Car and Bicycle Collisions in Stuart, FL
There are more bicycle fatalities in the state of Florida than any other state in the U.S. on a yearly basis. On average, there have been roughly 5.7 bicycle fatalities per 5.7 million people every year — more than twice the national average. Because bicyclists are so vulnerable to injury should they be in a collision with a car, they often suffer extreme injuries even if they aren’t killed — including broken bones, brain trauma, internal injuries, and paralysis.
There are a few common reasons why cars and bicycles collide. The drivers of cars often fail to check for cyclists or to yield to them when they are pulling into traffic from a parking lot, driveway, or side street. The same goes for when cars turn right at a traffic light or stop sign and they don’t check for potential cyclists coming their way. Cars often clip bicyclists in the same lane when trying to pass them. Florida requires motorists to maintain at least three feet of space between their cars and any bicyclists on the road because of this. Last, but not least, motorists often don’t check for bicyclists when getting out of their parked car. This results in their car door hitting the cyclist.
Car Accident Injury Liability
While bicyclists may be at fault for some collisions, it’s more often than not the result of negligence on behalf of the motorist. These motorists need to be held liable since the injuries caused to bicyclists are often so severe. Their injuries can impair their ability to return to work and can result in medical expenses that may stretch long into the future. Even if the collision is the fault of the bicyclist, they may be due some compensation. This is a result of the state’s pure comparative fault scheme of liability. This means that damages are awarded based on each party’s degree of fault. For example, if the bicyclist was 25 percent at fault for the collision, then they can still receive 75 percent of the total damages from the other party.
If you were in a collision involving a bicycle and a car (whether you were the bicyclist or motorist) and suffered a car accident injury, be sure to speak with an attorney today. For a free case evaluation, contact the law office of Gloria Seidule in Stuart, FL, today.
