No Legal Fees
All the bicycle accident cases we accept are taken on a contingency fee basis. This means if we take your case, you do not pay legal fees unless you collect compensation for your losses.
Contact Our Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
Our experience extends beyond bicycle accidents. For years, founder and attorney Scott Aigen, Esq., has represented accident victims for a wide range of accident types both in and out of the personal injury court. If you or a loved one have suffered bicycle accident injuries due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to financial recovery. Contact Aigen Injury Law to learn more about how we can help or schedule a free consultation.