Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Pace
What You Need to Know if You Are Involved in a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident
One of the most terrifying accidents that can happen to a pedestrian, or a bicyclist is being hit by a car, truck, motorcycle or commercial vehicle. Every day, thousands of accidents occur involving an unprotected pedestrian or cyclist, many resulting in life-altering injuries or even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) bicycle and pedestrian accidents account for over two percent of all traffic-related deaths. And in Florida, fatal bicycle accidents are unfortunately common. Like other traffic accidents, bicycle and pedestrian accidents are completely preventable and occur due to the carelessness of one or both parties involved. While some accidents are caused by the irresponsible actions of a cyclists swerving between traffic or failing to yield at a stop sign and traffic light, most often motorists are to blame for the cyclists’ injuries. Pedestrians too are accountable with distractions caused by texting, not paying attention to traffic or walking across streets without looking. This has in recent years become more prevalent often times causing the walker to be hit by an oncoming vehicle. But in the majority of cases, it’s the driver of the vehicle who fails to yield to a cyclist or pedestrian causing a collision many times with catastrophic consequences. Of the top causes for motorists hitting a cyclist or pedestrian is failure to notice them crossing an intersection when the driver is making a right-hand-turn. Yielding to a bicyclist making a left-hand turn is very common and another one that occurs often is when a car or truck door is opened while a cyclist is approaching on the right-hand side of the vehicle causing the cyclist to crash. Negligent behaviors on the part of motorists also includes distracted behavior caused by texting, cellphone use, excessive chatter from passengers, speeding, tailgating, illegally changing lanes, failure to yield especially to pedestrians crossing intersections and driving while impaired by alcohol or drug use.
Why Choose Us to Represent You
At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA, we have represented 100’s of bicyclists and pedestrians engaged in riding and walking activities and injured through no fault of their own. For over 30-years we have handled 1000’s of personal injury cases recovering 100’s of millions of dollars in awards and settlements for our injured clients. We have the skill and experience to successfully handle any type of personal injury case. We are thoroughly adept at conducting extensive accident investigations, preservation of the evidence, experts on medical testimony and always prepare our cases for trial in the event the defendants/insurance underwriter’s offer to settle is less than appropriate. We are also trial-experienced attorneys who aggressively advocate for our injured clients and leave no-stone-unturned to reach the best offer for the injuries you have sustained. This may include lost wages, current and future medical bills, pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish and enjoyment of life.
Our injury attorneys and selected medical experts are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in placing a value on what your case is worth based on your injuries and the at-fault parties liability. Our passion to right the wrongs committed by others doesn’t stop there. We will seek justice for every injured client we represent, and we provide transparent communication through the entire process, keeping you up to date in all areas of the legal process.
When a bicycle or pedestrian accident occurs through no fault of your own, someone needs to be held responsible. It’s also important to reveal that being represented by legal counsel in an injury lawsuit will yield you up to 3x the financial recovery than by handling the claim yourself. Never talk to an insurance company representative without first consulting a personal injury attorney. We have a mandate to serve your interests, they do not.
What Are the Primary Injuries a Bicyclist or Pedestrian Might Sustain
Bicyclists and pedestrians involved in an automotive accident might incur severe or even fatal injuries. If not fatal, these injuries may be so serious that they prevent an injured party from ever returning to the life they once had, or perhaps ever regaining their before accident health. Many common injuries include:
- Road Rash/Road burn: Cyclists falling off their bike and contacting the ground will at the least incur a road rash/road burn. These injuries are very painful, and sometimes even disfiguring depending upon the severity and location of the wound.
- Bone Fractures: Broken bones and contusions are very common. Collarbone/neck, ankle, wrist and leg fractures are especially typical, as a cyclist or pedestrian may extend their arms to “break” their fall or as a result of the impact of the vehicle. Fractures in other parts of the body may include the spine as well.
- Head and Brain Injuries. In today’s world, most bicyclists, not pedestrians, wear some type of helmet when operating their bike. Unfortunately, these types of head gear are not designed to withstand the impact caused by a vehicle collision. They are strictly employed to prevent head injury in the event the rider has a simple fall. As with any accident, the most vulnerable part of the body is the head and brain area. When a pedestrian or cyclist’s head comes in contact with a solid object such as a vehicle or the ground, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) might be sustained. The risk of these types of injuries is increased if the cyclist is not wearing any type of helmet at the time of the accident.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. Another traumatic injury is a spinal cord injury, if the back and spinal area is impacted during a crash. These types of injuries are not reversible in most cases, meaning that the affected victim might have to live with partial or complete paralysis for the remainder of their life.
- Internal Injuries: These may include soft tissue damage to muscles, tendons and tissue. External injuries might include lacerations and bruising, and even psychological injuries. Many of these injuries might also impact one’s ability to perform work or earn an income. Disabled victims might not be able to care for themselves. Indeed, a seriously injured pedestrian or cyclist may incur a variety of economic and noneconomic losses.
At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA we want to help you regain your losses when involved in any type of accident. Give us a call for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss the issues involved in your case. There are no fees or costs associated with any personal injury case unless we win money for you.
