Coral Gables Bike Accident Attorneys at Schrier Law Group
Victims of bicycle accidents in Coral Gables, Florida, can face various painful and costly injuries. Financial compensation might not ease your pain or make your injuries heal faster. However, it can mean the difference between comfortably affording the care you need and struggling to recover from your crash.
Trust the Coral Gables bike accident attorneys at Schrier Law Group to help you navigate this difficult time. Our team of lawyers understands the unique challenges cyclists face in reclaiming compensation. Your attorney will work with you as your claim moves through the local court system.
Contact Shrier Law Group today and request a consultation to discuss your case.
Insight Into Bike Accident Cases in Coral Gables
Bicycle wrecks in Coral Gables can be factually and legally complex matters. Untangling questions concerning fault and the extent of your injuries takes a skilled and experienced injury attorney.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Coral Gables
There are a variety of situations and circumstances that can lead to a bicycle wreck. In places where traffic volume is high, such as Miracle Mile, Ponce de Leon Boulevard, and Le Jeune Road, the risk of a car or truck colliding with a bicyclist is also elevated.
Many collisions between bicyclists and motor vehicles can be attributed to driver negligence. Drivers who are using their cell phones, impaired by alcohol or drugs, or not paying attention to their surroundings can fail to see a cyclist on or near the road.
It is not just motorists who can pose a danger to bicyclists. Heavy pedestrian traffic near areas like the Coral Gables Museum and the Venetian Pool can also pose a danger to bicyclists. As pedestrians move about, they can cut in front of a bicyclist’s path, causing the bicyclist to swerve or brake and crash.
Roadways and bike paths that are in disrepair can also pose hazards for cyclists. Potholes and uneven surfaces can cause an unsuspecting bicyclist to lose control and crash suddenly. A road or pathway that is actively being repaired or constructed can also be dangerous.
Frequent Injuries From Bike Accidents in Coral Gables
No matter how they occur, a bike accident can leave cyclists with various injuries. These can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, especially if they were not wearing a helmet
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord trauma and back injuries
- Lacerations, abrasions, and “road rash”
- Broken bones
- Internal trauma like organ damage and soft tissue injuries
One of the first things you should do if you are hit while riding your bike is to check yourself for injuries. If you lost consciousness, are bleeding profusely, or are not sure how seriously you are hurt, call 911.
Otherwise, get to an emergency room as soon as you can for an evaluation. Sometimes, traumatic brain injuries and potentially fatal organ damage do not cause immediate symptoms.
Yet the harm from these injuries can potentially be fatal or permanent, making it critical that you get treatment as soon as possible.
Navigating Bike Accident Claims in Coral Gables
Following a bicycle accident, the road to recovering compensation can seem long and daunting. Your attorney from Schrier Law Group will help you along each and every step of the process:
Get Medical Attention
First, you must get medical assistance regardless of how seriously you have been hurt. If you suspect you suffered a severe injury, calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital is the best way of protecting your health and safety. If your injuries appear minor, you should still schedule a visit with your doctor or an urgent care center.
Getting medical attention quickly not only ensures that you receive the treatment you need. It also documents the injuries you sustained so that you and your lawyer can seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
Gather Evidence
You have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a compensation claim. Before you are able to do this, you and your attorney will gather evidence about the crash and who is responsible for it. Some of the evidence your attorney will want to review could include:
- Witness statements
- Statements from the at-fault party
- Video surveillance footage or photographs
- Your medical records
- Law enforcement reports and diagrams
Completing this step can take a surprisingly long time, which is why having an attorney help you is a smart move. Your attorney has the tools and time to track down the necessary information more efficiently than you do in most cases.
File Your Claim
You must file your claim in the appropriate court before the two-year statute of limitations expires. Otherwise, you may be left without any compensation whatsoever, no matter how severely you were hurt. Your claim must tell the court who caused your wreck, why they are responsible for your injuries, and what compensation you seek.
One of the chief benefits an attorney provides is being able to draft and correctly file your claim. Otherwise, mistakes in preparing and filing your claim can delay your claim’s resolution. In extreme cases, they can even cause your claim to get filed outside the statute of limitations, prohibiting you from receiving any recovery.
Resolve the Claim
Most bicycle accident claims will result in a settlement. A settlement is an agreement between you and the at-fault party whereby that party agrees to pay you a certain sum of money.
In return, you agree not to pursue any compensation through the court system. These agreements can benefit bicyclists by giving them guaranteed compensation quickly.
Settlements do come with drawbacks, though. You may not receive as much compensation through a settlement as you might obtain through a trial. Moreover, once you reach a settlement, you cannot obtain additional compensation from that party.
If you and the other party cannot settle your claim, you will need to take your case to trial to obtain compensation. At trial, you must prove to the court that the other party’s negligence was more likely than not the cause of your injury. You must also prove that the compensation you are requesting is warranted by your injuries.
Why Choose a Local Professional for Your Coral Gables Bike Case?
If you are hurt in a Coral Gables wreck, you will want a local attorney to help you navigate the civil recovery system. First, bicycle laws in Coral Gables consist not only of state statutes but local ordinances as well. A local attorney will be more familiar with these local laws and how they apply to your case.
Next, the way courts conduct their business can vary from one jurisdiction in Florida to another. The way a judge in Coral Gables manages their courtroom is different from how a Miami judge would. A local attorney will know these peculiarities, which can help move your case along quicker than someone unfamiliar with them.
Last, by having your attorney local to the Coral Gables area, your attorney is able to collect the evidence you need quicker. Businesses with video footage or witnesses with knowledge are all more easily accessible to an attorney who is familiar with the community.
Our Commitment to the Coral Gables Community
Schrier Law Group is not just a law firm serving Coral Gables. Our attorneys and staff are members of the Coral Gables community. We participate in local events and bicycle safety programs and are committed to helping residents and visitors experience the beauty of biking here with the knowledge that driver negligence will not be tolerated.
Contact Schrier Law Group About Your Coral Gables Bike Accident Case
You have a short opportunity to seek compensation if another person caused your injuries. While your physical health should be your primary concern, do not ignore your legal rights. Contact Schrier Law Group as soon as possible and enlist our help in your quest for compensation.
Schedule your free initial consultation, and our experienced and caring team will review your case with you. We can inform you of the compensation you could receive and will assist you in taking the steps necessary to obtain it. Contact Schrier Law Group today to discuss your options.
FAQs
What Should I Do Immediately After a Bike Accident in Coral Gables?
Your first concern after a bike wreck should be your physical safety. If possible, get out of the way of other traffic and assess your injuries. Call 911 if you suspect you suffered a severe injury, head injury, or if you feel pain or tingling in your back or neck. As soon as possible, consult a lawyer about your legal rights.
How Can a Coral Gables Bike Accident Lawyer Assist With My Case?
A knowledgeable attorney can help you gather evidence that proves who is at fault in your accident. They can also ensure you pursue a fair and appropriate amount of compensation and will help you properly file your claim. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary.
What Are the Unique Challenges of Bike Accident Cases in Coral Gables?
With any bike injury claim, your injury lawyer will need to navigate a sometimes confusing web of facts, state laws, and local ordinances to determine fault. For this reason, having an experienced Coral Gables attorney familiar with how these legal authorities affect one another can help simplify your claim.
Are There Recent Changes in Coral Gables Bike Laws That Affect My Case?
Several changes were made to Florida’s bicycle safety laws in 2021. Among them are provisions allowing bicyclists to ride two abreast if it is safe to do so and to proceed through an intersection in groups of 10 or fewer after first coming to a complete stop.
Bicycle laws can change frequently and with little notice. Hiring an experienced and attentive Coral Gables bike accident attorney can ensure you receive the most accurate information and advice.
How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in Florida?
The Coral Gables bike accident attorneys at Schrier Law Group work on a contingency fee arrangement. You do not owe any attorney’s fees unless and until your lawyer recovers compensation for you. They would retain a percentage of the damages award they obtain for you, typically between 20% and 33%.
