The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicates that 6,058 bicyclists were injured in traffic accidents during 2012. Whenever bicyclists and cars are in close proximity with one another, accidents are bound to happen. These accidents can be both the fault of bicyclists and motorists, though bicyclists tend to be the party who sustains serious injuries in the event of a crash. When these accidents are the result of driver negligence, injured bicyclists can often recover significant compensation in the event of an injury.
In an effort to make the city safer for bicyclists, Boca Raton city officials have installed the city’s first “sharrow,” a lane marking indicating that a particular lane is intended to be shared by both cars and bicycles, according to a report published by the Sun-Sentinel. These markings are common in many other cities around the country and generally involve a symbol of a bicycle underneath several chevron-shaped arrows. The name of the symbol is a portmanteau of the words “shared” and “arrow.” The signs have been placed along Southwest 13th Street from Southwest Fourth Avenue almost to Walnut Terrace.
Negligent Drivers Can Leave Bicyclists With Serious Injuries
While these markings are likely to improve bicycle safety, accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles will almost certainly continue to occur. In order for bicycle accident victims to be able to recover for their injuries, they must be able to establish that their accident was the result of some type of legal negligence. There are a variety of types of driver negligence that could result in an accident. Some of the most common include the following:
| · Speeding;
· Distracted driving; · Failure to yield; · Impaired driving; · Driver fatigue; |
· Failure to stop at stop signs;
· Failure to properly maintain a vehicle; · Improper lane usage; · Ignoring poor weather conditions; and · Failure to observe traffic signals. |
After an accident, victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Seeing a medical professional will ensure that your injuries are correctly identified and that you receive the treatment you need as soon as possible. In addition, being evaluated by a physician will result in the creation of an official medical record that may become important in terms of establishing legal liability and damages. Finally, victims should be aware of the fact that all personal injury claims in Florida are subject to the state’s statute of limitations. As a result, it is important to file a claim as soon as you can. Doing so will ensure that you claim is filed in a timely manner and that you do not lose your right to recover for your losses.
Contact A Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney Today To Schedule A Free Case Evaluation
Bicycle accidents can have a significant impact on a person’s physical well-being and quality of life. In addition, many bicycle accident victims incur significant medical expenses and lose income from being unable to work. In many instances, an experienced Boca Raton can help bicycle accident victims obtain financial compensation for these and any other damages they sustain as a result of the accident. To schedule a free consultation with one of the lawyers at Lavalle Brown & Ronan, call our office today at 888-646-1315.
