Dunedin Bicycle Accident Lawyer
You may be facing severe injuries after a bicycle accident in Dunedin, Florida. Navigating the aftermath of your accident can be overwhelming without the right legal support. As dedicated Dunedin bicycle accident lawyers, our team specializes in helping accident victims receive the justice and compensation they are entitled to.
Whether you are dealing with injuries, lost wages, or contentious settlement negotiations, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers is here to advocate on your behalf. Our team understands the challenges you are facing after a bicycle accident in Dunedin, DL.
Contact our Dunedin bicycle accident attorneys or give us a call at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation.
Why Should I Hire Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for My Dunedin Bicycle Accident Case?
Hiring a Dunedin bicycle accident lawyer improves your chances of securing compensation for injuries, financial losses and other damages. At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, our Dunedin bicycle accident lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience in bicycle accident cases. Our lawyers have recovered over $120 Million in rightful compensation for clients and earned the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating and Super Lawyers distinctions.
By choosing our Dunedin personal injury lawyers, we can help you:
- Understand bicycle accident laws
- Investigate your accident
- Determine liability and liable parties
- Gather and present evidence
- Value your damages
- File insurance claims
- Negotiate settlements
- File a lawsuit and manage discovery
- Retain expert witnesses
- Go to trial
Schedule a free consultation with our Dunedin bicycle accident lawyers if you or a loved one has been injured.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Florida?
Florida’s warm weather and scenic routes are favorites among bicyclists. Unfortunately, Florida ranks high among U.S. states for bicycle accidents and fatalities. Florida has seen a steady increase in bicycle accidents over the years. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are over 5,200 bicycle crashes in Florida annually, which lead to injuries and fatalities.
Nearly 200 bicycle crashes in Florida caused fatalities as recently as in 2021. These statistics highlight the serious nature of bicycle accidents and the risks posed to bicyclists on Florida roadways.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Dunedin, FL?
Bicycle accidents occur across Florida, including on the streets of Dunedin. Only by understanding why accidents occur can we begin to prevent them. Be sure to wear a helmet and reflectors while riding, and obey all traffic laws on public roadways.
Our Dunedin bicycle accident lawyers have seen accidents caused by:
- Vehicle Collisions: The most common cause of Dunedin bicycle accidents. These accidents occur everywhere, but a common location is intersections. Drivers may fail to yield the right of way to cyclists or overlook them in a blind spot.
- Distracted Driving and Riding: Distracted driving is a major concern for bicyclists. Drivers and cyclists may be distracted for several reasons, such as using a cell phone. Distraction can lead to collisions and serious injuries.
- Road Conditions: Bicycles are suspectable to even minor changes in road conditions. Potholes, uneven surfaces, or inclement weather can create hazardous conditions for cyclists and increase the risk of accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Bicycle accidents often occur during early morning or late evening when visibility is low. Cyclists without riding without reflective gear may be difficult to spot by drivers.
These common causes are attributable to minor and serious bicycle accidents alike. When a bicycle accident occurs, determining liability can be complicated. An experienced Dunedin bicycle accident attorney can help you navigate your legal options.
What Injuries Occur in Dunedin Bicycle Accidents?
Dunedin bicycle accidents can lead to a range of injuries. Injuries can be minor, but many are often severe, life-threatening, or fatal. Our Dunedin bicycle accident lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover compensation for any physical injuries.
Be sure to look out for these injuries after your accident:
- Head injuries
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Cuts and scrapes
- Muscle strains, sprains, and tears
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Dental injuries
- Scars and disfigurement
Injuries are attributed to medical bills, lost income, and rehabilitation costs. Florida law allows you to seek compensation for injuries in your case. A knowledgeable Dunedin bicycle accident lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Compensation May I Recover for My Dunedin Bicycle Accident?
You likely sustained injuries if you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Dunedin. While you can recover compensation for medical expenses, you should understand all types of compensation you may be entitled to recover. Florida law allows cyclists to receive compensation depending on their case’s specifics.
Our Dunedin bicycle accident lawyers have helped injured cyclists recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: The cost of emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication and rehabilitation, and future medical treatments related to the injuries sustained in your bicycle accident
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income if injuries in your bicycle accident prevent you from working. This also covers lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working in the short or long term or require you to change jobs.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your bicycle and any other property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the long-term impact of your bicycle accident on quality of life. This includes your ability to engage in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed.
- Disfigurement and Disability: Compensation for permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability from your bicycle accident.
- Punitive Damages: Damages for reckless or egregious conduct that caused your bicycle accident may be awarded to punish the responsible person and deter similar behavior.
Identifying all the compensation you may be entitled to is difficult. Many cyclists underestimate the value of their damages. As experienced Dunedin bicycle accident lawyers, we can help you evaluate your case, estimate your compensation, and gather evidence to support your claim.
Who May Be Liable for My Dunedin Bicycle Accident?
You must determine who is liable for your Dunedin bicycle accident before seeking compensation for related injuries and damages. Florida’s laws on negligence and liability can be complex, and multiple parties may even be responsible.
Parties that may be responsible and liable in a successful legal claim include:
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Bicycle manufacturers or repair shops
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
- Other cyclists or pedestrians
- Employers of negligent drivers
It is not enough to allege someone was negligent. You must also prove liability.
To establish liability, you will need to demonstrate:
- The responsible party had a duty of care to you as a cyclist.
- The responsible party breached their duty.
- The breach caused your accident.
- The accident resulted in injuries and damages for you.
Given the complexity and importance of determining liability, having an experienced Dunedin bicycle accident lawyer on your side is invaluable. A lawyer can help you investigate your accident and identify liable parties. They can also help collect and present evidence to support your claim and negotiate with responsible parties for a settlement.
What if I’m Partly Liable for My Dunedin Bicycle Accident?
Liability is not always clear after a Dunedin bicycle accident. These situations may even be situations where you, as the cyclist, are partly liable for the accident. Understanding how partial liability affects your rights and potential compensation is important in these cases.
This is because Florida operates under a comparative negligence system. This means if you are partially at fault for your bicycle accident, you can still recover compensation. However, the amount you can recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For instance, if you are found to be 40 percent at fault for your accident because you biked through a red light, your compensation would be reduced by 40 percent.
The exception is if you are more than 50 percent responsible, which bars you from recovering any compensation.
Determining fault requires looking at the specific circumstances of your accident. Gathering and presenting evidence becomes crucial in these cases. Evidence might include accident scene photos, witness statements, police reports, or expert testimony. A Dunedin bicycle accident lawyer can help you gather and compellingly present this evidence.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Dunedin Bicycle Accident?
There are time constraints for filing most lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits after Dunedin bicycle accidents. It is important to know this time limit if you have been in an accident. Failing to file a lawsuit in time can result in losing your right to seek compensation in court.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, is two years from the date of your accident. In certain situations, the statute of limitations may be extended or shortened. For example, this time may be extended if you were under 18 at the time of your accident. Consult with a Dunedin bicycle accident lawyer to determine how the statute of limitations applies in your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers?
When you consider hiring a lawyer for a bicycle accident case, we know that one of the primary concerns is often the cost. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers operates on a contingency fee basis, which helps our clients financially with no upfront fees or hourly rates. Our fee is only a predetermined percentage of the total settlement or court award we obtain for you in the case.
Contact Our Dunedin Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Dunedin, FL, our experienced team of Dunedin bicycle accident lawyers is here to guide you. We will ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers today or give us a call at (727) 787-2500 to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you toward recovery.
