It is unfortunate that some of the most enjoyable activities in life can also be dangerous to the point of fatality; for instance, learning to ride your bike as a youngster may be a fond memory, shared with family and marked as a milestone when the training wheels came off and you enjoyed one of your first independent endeavors enjoying the fresh air and the freedom of having your own transportation—even if it was just down the road and eventually perhaps traveling to school and back.

Bicycle safety is a big issue for kids, along with making sure they are donning the correct protective gear no matter where they are riding. For adults traveling in traffic though—and for some who may use their bicycles as economical commuting vehicles—the stakes can be even more dangerous navigating through high-speed traffic or the opposite, with congested traffic that can be even worse in some cases despite slower speeds. Although we have so much more information today about how to stay safe in traffic, and infrastructure is so much more progressive, bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities have continued to rise. Sadly, Florida tops the list for dangerous areas for bicyclists, and you may be surprised to find out that there are actual ‘hot spots,’ often in areas with colleges or more nightlife, and this may be associated with bicyclists traveling in areas lacking illumination. Distractions and alcohol levels on the part of either the bicyclist or motorist cause more accidents, along with busy intersections, areas featuring higher speed limits, and those with multiple lanes.

Bicycle accidents can be harmful enough due to simple errors on the part of the rider, but when combined with negligence on the part of a 4,000-pound plus car or truck (exponentially heavier), the results can be devastating. Injuries may include severe concussions or even traumatic brain injuries which can lead to a host of different and long-term symptoms such as mood disorders, memory loss, coma, and more. Crashes may also lead to spinal injuries and paralysis, road rash, broken bones, contusions, and more—along with emotional distress that can last over the long-term due to the trauma of being involved in such an incident.

If you or a loved one have been affected by a bicycle accident injury caused by the negligence of others contact Heintz Law today. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz Law for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.