Port Charlotte Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been involved in a bike vs. car collision, you are likely dealing with some serious injuries. During this stressful time, as you focus on making a full recovery, you need someone who understands the legal system and can hold the driver who caused the crash accountable. The Port Charlotte bicycle accident attorneys at Hale Law have experience representing cyclists in all types of bicycle vs. vehicle collisions. We are available to assist you as you recover and seek compensation for your damages.
HOW DO WE PROVE WHO IS AT FAULT?
The person or persons who caused the damage is said to be at-fault or negligent. They are considered liable and are responsible for financially compensating the victim in the personal injury claim. Often in bicycle crashes, the negligent party will try to blame the victim for the crash to avoid paying. Furthermore, the crash scene can be unintentionally tampered with. For instance, to clear the scene and medically treat the bicyclist, someone may move the bike to a different area of the crash scene. It is important to rely on multiple different pieces of evidence to prove negligence including:
- The official accident report;
- Eyewitness testimony;
- Crash scene reconstruction;
- Nearby traffic signs; and
- Potentially a secondary investigation conducted by a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.
While you may initially be blamed for your own injuries by the driver, the police, or the insurance companies, we will make sure to collect all the evidence on your behalf.
THE TREATMENT OF CYCLISTS IN FLORIDA
According to The Boca Raton Tribune, 44.7% of drivers have felt angry with a cyclist on the road. It is not uncommon for those angry drivers to take action and put a cyclist’s life in danger. Florida statute 316.083 requires that the driver of a motorized vehicle give three feet when passing any non-motorized vehicle, including bicyclists. Many motorists, and even some police officers, will say that they were unaware of this law. Every motorist is responsible for abiding by the rules of the road and ignorance of the law is not an excuse for their negligence.
WHAT YOU CAN RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR
The injuries cyclists sustain in a vehicle collision can be devastating. The value of the damages you can sue for depends on the following:
- Medical costs, including future medical bills that can be anticipated;
- Lost income and earning capacity;
- Psychological distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Property damage;
- Permanent disfigurement; and
- More.
From early on, we will help you properly document all of these losses. The timeline for resolving a personal injury case varies significantly depending on how long it takes to compile all of this. However, if there are outstanding medical issues, it is in your best interest to wait until we have full documentation of your damages before trying to settle your case.
THE PORT CHARLOTTE BICYCLE COLLISION ATTORNEYS OF HALE LAW ARE READY TO HELP
At Hale Law, our Port Charlotte bike accident attorneys understand the emotional shock and the physical toll a bike crash can have on a victim. Let us take some of the pressure off of you by handling your case as you focus on making a recovery. Call us today at 1-800-800-1414 to schedule a no-cost consultation.