Sharing the responsibility of safe traveling is something that all drivers have an obligation to take seriously. However, far too often, motorists do not give people on bikes the respect that they deserve. This can lead to drivers cutting them off, not yielding when required, or failing to check blind spots before changing lanes. The resulting collisions can have a devastating effect on a cyclist. With these potentially life-changing losses, it is essential that bike riders take appropriate steps to protect their rights.
Contacting a Wesley Chapel bicycle accident lawyer could be a step in the right direction. An experienced personal injury attorney at Distasio Law Firm could help explain the law as it applies to bike accidents, gather the evidence needed to pursue a claim, and help injured riders collect the payments they need to set things right.
The Duties of Drivers and Bike Riders
Drivers of motor vehicles and bike riders must follow many of the same rules of the road. In exchange for the ability to use most public streets in the same manner as motorists, bikers must be sure to follow speed limits, yield when appropriate, and signal all turns.
In fact, a court that hears a claim for a bicycle wreck will consider the actions of both parties when determining fault. According to Florida Statute § 768.81, if the court believes a cyclist shares some of the blame for the crash, they will reduce a plaintiff’s award by the relevant percentage.
As a result, it is essential for a bike accident victim to prove that a defendant driver was responsible for the collision. This evidence can include police reports, dashcam footage, third-party witness accounts, and accident reconstruction studies. A proactive Wesley Chapel bike crash attorney like Scott Distasio is ready to gather this vital information and build powerful cases against negligent drivers.
Working to Obtain Fair Compensation for a Plaintiff’s Losses
A core concept in the law states that an at-fault party for an accident is liable to provide compensation for all their victim’s losses. However, obtaining these full payments is only possible if a plaintiff is able to articulate those losses. A seasoned Wesley Chapel cyclist injury lawyer could help with this vital process.
The core of any bike accident case is the plaintiff’s physical injury. Bike riders are especially vulnerable to collisions and can suffer injuries to their heads, necks, backs, and legs. Whether an injury requires only a trip to the emergency room or necessitates extensive surgery to correct, a defendant is always liable for the full cost of their actions.
Plaintiffs must also be sure to evaluate how the incident has affected their mental health. Many car crashes that involve bicycles are traumatic incidents that can leave a rider suffering from PTSD, flashbacks, and nightmares. While difficult to measure, this loss in quality of life is another measurable loss.
Finally, many bicycle crash injuries may leave a cyclist unable to return to their job. When this is the case, a claim can also demand reimbursement for any lost wages. In short, a qualified bicycle accident attorney in Wesley Chapel could help evaluate how an injury has affected a person’s life and demand the compensation needed to help them move forward.
Speak with a Wesley Chapel Bicycle Accident Attorney Now
Few incidents in a person’s life can have as dramatic an effect as a bike crash. The riders are always in a vulnerable position and have little protection from the thousands of pounds of force that a collision with a motor vehicle may inflict. This can result in a variety of physical injuries that affect not just your physical health but also your mental well-being and finances.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, working with a Wesley Chapel bicycle accident lawyer could increase your chances of success in a lawsuit against the negligent driver. One of the skilled attorneys at Distasio Law Firm could evaluate the circumstances of your case, compare those facts with established law, and demand fair financial recovery from the at-fault driver. Call as soon as possible to protect your rights.
