Safety first, not last. When careless drivers ignore this rule, bike riders are the ones who suffer. The Tampa bicycle accident lawyers here at KFB Law are all too familiar with the consequences of negligent driving.
If you’ve been hit while riding your bicycle, you suddenly have a lot to worry about. But that’s where we come in to help. While you focus on recovering, the KFB Law team is here to do the hard work for you.
Common Questions After a Bicycle Accident
The time after a bike accident can be confusing and painful. To help ease some of your worries, here are a few answers to some common questions people have after a bicycle accident.
- Do I need a bicycle accident lawyer? Yes. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal processes and insurance claims after getting injured.
- What should I look for in hiring a bicycle accident lawyer? Someone with experience and a history of success. At KFB Law, we’ve been helping clients win their cases for 30 years.
- How much is hiring a bicycle accident lawyer going to cost? Your first consultation with us is free. After that, you only pay a fee if we win your case.
- What happens if I miss work? If you miss work and lose wages as a result, you could receive damages from your case.
- Who is going to pay for my medical expenses? We’ll work with the insurance companies to ensure your bills get paid.
- What amount of damages am I entitled to? It depends on your individual case. Damages are often given to cover bills, lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering.
We understand what you’re going through and are here to help.
Hiring a Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
It’s important to hire the right bike accident attorney. The right attorney should make you feel at ease and comfortable that they’ll fiercely advocate for you.
At our first attorney-client meeting you’ll meet the bicycle accident attorney who will handle your bicycle accident case from start to finish. During that meeting, you’ll get a full breakdown of what to expect and exactly what our firm will do for you.
After your consultation, your bicycle and car accident lawyer will start an investigation. That involves tracking down evidence, gathering witness and police statements, and building your case.
Navigating the Legal Process
Navigating the legal process after a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries. Here’s how KFB Law can help ease this burden:
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Comprehensive Case Evaluation: During your free initial consultation, we will evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the strength of your case and the potential compensation you could receive.
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Gathering Evidence: Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident, collecting evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports. This comprehensive approach helps us build a strong case on your behalf.
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Negotiating Settlements: We will handle all negotiations with insurance companies, aiming to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
What about medical bills?
First, know that you’ll meet us for free. You’ll only pay a fee if we win your case. But regardless, we’ll stay with you through the entire length of your case.
If you need help finding medical care, we’ll point you in the right direction toward a suitable medical care provider.
We look to your auto insurance policy and use your PIP (personal injury protection benefits) to find a way to pay your medical bills. Your auto insurance policy or the auto insurance company of the person who caused the accident might provide you benefits.
It’s important to get medical care within 14 days of an accident. If you don’t you could risk losing up to $7,500 in medical benefits.
Rest assured, our personal injury lawyer will answer any questions you may have about medical bills. We know this is a difficult time – and that’s why we’re here to help.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. It is critical that those involved in an accident received immediate medical care. Here are some of the most frequent injuries sustained in bicycle accidents:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of bicycle accidents. Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer from:
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Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
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Concussions: Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Severe concussions may result in prolonged unconsciousness or memory loss.
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Skull Fractures: These can cause significant complications, including brain swelling and internal bleeding.
Spinal Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord can have devastating effects, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. Common spinal injuries include:
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Herniated Discs: These can cause intense pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.
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Fractured Vertebrae: Depending on the severity, fractures can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
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Spinal Cord Damage: Severe trauma to the spinal cord can result in permanent paralysis below the site of the injury.
Fractures and Broken Bones
The impact of a bicycle accident often results in broken bones, particularly in the:
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Arms and Legs: Cyclists commonly extend their arms to break a fall, leading to fractures in the wrists, arms, and shoulders. Legs, particularly the femur, can also be fractured upon impact.
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Collarbones: The collarbone is particularly susceptible to breaking during a fall or collision.
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Ribs: Rib fractures can be painful and may puncture internal organs, requiring immediate medical attention.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and tears, are common in bicycle accidents. These can affect:
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Muscles: Strains and tears can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
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Ligaments and Tendons: Sprains and tears in these tissues can cause significant discomfort and require extended periods of rehabilitation.
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Bruising and Contusions: While often less severe, these injuries can still be painful and take time to heal.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries can occur when a cyclist is thrown from their bike or strikes an object. Common injuries include:
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Lacerations and Cuts: These can range from minor scrapes to deep cuts requiring stitches or surgery.
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Dental Injuries: Teeth can be chipped, broken, or knocked out, necessitating dental treatment.
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Facial Fractures: Broken noses, cheekbones, and jaws can result from the impact of a fall or collision.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are less visible but can be life-threatening. They include:
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Organ Damage: The liver, spleen, and kidneys are particularly vulnerable to blunt force trauma.
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Internal Bleeding: This requires immediate medical attention and can be difficult to diagnose without imaging tests.
Treatment for these injuries may result in undue financial hardship on the injured party. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident due to another’s negligence, don’t suffer in silence. Contact KFB Law today and get the compensation you deserve.
The Long-Term Impact of Bicycle Accidents
Beyond the immediate physical injuries, bicycle accidents can have long-term effects on your life, including chronic pain, disability, and emotional trauma. At KFB Law, we understand that recovering from an accident involves more than just physical healing. We advocate for compensation that also accounts for future medical needs, rehabilitation, and the emotional toll of the accident.
How much compensation am I entitled to?
The damages you could receive depend on the specifics of your case. Let’s look at the factors that determine compensation:
- Medical bills. If your insurance isn’t enough to cover present or future medical expenses, you may receive monetary damages to cover the cost.
- Lost earnings. If you can’t work now or in the future, you could receive money to make up for lost wages.
- Property damage. It may seem like a minor detail, but if your bicycle was broken in the accident, you could receive compensation – especially if your bike was your only means of transportation.
- Emotional suffering. This is difficult to quantify, but you could receive a payout based on the emotional and mental anguish you experience as a result of the accident.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law
In Florida, bicycle accident cases are subject to comparative fault laws, which means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced. However, even if you were partly responsible, you could still recover damages. Our attorneys will work to minimize any claims of contributory negligence to maximize your compensation.
Why Choose KFB Law?
Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At KFB Law, our experienced team of bicycle accident lawyers is committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex bicycle accident cases and are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you or a family member has been injured while bicycling because someone was careless you should seek the advice of an experienced bicycle accident attorney as early as possible.
We have the experience and desire to provide legal representation that puts your interests first, protects your rights, and seeks to help you during this difficult time. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligent act of another, we encourage you to reach out to the experts at KFB Law.
See also: Important information regarding bicycle accident victim
