Mark Roman | April 12, 2017 | Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists have little in the way of protection, which makes riders highly vulnerable to suffering injuries in accidents. While many bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence of others, including negligent drivers, some are caused by unsafe and defective bikes. Just as with a bicycle accident case involving negligent drivers, riders have the opportunity to hold a manufacturer that produces defective bikes or defective cycling equipment liable for the damages victims suffer.

Our founding partners at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Attorneys Mark Roman and Morgan Gaynor – are both active cyclists who are passionate about supporting our local cycling community and protecting the rights of bicyclists who suffer injuries in preventable accidents. As both of our Partners are Board Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists by The Florida Bar who draw from nearly 50 years of combined experience, we know how to effectively help victims of negligence secure the compensation they deserve.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), defective products cause thousands of injuries and deaths each year. While these injuries and fatalities may involve a range of unsafe products, they also include bicycles and bicycle parts that were inherently unsafe. If you believe a bicycle accident was caused by a defective product, our legal team can help you explore your right to compensation and whether you may have a valid claim. Here are some details about defective bicycle claims:

  • Product Liability – Product liability is an area of law requiring companies that make consumer products to ensure these products are safe for their intended use by the public. When consumers suffer injuries as a result of products that were defectively designed, manufactured, or even marketed, victims have the right to pursue financial compensation for their damages, which can include their medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering, among other damages.
  • Proving a Case – Proving a defective bicycle claim is hinged on establishing fault and liability, specifically through negligence. When product manufacturers design a bike or bicycle part in a way that makes it inherently unsafe, despite being able to design a safer alternative, they fail in their legal duty of taking reasonable steps to keep the public safe. Manufacturers also breach their legal duty when they make negligent errors during the manufacturing phase, such as poor workmanship, poor oversight and product testing, and using poor quality materials. In some cases, manufacturers can also be held accountable when marketing defects, such a failing to properly warn consumers, lead to preventable harm.
  • Types of Bicycle Defects – Hundreds of bicycles and bicycle components are recalled every year due to defects. Commonly, these include defects with frames, suspension forks, and bike parts that can fail, break, and cause a loss of control. They may also involve defects involving tires, brakes, and other essential safety components of a bike.
  • Liable Parties – For consumers that own defective bicycles and suffer injuries as a result of defects, the product manufacturer can be held liable for damages. In some cases, consumers may also rent bicycles from public rent a bike centers or from private businesses, such as companies that cater to tourists. When these bikes have defects, or when they are improperly maintained, injured victims may be able to hold the company from which they rented the bike liable for their injuries and damages.

Product liability claims and cases involving unsafe bicycles can be challenging, as they often involve large companies that use their resources to fight claims and pay as little as possible. With our legal team at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, you can level the playing field with powerful corporations and ensure your voice is heard. Over the years, our attorneys have done just that for numerous men, women, and families across Florida, and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on their behalves.

Contact the Clearwater Bicycle Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have four convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442