How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen

Being that there are lots of parks and bicycle lanes for people to enjoy, Coral Gables is a sweet spot for bikers. 

But, this also leaves the possibility for people to get in bicycle accidents. 

Getting in a bicycle accident doesn’t necessarily mean that you crash with another bicycle. It could mean that you get hit by a car while you are riding your bicycle. 

According to FindLaw, a bike accident is an incident between a bicycle and a bicycle, or a bicycle and an automobile. 

These are pretty common, since most of the time, bicycle lanes are merged with regular roads. This leads to cars and bikes being in the same general area and sometimes a car will hit a bicycle, whether this is by accident or on purpose, that depends on the driver. 

Another leading factor is drunk driving. Drunk drivers commonly miss cyclists that are on the roadside lane. Running them over and injuring the cyclist and damaging the bicycle is very likely.

Lots of cyclists like to go on rides during the night. Commonly between 6pm and midnight. During this 6 hour period is also when motorists are the most intoxicated. To add more fuel to the fire, 6pm to midnight is also when it is the darkest, which limits visibility to both cyclists and motorists.

Keeping all these factors in mind, you can see why bicycle accidents are very common and possibly fatal to cyclists.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents?

Citing Kaire Law, Florida has the highest rate of bicycle fatalities with 5.7 per million, or about 110 annual bicycle accident deaths. 

As if this isn’t bad enough, Miami-Dade has the highest fatality rate amongst all of Florida and then Broward. 

Between 2013 and 2016, there were 578 bicycle accidents, with 100 of them coming from the fault of a drunk driver. 

In 2017 alone, there were 111 cyclist deaths in Florida. But the percentage of cyclists that died at the fault of a drunk driver is unknown. 

According to statistics though, it is clear that distracted driving from intoxication is a common reason as to why cyclists get hurt. Another reason though, which is a recent finding, is that texting and driving is leading drivers to not see cyclists and hit them. Although very obvious, it is not that obvious to irresponsible drivers and has started and continues to be a big cause of cycling accidents. 

How to Avoid Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents are almost unavoidable. 

You could be biking as carefully as you want with all the right gear and at the right speed. But that doesn’t mean all the drivers in this world are good.

In fact, it is very well known that most drivers in Miami are pretty bad 

Skipping traffic lights.

Not stopping at stop signs.

Driving in two lanes at the same time.

Texting and driving. 

This is just to name a few.

Just because you are careful does not mean that you will avoid an accident. The motorist also has to be careful. 

To make sure that at least you are not at fault or causing any disturbance to other motorists, follow these quick and easy rules.

• Wear proper safety gear. This can not only lessen the chances of severe injury, it can also save your life. In addition, you are warning the drivers that you are taking action to make sure that they know you are there as well. 
• Install safety lights and reflectors so drivers can see you in low light conditions. 
• Bike in the correct lane! This can’t be stressed enough. If you are biking where there are many cars and no bike lane, then you could be putting yourself at danger. Try to avoid roads as much as possible and instead try to bike on the sidewalk or bicycle lanes.
• Follow the traffic rules. Just because you are a cyclist doesn’t mean you are exempt from 

These are pretty basic and are probably the best and simplest advice so you can stay safe. If you are paranoid and want to stay as safe as possible, check out this article. It is in-depth and helpful to anyone that is using a bicycle on open road.

What are the Losses From a Bicycle Accident in Miami?

Bicycle accidents can be deadly for both parties.

However, being realistic, if a biker gets hit by a motor vehicle like a car or a truck, the likelihood that the biker’s damages will be less than the damages to the motor vehicle and the driver are unlikely.

Potential losses can be:

• Broken bones
• Excessive bleeding (internal and external)
• Expensive medical bills
• Lost wages
• Potential to lose employment status
• Pain and suffering
• Possible death or loss of a loved one
• and more…

It is unfair to have to deal with these potential losses because of someone else’s negligence. 

Although some of these losses can be dealt with and may result in a minor setback, some can be masked and will not hold bigger negative consequences until later. Back pain and neck pain are common injuries suffered during a car accident that may seem like they will pass after time, but too many times have I heard of people having to go to the doctor waaay past the PIP time limit and now they have to deal with the pain and the complications of trying to get covered for the injuries caused by the bicycle accident in Miami.

What To Do After Bicycle Accidents

If you are caught in a bicycle accident, it is possible that you get injured. 

Getting injured is no fun, but getting injured so badly that your life is compromised is even worse.

Don’t just be injured and accept the consequences. You should at least get your money back for all the medical bills and lost wages from the injury. 

Having to pay for someone else’s negligence is a terrible situation to be in. Don’t pay for what someone else did to you and seek help from one of our lawyers.
Accident Lawyers MIA has a team that is ready to serve you and make sure that you are given the fullest financial compensation that you can possibly get if your injury is due to negligence. 

Contact us and get a FREE consultation.