Wesley Chapel is known for its warm weather, making it an ideal place for avid cyclists or people who simply want to get around without the need for a car. While you have the same rights to the road when riding a bike as motorists do, many drivers fail to take reasonable steps to avoid a collision.
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own, you deserve a chance to seek justice. With the help of a compassionate injury attorney, you could file a civil suit against the negligent driver and get the compensation you deserve. Before you attempt to resolve your case alone, reach out to a Wesley Chapel bicycle accident lawyer.
Florida statutes set out a number of legal protections for cyclists. Bicycles are considered vehicles, meaning cyclists have most of the same rights as motorists when riding on public roadways. This includes not only the right to ride on public streets but also an obligation to obey all applicable traffic laws.
There are some restrictions to be aware of, though. Cyclists cannot ride on highways, and they must stay on the rightmost edge of the road when other traffic is present if there is not a dedicated bike lane. They can also ride next to another cyclist, but no more than two riders traveling abreast at the same time is allowed.
Drivers have the same obligation to cyclists as they do anyone else. They must be watchful and avoid accidents whenever possible, which includes keeping a safe distance from bikes at all times. When Wesley Chapel drivers fail to follow these rules, a bike accident attorney could hold them accountable.
When riding a bicycle, there is very little to protect the cyclist from the impact of an oncoming car or truck. As a result, these incidents frequently lead to serious—or even life-altering—injuries. Some of the conditions commonly linked with bike crashes include the following:
If a cyclist suffers from any of these conditions after being hit by a car, a Wesley Chapel lawyer could seek justice on their behalf.
While bike crash victims have the chance to seek justice through a civil lawsuit after an accident, this opportunity does not last forever. Each case is governed by a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. Every state has its own statute of limitations, and in Florida the time limit expires after two years.
In general, bicycle accident victims have two years from the date of a bike injury to file a lawsuit or settle a claim. If they wait too long, the court could bar them from ever recovering damages based on their injuries, even if there is no doubt who was at fault.
Having the guidance and support of a Wesley Chapel bicycle accident attorney is crucial. Our team can keep track of the applicable deadlines and ensure that each client’s suit is filed on time.
Dealing with the fallout of a bike collision can be challenging, especially if you have been seriously hurt. Let our team at LMD Injury Lawyers help bring the negligent party to justice and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a private consultation with a Wesley Chapel bicycle accident lawyer.
727-849-5353