Orlando Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents are common across Orlando due to heavy traffic and the growing use of bikes for everyday transportation. Many riders suffer serious injuries because drivers fail to follow the rules. At Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer, we advocate for bicycle accident victims and strive to hold negligent drivers accountable. If you or a loved one was hurt in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Our Orlando bicycle accident lawyer is here to help every step of the way.
Our Orlando Bicycle Accident Lawyer Will Fight for Your Rights
In Orlando, Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer champions the legal protections of cyclists who have been injured. We understand how hard it is to recover after a crash. Many bicycle accident injuries lead to long-term pain, lost wages, and high medical bills. Our Orlando bicycle accident attorney will work aggressively to build your case and fight for the fair settlement you deserve.
With a deep understanding of Florida traffic laws and extensive experience handling bicycle accident cases, our team knows how to effectively deal with insurance companies and prove driver fault. Should you sustain an injury due to another party’s negligence, we will diligently work to obtain complete compensation for your damages.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Orlando
Most bicycle accidents occur due to driver error or unsafe road conditions. Common causes include:
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Distracted Drivers: Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers text or use their phones while driving. These moments of distraction often cause severe injuries or even fatalities.
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Failure to Yield: Drivers who ignore the same rights bicyclists have under the law often cause serious crashes. Many bicycle accidents occur when cars fail to yield the right-of-way to bicycles.
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Dooring Incidents: A parked driver opening their door into a bike lane can cause the cyclist to crash or swerve into traffic, resulting in potentially dangerous collisions.
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Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, and missing signs on public roadways can cause riders to lose control and fall, especially when riding near busy streets.
Motorist Negligence and Driver Inattention
Motor vehicle operators often cause bicycle accidents in Orlando due to careless or reckless behavior. Drivers often ignore bike lanes, speed through intersections, or make unsafe turns without checking their surroundings. Some drive while distracted by phones or under the influence. This oversight directly jeopardizes riders, frequently resulting in severe outcomes such as spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, and various internal injuries.
Our bicycle accident lawyers review police reports, traffic camera footage, and medical records to show how the driver failed to follow traffic laws. We fight to hold them accountable and ensure you receive what you’re owed.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
Many cyclists suffer injuries that cause long-term pain and high medical costs. The impacts are not just physical—they can result in economic losses, non-economic damages, and prolonged recovery times. Here are the most frequent types of bicycle accident injuries:
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Head Trauma: This includes concussions and traumatic brain injuries, which may require extended care and physical therapy. They can also lead to permanent disability.
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Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and wrists often break on impact. These injuries can keep you from working and delay your recovery.
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Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the back or neck can lead to restricted mobility or paralysis. Spinal injuries usually involve both economic damages and non-economic losses.
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Lacerations and Road Rash: Open wounds may seem minor, but can lead to infection, scarring, and additional medical treatment.
In severe cases, bicyclist deaths occur, especially when the crash involves a truck or aggressive driving in narrow traffic lanes.
Florida Laws Protecting Bicyclists
Under Florida law, cyclists have the same rights as other vehicles on the road. These regulations aim to ensure rider protection and foster a safer environment:
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Right-of-Way: Drivers must yield to cyclists in designated bike lanes and at intersections.
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Passing Distance: Cars must leave at least 3 feet when passing a bike.
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Helmet Use: Riders under 16 years of age must wear helmets. Though not required for adults, helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries.
In Orange County, local rules also require drivers to watch for cyclists in shared traffic lanes and avoid distractions.
How Violations Affect Your Case
If a negligent driver breaks traffic laws—like failing to yield or passing too closely—they may be held liable. These violations can strengthen your legal action by helping establish fault. In some cases, you may be able to seek punitive damages if the driver showed reckless or aggressive driving behavior.
Violating bike safety laws may also limit a cyclist’s ability to pursue compensation, especially if the cyclist was not following legal requirements. However, even in those cases, Orlando attorneys can argue for partial fault under Florida’s comparative negligence rule.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Orlando
Knowing what to do after a crash can make or break your bicycle accident case. Here are four key steps:
- Call 911: Always report the accident. It is advisable to seek medical attention and subsequently obtain a copy of the police report.
- Document Injuries and the Scene: Document the scene thoroughly by photographing your bicycle, your injuries, and any contributing factors such as hazardous road conditions or involved vehicles.
- Do Not Acknowledge Responsibility: Even if you are uncertain about the events that transpired, refrain from making any statements that could potentially undermine your claim in the future.
- Contact an Attorney ASAP: Reach out to Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer. Our firm offers a free initial consultation and works strictly on a contingency basis, ensuring that our services are entirely cost-free to you unless we achieve success.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Bicycle Accident?
In many bicycle accident cases, multiple parties may be responsible. The most common causes include negligent drivers, poorly maintained roads, and unsafe conditions caused by businesses or government agencies.
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Drivers: A distracted or careless driver who hits a cyclist can be held directly liable for the cyclist’s injuries in a bicycle accident.
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Municipalities: The city or county may be liable if poor road design, potholes, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident.
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Commercial Entities: If a truck or delivery vehicle caused the crash, the company employing the driver could share liability.
In Florida, the principle of comparative negligence allows for damage recovery even when partial fault is assigned to the claimant. This allows accident victims to seek a fair amount of compensation based on each party’s role.
Damages You Can Recover After a Bicycle Accident
When you’ve been hit while riding your bicycle, your losses may be significant. Here’s what you can recover in a bicycle accident case:
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Medical Bills and Rehabilitation: Covers immediate care, ongoing physical therapy, and personal injury protection under your policy.
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Property Damage: Pays for your damaged bike, helmet, or gear.
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Lost Wages: In the event that your injuries result in work incapacitation, you are entitled to file a claim for lost income.
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Pain and Suffering: This includes emotional distress, non-economic damages, and impact on your quality of life.
Your attorney will help calculate a fair amount for both economic and non-economic damages.
Why Hire Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Bicycle Accident Case
Securing the optimal bicycle accident attorney is pivotal for a favorable outcome. Here’s why Tony Caggiano is trusted across Orlando and Orange County:
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Local Expertise in Orlando and Central Florida: Our firm is well-versed in Florida traffic laws and understands how local courts handle bicycle accident cases.
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Personal Approach and Proven Results: We treat each client with care and have a proven track record of securing strong outcomes for bicycle accident victims.
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Contingency Fee Structure: We don’t charge upfront. You only pay if we win. That means you receive full support with no financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a lawyer for a minor bicycle accident?
Indeed, even seemingly minor injuries can result in significant long-term complications or unforeseen expenses. Engaging legal counsel is crucial to safeguard your rights and secure equitable compensation.
Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Even without a legal requirement for adult helmet use in Florida, you retain the option to seek damages; however, this factor may lead to a decrease in the overall value of your claim.
What if I were partly at fault?
Florida follows a comparative fault system. If you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages, just at a reduced percentage.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
Under the updated 2023 Florida statute of limitations, you typically have a two-year window from the accident date to file a claim.
What damages can I claim after a bicycle crash?
You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and damage to your bicycle or personal belongings.
How much does a bicycle accident lawyer cost?
At Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Our Orlando Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Orlando, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. At Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer, we offer a free consultation and never charge upfront fees. You only pay if we win. Our team has deep knowledge of Orlando traffic laws and a proven track record helping injured cyclists throughout Central Florida.
Call 407-974-4150 or contact us online to schedule your free case review today.
Our Services
Personal Injury Cases
Our experienced legal team specializes in helping individuals recover compensation for injuries resulting from accidents. We handle cases involving severe injuries like spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and more. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical negligence can lead to serious harm. We pursue justice for those affected by malpractice, holding healthcare providers accountable for misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and treatment failures.
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