Pedestrian and bicycle accidents happen in Fort Lauderdale for many reasons, but motorist negligence tops the list. When motorists fail to obey the law and don’t prioritize the safety of pedestrians and bike riders, catastrophic collisions can occur.
Victims of these accidents may face exorbitant medical expenses, intense pain, and other damages. Hire a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer or bicycle accident lawyer to pursue fair compensation for your economic and non-economic damages resulting from your accident.
Why Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Happen in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a bike-friendly, walkable city, but that does not mean everyone in Fort Lauderdale respects or values bikers’ and pedestrians’ safety. Those on bikes and on foot face great danger when:
- Motorists are careless: Authorities like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cite motorist negligence as one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Speeding, driving in bike lanes, and failing to yield the right of way can all lead to collisions with pedestrians and bicycle riders.
- Motorists are impaired: Motorists who are drunk, under the influence of drugs, tired, or impaired in other ways may be more likely to strike pedestrians and bike riders. These impaired motorists may not see the person they hit, lose control of their vehicle, or fail to react appropriately to a pedestrian or bicyclist.
- Road conditions are unsafe: When roads are plagued with potholes or uneven surfaces, lack adequate traffic signals, have dangerous work zones, or are unsafe for any other reason, the likelihood of an accident increases.
- Manufacturers produce unsafe vehicles: Vehicle defects can cause motorists to lose control of their automobiles and hit pedestrians or bicyclists.
These are just a few hazards that can lead to pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale. In each case, an individual or institution is at fault for harming the pedestrian or bicyclist.
One of your personal injury lawyer’s primary duties will be to assign fault for your accident and determine who owes you financial compensation for your damages.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident?
There is no single roadmap for victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents, as each case is unique. However, there are steps every accident victim should take, such as:
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney will lead your claim or lawsuit from start to finish. You should hire your lawyer as soon as possible because:
- They will ensure that no insurance adjuster, negligent motorist, civil defense lawyer, or other party compromises your case.
- You can focus intently on recovery once a lawyer takes over your claim or lawsuit.
- Your attorney must gather time-sensitive evidence, such as video footage of the accident and eyewitness accounts.
The sooner you hire your car accident lawyer, the sooner you can stop worrying about your case. Your attorney will work to secure a fair settlement as soon as possible.
Getting a Thorough Medical Examination
Even if you don’t have obvious injury symptoms, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, conduct necessary medical imaging, and provide proof that you were injured during the accident.
Being Cautious About Insurance Companies
Allow your Fort Lauderdale bicycle or pedestrian accident lawyer to deal with insurers. Insurance companies may not have your best interests in mind and may try to:
- Convince you to accept a lowball settlement
- Get you to admit fault for the accident
- Engage in other bad-faith tactics intended to deprive you of fair compensation
Your pedestrian or bicycle accident attorney will ease your stress and fight for your financial recovery by handling your claim from start to finish.
What to Expect from an Attorney Leading Your Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident Case
Personal injury lawyers create detailed, evidence-based cases by:
- Securing evidence that proves who caused the pedestrian or bicycle accident
- Documenting damages with medical bills, images of injuries, proof that the victim cannot work (and has lost income as a result), and other forms of documentation
- Calculating the value of a fair settlement
- Negotiating with insurers
- Filing a lawsuit within the statute of limitations deadline (Florida Statutes § 95.11)
- Going to trial, if necessary
Your injury lawyer will also handle communications, paperwork, and the many other duties your case will entail. An attorney and their team will allow you to put your recovery above all.
Recoverable Damages for Victims of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Your lawyer will seek fair compensation for every damage you’ve suffered, including:
- Medical expenses
- The cost of replacing your bike
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
If you have any other damages, your lawyer will value and demand fair compensation for them.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today for Your Free Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident Consultation
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents can be immensely harmful, as victims have little physical protection from oncoming automobiles. Allow a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today at (954) 633-8270 for your free consultation.
