Deerfield Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation in Deerfield Beach, Florida because they are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and they let riders enjoy the lovely weather all year long. Unfortunately, bicycles don’t provide any protection in the case of an accident, and many people have been severely injured while riding bicycles in the area, even if they wore a helmet. 

Common bicycle accident injuries include traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones, lacerations, neck and back problems, and more that can require weeks or months of medical attention, which often includes physical and occupational therapy. Those costs can add up quickly and leave you unable to stay on top of medical bills and regular living expenses. If your bicycle accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can receive compensation to help you with your recovery expenses.

How Do You Prove Who Was at Fault for a Bicycle Accident?

Before filing a claim for your bicycle accident, it is first important to determine whether your or the other party’s actions caused the accident. Bicycles are legally required to follow the same rules of the road as those driving cars, meaning they must obey traffic signs, avoid making unsafe lane changes, yield to pedestrians, and operate their bicycle in a generally responsible way. 

If you were obeying these laws and were struck by a motorist or other cyclist that failed to adhere to these rules, you may have a viable case on your hands. It’s important to begin working with a Deerfield bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, as they can help you gather and present evidence that the other party’s actions caused your accident. Establishing liability is sometimes simple and straightforward, but it can be a bit more complicated in many instances. 

Some examples of evidence used for establishing fault include videos or photos at the scene of the accident, medical records from doctors or specialists, and witness testimony. Your bicycle accident lawyer in Deerfield Beach will work on your behalf to make it clear that the other party’s irresponsible actions caused the accident and led to your injuries. 

What Types of Damages Can I Claim After a Bicycle Accident in Deerfield Beach?

A bicycle accident is often life-changing for victims due to the physical and mental scars they can cause. Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to several types of damages that make up the compensation they ultimately receive, depending upon their unique situation. Some common types of damages from bicycle accidents include:

Lost Wages

If your injuries from your bike accident left you unable to work, temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to receive lost wages damages. These damages provide you and your family with the money you would have earned had you been able to work as normal. 

Typically, these are calculated by taking the number of hours you would have worked while you were unable to do so multiplied by your usual hourly wage. Freelancers and self-employed individuals are also able to collect lost wages, which are often determined by how much income they usually bring in for a specific period of time.  

Medical Bills

After getting injured, you will probably have to see several doctors and medical professionals while you recover to monitor your progress and help you get back to your normal life as much as possible. 

Medical services never come cheaply, even with excellent health insurance, and many bike accident victims feel understandably overwhelmed by the amount of medical debt that piles up in a short amount of time. Fortunately, medical bills damages can help cover the costs of the care you need as the result of your injuries. 

Mental Health

Many victims struggle with their mental health in the aftermath of their bike accident due to the trauma of being involved in one, the challenges of recovering from severe physical injuries, and the overwhelming legal battles ahead. 

If you or your loved one is having trouble with their mental health after their bike accident, you may be able to collect mental health damages, which can cover therapy costs and other mental health treatments. 

Loss of Life

Sometimes, bicycle accidents result in the loss of life. If your loved one passed away at the scene of a bicycle accident or later from the injuries they sustained, you may be entitled to collect loss of life compensation. 

There is no dollar amount that can replace your loved one, but these damages help cover funeral and burial costs, and they can include the lost wages they would have brought to the household. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Bicycle Accident in Deerfield Beach?

The statute of limitations in Florida is four years for a personal injury claim, meaning that you have four years from the date of the accident to file your claim. This is significantly longer than other states, which may give up to one or two years to file a claim. Despite the extended deadline that Florida provides, it’s best not to wait too long before filing your claim.

Various factors can delay the filing process, and waiting until the last minute can result in your case getting thrown out. To avoid this awful scenario, it’s best to begin working with a qualified bicycle accident attorney in Deerfield Beach as soon as you are able, as they can help ensure your paperwork is filed properly and on time. The paperwork required is often overwhelming to do on one’s own, and even small mistakes can also render your case void. 

Work with a Deerfield Beach Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Nobody should face the aftermath of a devastating bicycle accident alone, and the legal professionals at Eltringham Law Group are ready to help you with your case every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you with a free virtual case review, please contact us today!