Our Florida bike accident lawyers continue to be concerned about the high numbers of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents that are occurring on Florida roads. In 2009, the number of fatal Florida bicycle accidents declined from 119 to 100, while fatal pedestrian accidents declined from 502 to 482.
However, Florida is among the most dangerous states in the nation for serious and fatal bicycle or pedestrian accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 125 cyclists were killed in Florida in 2005 -- the most of any state in the nation. Florida pedestrian accidents killed 490 people, second only to California, which was the nation's most dangerous state for walkers.
Pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents frequently lead to very serious or fatal injuries. Both also have a high number of cases in which an at-fault motorist does not stop. When a motorist fails to stop, or when an at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance to compensate a victim for his or her injuries, victims of a Florida bicycle or pedestrian accident are often able to file a claim against their own insurance company.
Our Miami bike accident lawyers urge motorists who have been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident to consult an experienced attorney right away. We recommend that you not sign any documents -- either from your insurance company or the company of the at-fault driver -- and do not accept any payments until speaking to an experienced attorney.
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents frequently involve serious head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, joint injuries and other medical conditions that require extensive care and often lead to additional medical complications. Hiring an attorney capable of protecting your rights in a dispute with an insurance company in Miami is critical to protecting the long-term financial well-being of you and your family.
