The incidence of bicycle accidents has risen with the growing popularity of cycling for commuting and recreation. Many of these accidents are preventable and result from factors such as distracted driving, failure to yield, or unsafe road conditions. When these incidents occur, they can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost earnings, and emotional trauma.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Orlando, we understand the difficult and stressful situation you may be facing. At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we are here to help through this challenging time. Our experienced Orlando bicycle accident lawyers deeply understand the laws and regulations surrounding bicycle accidents and are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
Don’t face this situation alone – contact Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us provide the support and legal guidance you need to seek justice and the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys
When it comes to choosing a bicycle accident lawyer in Orlando, you want to ensure you have the best representation on your side. At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we have a proven track record of success and are known for our commitment to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction. Here’s why you should choose us:
Experience
With 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys have the knowledge and skills to handle even the most complex bicycle accident cases. We deeply understand the laws and regulations specific to Orlando and can manage the legal complexities on your behalf.
Results
Our team of skilled attorneys has recovered over $100 million for personal injury clients, including those involved in bicycle accidents. We have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and will fight tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
Dedication
At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we are dedicated to providing personalized attention and support to each client. We will work closely with you to understand your unique needs and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case.
Trust
We believe in building trusting relationships with our clients. We are known for helping our clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the case process. You can trust that we will always act in your best interests and fight for the justice you deserve.
What Is Your Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
If you’ve suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, determining the value of your claim can be a complex process, influenced by various critical factors. Understanding these factors can help you in the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The circumstances of the accident play a pivotal role in establishing the value of your claim. Proving that the other party was at fault can significantly increase the compensation you are entitled to receive. Liability, negligence, and the specific cause of the accident will all be carefully examined to build a strong case on your behalf.
The nature and severity of your injuries are also substantial considerations. Serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or ongoing care can lead to higher compensation amounts. Beyond physical recovery, the impact of these injuries on your daily life is also taken into account when evaluating your claim.
Future costs and income loss projections are another important element. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or necessitate long-term medical care, these future expenses will be factored into your compensation. Ensuring these projections are accurately calculated is essential to secure the financial support you need.
Insurance coverage plays a significant role in determining available compensation. Your policy and the at-fault party’s coverage will be analyzed to identify all potential sources of recovery. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help ensure no coverage is overlooked in the claims process.
Expert opinions and evaluations, such as those provided by medical professionals, can strengthen your claim by offering concrete evidence of your injuries and their long-term effects. These expert assessments often serve as a foundation for negotiating higher compensation.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, also contribute to the overall value of your claim. These intangible losses can be challenging to quantify, but they are essential to ensure you are fairly compensated for the accident’s full impact.
Legal precedents and case law provide additional context for evaluating the value of your claim. A skilled attorney will draw on relevant case law to support your claim and argue for maximum compensation based on similar cases.
Every bicycle accident case is unique, and other factors specific to your situation may also influence the value of your claim. Consulting with an experienced Orlando bicycle accident lawyer at our firm ensures all relevant elements are carefully considered and valued appropriately.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Orlando
Bicycling in Orlando offers a unique way to enjoy the city’s scenery and get around, but it also comes with its own set of risks. One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents in Orlando is distracted driving. Drivers engaging in activities like texting, making phone calls, or adjusting the GPS can lose focus, leading to severe consequences for cyclists.
Intersections are hotspots for accidents involving cyclists, particularly when drivers make right turns. Often, a cyclist traveling straight through an intersection may be hit by a car turning right, either because the driver failed to notice the cyclist or misjudged the timing of the turn.
Blind spots around vehicles pose significant risks for cyclists, especially in busy urban environments like Orlando, where traffic density can lead to closer interactions between bicycles and vehicles.
Additionally, drivers failing to yield the right of way, running red lights or stop signs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are common causes of bicycle accidents.
Where Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Orlando?
Bicycle accidents in Orlando frequently occur in specific areas where traffic patterns and infrastructure present heightened risks for cyclists. Notable locations include:
- FL-50/Colonial Drive: This major east-west thoroughfare experiences a high concentration of bicycle accidents, particularly west of downtown Orlando.
- Hiawassee Road: North of FL-438, Hiawassee Road is identified as another hotspot for bicycle accidents.
- John Young Parkway: The segment between FL-408 and Old Winter Garden Road sees a clustering of bicycle accidents.
- Downtown Orlando: The area just west of the Orlando Executive Airport, near U.S. Route 441, Interstate 4, and State Highway 50, has a significant number of pedestrian and bicyclist accidents.
- Southwest Orlando: Near State Route 435 and Florida’s Turnpike, this region also experiences clusters of bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
These areas are characterized by high traffic volumes, complex intersections, and, in some cases, inadequate bicycle infrastructure, contributing to increased accident risks for cyclists. No matter where your accident occurred, our Orlando bicycle accident attorneys are here to represent you.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents often result in a wide range of injuries due to the lack of physical protection cyclists have compared to motor vehicle occupants. These injuries can vary in severity, depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and the speed at which the vehicle and bicycle were traveling at the time of the incident. Below are some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most severe outcomes of bicycle accidents, often occurring when a cyclist strikes the pavement, a vehicle, or another hard object. Even with helmets, riders can suffer from:
- Concussions: A traumatic brain injury that can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
- Skull Fractures: Severe impacts can lead to fractures that may require surgery.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can result in long-term cognitive and emotional impairments or even life-threatening complications.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Bicycle accidents can result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Injuries to the back and neck are common when cyclists are thrown off their bikes or hit directly by vehicles.
Broken Bones
Due to the force of impact, cyclists frequently suffer fractures, including:
- Collarbone Fractures: Often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand or directly on the shoulder.
- Wrist and Hand Fractures: These are common as cyclists instinctively try to break their fall.
- Leg and Arm Fractures Resulting from direct impact with a vehicle or the ground.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, while less severe than fractures or head injuries, can still be debilitating. These include:
- Cuts and Lacerations: Often requiring stitches or leading to scarring.
- Bruises and Abrasions: “Road rash” is particularly common when a cyclist slides across the pavement.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: Impacting mobility and causing significant pain.
Facial and Dental Injuries
Facial injuries often occur when a cyclist’s face makes direct contact with the road or vehicle. These include:
- Broken Noses or Jaws: Requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Dental Injuries: Such as knocked-out or broken teeth.
- Eye Injuries: From flying debris or direct trauma.
Internal Injuries
Severe accidents may cause internal damage, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. These include:
- Organ Damage: The liver, spleen, and lungs are particularly vulnerable.
- Internal Bleeding: Often difficult to detect without medical evaluation.
Psychological Trauma
Not all injuries are physical. The psychological impact of a bicycle accident can include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Fear of riding a bike again or heightened anxiety near traffic.
- Depression and Anxiety: Resulting from the accident or the recovery process.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
No matter how minor injuries may seem immediately following a bicycle accident, seeking medical attention is critical. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms right away but can have serious long-term effects. A thorough medical evaluation ensures that all injuries are documented, which is essential for treatment and any potential legal claims.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Fighting the insurance company alone can be challenging. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with their bottom line and often employ tactics to minimize compensation payouts. Additionally, insurance companies have strong legal teams on their side, making it even more difficult for individuals to handle the claims process alone.
Having one of our seasoned Orlando bicycle accident lawyers on your side can level the playing field. We understand the tactics used by insurance companies and know how to counteract them. You can trust us to fight tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Your actions and inactions after suffering an injury in a bicycle accident can significantly impact how much compensation you can claim. To increase the chances of receiving full and fair injury compensation, here are some steps you should take:
- Follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan, including any restrictions on your physical activity or employment duties.
- Save all accident-related documentation, such as medical bills, receipts, and other relevant documents.
- Obtain a copy of the police report, as it can provide important details about the accident.
- Talk to an Orlando bicycle accident attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster. Our attorneys can protect your rights and ensure you don’t accept a settlement offer that is less than what you deserve.
- Regularly journal about how your injuries and pain are affecting your everyday life. Documenting the accident’s physical, emotional, and financial impact can strengthen your claim.
Remember to collect all your receipts, reports, notes, and anything else about the accident and give them to your Orlando bicycle accident attorney at Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys. Having all the necessary documentation and evidence allows your attorney to build a strong case on your behalf.
Let Our Orlando Bicycle Accident Lawyers Protect Your Interests
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Orlando, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. Our skilled Orlando bicycle accident lawyers will provide the support and legal guidance you need to seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Call us now at (877) 848-5297.
Take action now to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Let Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys fight for you.