Bicycles are everywhere!
People have taken their bikes out of the garage, filled up the flat tires and hit the streets. Whole families are riding together. In the neighborhood streets and nearby thoroughfares, bikers are out enjoying the scenery. Many of these small riders have never been on the street before and don’t have a clue that cars are all around them. They weave and jog dangerously all over the road. Unfortunately, some of the supervision is not the best either. They can add to the chaos trying to round up the kids while not getting hit themselves. Some motorist have no patience and this is when a tragic accidents can happen. Who is to blame and what should you do if you or a loved one is hit by a car?
In the state of Florida, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. … Drivers must yield the right of way to bikers and pedestrians. When a bicyclist is sharing the road with other vehicles, they must ride with traffic, never against it. If they ride in the opposite direction, they are at risk of having an accident. Here are some things you should do if you or someone you know is hit by a car while riding a bike.
- Check for injuries
- Call 911 and request police and EMS to the scene
- Gather witness information
- Take pictures of the scene, the car and bike as well as getting the car’s license plate number and driver’s information
- If you don’t have your phone to take pictures ask someone on the scene to help take some pictures and send them directly to your phone
- Do not speak or make a statement to anyone except the police
- Consult with an attorney before you make a claim on the drivers insurance company
The law firm of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath has successfully handled hundreds of bicycle injuries caused by motorist as well as injuries caused by defective bicycle part manufacturing. Call us to discuss your case. We are available 24 hours a day by phone, chat, email or text. Visit us at www.foryourrights.com or call 561-655-1990.
