Bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale can turn your life upside down, causing severe injuries and emotional turmoil. After such an accident, you understand the immense challenges that follow.
At Dolman Law Group, we are here to support you through this difficult time. Our dedicated team of attorneys has extensive experience in bicycle accident cases and is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Contact us for your free consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer
At Dolman Law Group, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience and proven track record in handling bicycle accident cases. Our attorneys are known for their excellence, receiving numerous accolades such as Florida Trends Legal Elite and Best Lawyers. These honors reflect our commitment to delivering top-notch legal representation and achieving outstanding results for our clients.
We stand apart from other firms due to our unique approach. Unlike "settlement mill" firms, we are litigation and trial lawyers at our core. Just in case we need to, we always prepare to take cases to trial to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our firm’s aggressive litigation strategy has earned us a reputation among insurance companies as formidable opponents who will not settle for less than our clients deserve.
Conveniently located just a few blocks north of Broward Medical Health Center, our Fort Lauderdale office is easily accessible for all our clients. When you choose Dolman Law Group, you gain a dedicated team that prioritizes your needs and works tirelessly to ensure no one violates your rights.
Bicycle Accident Compensation
Economic Damages
Economic damages encompass the tangible financial losses incurred due to a bicycle accident. These damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and any future medical costs related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for the income lost during your recovery period.
- Rehabilitation Costs: This includes expenses for ongoing rehabilitation and specialized care necessary for your recovery.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses significantly affecting your quality of life. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Emotional Distress: This covers psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may apply in cases involving a defendant’s particularly reckless or malicious actions. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. While not applicable in every case, our attorneys will evaluate your situation to determine if you can pursue punitive damages.
How Damages Are Calculated
Calculating damages in a bicycle accident case involves a detailed assessment.
Our attorneys follow a systematic approach to ensure all your case accounts for every aspect of your losses:
- Medical Records and Bills: We collect all medical records and bills to document the extent and cost of your medical treatment, including future medical expenses projected by your healthcare providers.
- Income Documentation: We gather pay stubs, tax returns, and employer statements to calculate lost wages and future earning capacity if your ability to work is affected.
- Property Damage Estimates: For property damage claims, we use repair estimates and replacement costs to determine the value of your damaged bicycle and other personal property.
- Expert Testimonies: We work with medical experts, economists, and vocational rehabilitation specialists to provide testimonies that support the extent of your injuries, future medical needs, and impact on your earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering Calculations: Non-economic damages are more subjective and require a nuanced approach. We consider the severity and duration of your pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on your quality of life. This may involve using multipliers based on the economic damages or per diem calculations that assign a daily value to your pain and suffering.
- Punitive Damages Evaluation: In cases involving egregious behavior by the defendant, we assess the possibility of punitive damages by examining the defendant’s actions and intentions. This involves a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Where Do Bicycle Accidents Occur in Fort Lauderdale
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Fort Lauderdale, known for its beautiful beaches and active cycling community, is one of the deadliest places in the United States for bicycle accidents.
High-Traffic Areas
Bicycle accidents are most frequent in high-traffic areas where cars and bicycles share the road. Major thoroughfares such as Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway are hotspots for accidents.
Dangerous Intersections
In Fort Lauderdale, intersections like Las Olas Boulevard and A1A are notorious for bicycle accidents. The mix of heavy vehicular traffic and pedestrian activities makes these areas risky for cyclists, especially during peak hours.
Local Statistics
- According to recent data, Fort Lauderdale witnessed 614 bicycle crashes in one recent year, 575 of which resulted in injuries and 14 fatalities.
- Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, reported 887 bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles in one recent year.
- Over a recent five-year period, the county averaged 820 bicycle crashes and 14 deaths annually.
Temporal Trends
- The City of Fort Lauderdale reports that most bicycle crashes occur between September and April, with Fridays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. being the most dangerous time for cyclists.
- In one year, January saw the highest number of bicycle crashes (77), while April had the lowest (35).
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to the high incidence of bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale, including:
- Distracted Driving: Many accidents happen due to drivers who are not paying attention to the road.
- Lack of Bicycle Lanes: Although Fort Lauderdale has over 90 miles of bikeways, including bike lanes, bike trails, and shared-use trails, many roads still lack these dedicated spaces, forcing cyclists to share the road with cars.
- Tourist Traffic: The influx of tourists, especially during peak seasons, adds to the traffic and increases the likelihood of accidents.
Bicycle Accidents: A Breakdown
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur in various ways, each presenting unique challenges and risks. Here are the common types of bicycle accidents:
- Dooring Accidents: When a parked car's door is suddenly opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist, leading to a collision.
- Right-Hook Accidents: Occur when a vehicle makes a right turn across the path of a cyclist traveling in the same direction.
- Left-Cross Accidents: When a vehicle making a left turn collides with a cyclist coming from the opposite direction.
- Intersection Accidents: These happen at intersections where vehicles and bicycles cross paths, often due to failure to yield or ignoring traffic signals.
- Rear-End Collisions: When a vehicle strikes a cyclist from behind, often due to distracted driving or following too closely.
- Side-Swipe Accidents: Occur when a vehicle passes too closely to a cyclist, making contact and causing the rider to lose balance.
Types of Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor to severe. Common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: Such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-term effects on cognitive and physical functions.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Often affecting the arms, legs, collarbone, and ribs.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Which can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting quality of life.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Also known as road rash, these injuries can lead to serious infections if not properly treated.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, which may require immediate medical intervention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Including sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a bicycle accident can be incredibly challenging and frustrating. Insurance companies are known for employing various tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. At Dolman Law Group, we understand these tactics and know how to counteract them, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often use the following strategies to reduce the amount they pay to accident victims:
- Quick Settlement Offers: They may offer a quick, lowball settlement, hoping you'll accept it without fully understanding the extent of your injuries or the true value of your claim.
- Disputing Liability: Insurers might try to blame you or dispute the facts of the accident to reduce their liability.
- Delaying Claims: By dragging out the claims process, they hope you'll become frustrated and accept a lower settlement.
- Undervaluing Medical Costs: They might argue that your medical treatments were unnecessary or overpriced, reducing the amount they are willing to pay.
How Dolman Law Group Can Help
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators who can effectively counter these tactics. Here’s how we can help:
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies, to build a strong case.
- Accurate Valuation: We work with medical and financial experts to accurately assess the full extent of your injuries and losses.
- Aggressive Negotiation: Our team negotiates aggressively with the insurance company, leveraging our findings and expert assessments to push for a fair settlement.
- Preparedness for Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and a track record of success in obtaining favorable verdicts for our clients.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
While you may have already sought medical attention, you can still help ensure the success of your claim.
Follow Medical Treatment Plans
Adhering to your doctor's treatment plan is essential. Attend all scheduled appointments, follow prescribed treatments, and keep detailed records of your medical care. This demonstrates your commitment to recovery and provides critical evidence of the extent of your injuries.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining thorough documentation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what you should keep track of:
- Receipts and Bills: Save all receipts and bills related to your medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any other expenses incurred due to the accident.
- Medical Records: Keep copies of all medical reports, test results, and prescriptions.
- Accident Report: Obtain a copy of the police report filed at the accident scene.
- Photographs: Take photos of your injuries, damaged bicycle, and the accident scene.
- Journal: Maintain a journal detailing your pain, emotional distress, and the impact of the injuries on your daily life and activities.
Report the Incident
If you haven’t already done so, report the accident to the appropriate authorities. For workplace or business-related accidents, notify your supervisor or the property owner. If it was a traffic accident, ensure that you file a police report and obtain a copy for your records.
Limit Communication
Avoid discussing the details of your accident or injuries with anyone other than your healthcare provider or attorney. Statements made to insurance adjusters or other parties can be used against you. It's best to let your attorney handle all communications related to your case.
Consult with Dolman Law Group
Contact Dolman Law Group as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. Our experienced attorneys will assess your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the necessary steps to build a strong claim. Bringing all your documentation to this meeting will allow us to provide the most accurate and effective legal advice.
Win Your Case With Dolman Law Group’s Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicycle accidents can have life-altering consequences, but you mustn’t navigate the aftermath alone. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to personalized, aggressive representation, we are the firm you can trust to handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism.
Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact Dolman Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us help you on the path to recovery and ensure that justice is served. Call us now at (754) 208-1130. Your path to justice and compensation begins here.