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When it comes to traveling around this great county of ours, most people use an automobile. But there are thousands of people who ride bicycles or walk as a way to get from point A to point B. People also use bicycling and walking (or running) as a form of exercise. After all, cardiovascular work is important to one’s health.
When a person is injured walking or bicycling, they have legal recourse under the law. If a person is injured while walking, running or riding their bike by a vehicle making contact with them, there are serious ramifications. The operator of the motor vehicle can be held liable under both criminal and civil laws. This is where an experienced attorney comes into play.
An injury attorney will be able to look at your case and know exactly how to proceed. Their goal is to get as much compensation for you as possible under the law. An attorney knows exactly who to contact and how to expedite the situation. Their goal is to make you as whole as possible. This includes seeking funds for your medical expenses as well as compensation for pain and suffering.
Immediately After the Accident
When it comes to accident claims, Florida is a no-fault state, so you should expect to seek medical treatment and bill your own auto insurance following an accident. In addition, a typical negligence action may be filed. Your insurance will then contact the insurance company of the other party and seek reimbursement. However, it is up to you to seek additional compensation. This is when you would contact an attorney who specializes in bicycle or pedestrian accidents.
Statistics Regarding Biking and Pedestrian Accidents
According to pedbikeinfo.org: “In 2022, 67,336 people were injured while walking, and 46,195 people were injured while biking, a 22.9 percent increase and 18.8 percent increase respectively. Non-motorist fatalities increased by 56.5 percent in the ten-year period between 2013 and 2022. During that same time period, total traffic fatalities increased by 29.2 percent.”
From an article we wrote in 2017: “According to the statistics, from 2005 to 2014, a little under 50,000 pedestrians were fatally hit by driving vehicles. In 2014 alone, close to 5,000 people were killed by vehicles on the road while on foot. This is over 100 more people than the previous year.”