Did you or a loved one get hit while riding a bicycle? Learn what you should know about your bicycle accident in this article, then call us.
1) Choosing a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m asked many times, “What are the most important things to look for in an attorney if I’ve been injured in a bicycle accident?” You have to look to the reputation of the firm and the experience of the lawyer. You have to look to see what their track record is and if they are actually embedded in the community. Those are the things that you want to look at. Our firm tries cases in this community and stands up to insurance companies when they don’t want to do the right thing and pay a proper compensation.
It’s important for you to know that our firm will be with you every step of the way.
2) Bicycle Accident Statute of Limitations
I have a client who came to me recently who was injured in a bicycle accident. She was asking how long she has to prosecute a bicycle accident claim. It’s four years from the date of the accident that the claimant actually has to file a lawsuit.
Having said that, it’s critically important that we not wait. Evidence fades over time and so do witnesses’ memories. Opportunities are lost when the claimant waits, so it’s important not to.
Although there are four-years, the first thing that a person should do when they’re injured in a bicycle accident is get medical treatment. Then the next most important thing is getting an experienced trial attorney on your side.
3) Bicycle Accident Case Value
In Florida, the value of a bicycle injury claim is determined by a lot of different factors. First of all, it’s important to understand that trial advocacy is more of an art than a science. We can’t punch in numbers and expect a formula to come out on the other side in terms of what the value of the case is. When there’s clear negligence and when the person has been severely injured, then that’s typically a situation where that’s a very valuable claim.
It’s important to get to the bottom of those things as quickly as possible. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, get help medically. The next thing that you need to do is call up an experienced trial attorney who can help you to preserve the evidence and prosecute your claim.
4) Bicycle Accident Insurance Coverage
Florida law recognizes that a pedestrian including a bicyclist is indeed subject to Florida no-fault law. That means that if that person who is injured on a bicycle either being struck by a car or by potentially some other modes of transportation, that person’s automobile insurance company has to pay under the no-fault law which is $10,000 of medical benefits on an 80% basis as well as a component of lost wages of up to 60% up to that same $10,000 under the no-fault statutes.
Your automobile insurance is critically important here. In fact, it may even apply with regard to what we call uninsured motorist coverage as well, especially if there’s a hit and run situation. We frequently do look to automobile liability insurances when a person is injured on a bicycle.
It’s important that you check your insurance to make sure that your coverage is adequate. If you have any question relating to whether your coverage is adequate, I urge you to contact this firm.
Were you or a loved one seriously injured while riding a bike in Florida and have more questions relating to what you should know about your bicycle accident?
Contact our dedicated Clearwater bicycle accident attorneys at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys today for a free confidential consultation and case evaluation. Let our experience work for you.
(727) 669-2828
