Florida Bicycle Accident Statistics
Tragically, thousands of people are injured or killed in bicycle accidents each year in the United States. Bicycling is increasing in many cities throughout Florida and the U.S. as more people turn to cycling for exercise, inexpensive transportation, and recreation.
Sadly, cyclists face risks each time they ride from distracted drivers, poor road conditions, and adverse weather conditions. Although road and weather conditions may play a factor in some bicycle accidents, many of the bicycle crashes in Florida are the result of negligent and reckless drivers.
Bicycle Accident Statistics for Florida
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its 2017 Traffic Safety Facts for bicyclists and other cyclists last month. Florida led the nation in the number of pedalcyclist deaths in 2017. According to the NHTSA, 125 pedalcyclist fatalities were reported in Florida during 2017. That is slightly lower than the 128 bicycle fatalities reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in its 2017 Traffic Crash Facts. During the past decade, Florida and California have led the nation in the number of bicyclists killed each year.
In 2018, there were 6,568 bicycle crashes in Florida, resulting in 148 deaths and 6,175 injuries. For the first quarter of 2019, preliminary data reported 1,695 bicycle accidents statewide with 40 fatalities from bicycle accidents and 1,588 injuries. In Broward Countyalone, 726 bicycle crashes were reported in 2018 with 9 fatalities and 696 injuries. In the first quarter of 2019, Broward County reported 179 bicycle accidents resulting in two bicycle deaths and 168 bicycle injuries.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Florida?
Several factors impact the number of bicycle accidents in Florida each year. For instance, the large number of bicycles sharing the road with automobiles has a direct impact on the number of bicycle accidents. Some of the factors that increase the use of bicycles throughout the state include significant tourism, cheap transportation, great weather, and bicycle-friendly communities. Unfortunately, motorists do not always watch out for bicyclists sharing the road with vehicles.
Some of the common causes of bicycle accidents in Broward County include:
- Distracted Driving
- Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
- Drunk Driving
- Speeding
- Buzzed or Drugged Driving
- Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Drivers who are negligent or careless may be liable for the injuries, damages, and losses caused by a bicycle accident.
However, road conditions can also contribute to the cause of a bicycle accident. While many communities in Florida have bicycle safety plans, including bicycle paths and bicycle lanes, hazardous road conditions can also be a factor in the cause of a bicycle accident. Government entities that fail to maintain the roads properly could also be liable for damages caused by a bicycle accident.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Florida Bicycle Accident?
Call 911 to report the bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle to the authorities. The emergency operator will request police and medical services for you. If you do not go to the emergency room from the accident scene, it is important to seek medical treatment for your injuries.
To recover compensation from the driver who caused the bicycle accident, you must document your injuries and damages. Keep copies of all bills, invoices, and receipts related to the accident and your injuries. You should also document your pain and suffering by keeping notes related to your daily pain level, difficulty performing tasks, and changes in your personal relationships and life caused by the injuries.
An insurance investigator or claims adjuster may contact you regarding your claim. If you have not discussed your case with a Broward County bicycle accident attorney, do not give a written or recorded statement or sign any releases for the insurance company. The claims adjuster works for the insurance company. The adjuster’s job is to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible, which is often less than your claim is worth.
Seeking legal advice from an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Broward County as quickly as possible is usually in your best interest.
Contact a Broward County Bicycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Mr. Cohen has exclusively represented seriously injured individuals, and the families of those whose deaths were caused due to the negligence of others, since 1990. Mr. Cohen has resolved thousands of cases over his 20+ years of practice ranging from the families of victims of wrongful death, to individuals who sustain whiplash injuries in an automobile accident. Call Cohen and Juda to speak with a Broward County bicycle accident attorney for free. During your free consultation with an attorney, you can ask questions and receive legal advice regarding a bicycle accident claim. Call 954-424-1440 now to speak with someone about your personal injury claim.
Cohen and Juda P.A.
8211 W Broward Blvd, Suite 310
Plantation, FL 33324
954-424-1440
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