Bicycling offers an eco-friendly, healthy, and enjoyable way to navigate Jacksonville’s neighborhoods, parks, and coastal paths. However, the surge in bicyclists has unfortunately coincided with a rise in devastating accidents involving negligent motorists. If you or a loved one has been injured while riding a bicycle, you need high-powered legal representation.
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our bicycle accident attorneys are proven litigators who understand the nuances of personal injury law in Jacksonville, FL. We have the resources and courtroom strength to fight for full and fair compensation for you. Our bicycle accident law firm in Jacksonville builds cases for trial from day one, compelling insurers to take your injuries seriously.
Bicycle Safety Laws in Jacksonville, FL
In Florida, bicycles are legally considered vehicles, and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Key regulations include:
- Helmet Laws: Riders under 16 must wear an approved helmet. Although adults aren’t legally required to wear helmets, doing so is highly advisable for safety and can influence liability arguments.
- Where to Ride: Cyclists must use designated bike lanes when available. If there’s no bike lane, they should ride as close to the right-hand curb as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards.
- Sidewalk Riding: Permitted unless prohibited by local ordinance; cyclists on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
- Lighting Requirements: Between sunset and sunrise, bicycles must be equipped with a white front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector and/or light visible from 600 feet.
- Motorist Responsibilities: Drivers must maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist and are required to yield when cyclists have the right of way.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Jacksonville, FL
Common causes of bicycle accidents in Jacksonville may include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, using GPS, eating, or otherwise distracted often fail to notice bicyclists until it’s too late.
- Failure to Yield: Intersections are hotspots for accidents when drivers ignore stop signs, traffic signals, or the cyclist’s right-of-way.
- Dooring Accidents: A driver or passenger opening a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist can cause serious injuries, particularly on busy downtown streets or near beaches.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorists who swerve into bike lanes or fail to check blind spots often collide with cyclists.
- Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of any collision involving a bicycle.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers are a major threat to cyclists, particularly in evening hours when visibility is already reduced.
Steps to Take After Your Bicycle Accident in Jacksonville, FL
Your actions in the minutes, hours, and days after a bicycle accident can impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, always seek medical attention. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Always call the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or Florida Highway Patrol to file a police report. This official documentation can be crucial evidence later.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident location, your bicycle, the motor vehicle involved, visible injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. If possible, gather names and contact information for witnesses.
- Preserve Your Bicycle and Equipment: Do not repair or dispose of your damaged bicycle, helmet, or clothing. They may serve as important evidence in your case.
- Call Our Jacksonville Bicycle Injury Attorneys: The sooner you involve our attorneys, the better your chances of preserving evidence, accurately valuing your claim, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Types of Damages Our Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Recover for You
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our Jacksonville attorneys work tirelessly to recover full and fair compensation, including:
Medical Expenses
We pursue compensation for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, assistive devices, prescription medications, and future medical costs.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, we fight to recover both your lost income and any future earnings you may be unable to earn.
Pain and Suffering
This includes compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress stemming from the accident.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving gross negligence, such as a drunk driver striking a cyclist, we may seek punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
Get Strong Bicycle Accident Legal Representation in Jacksonville
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we have built a reputation for standing up to insurance companies and pursuing maximum compensation for injured cyclists. Our approach is aggressive, thorough, and focused on delivering real results, not low-value settlements. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
