When someone is riding their bicycle and is hit by a car, the results are usually disastrous. There’s really nothing there to protect the cyclist other than a plastic helmet. Their entire body is at the mercy of the car or SUV that hits them. In most cases, we tend to think of the cyclist as the victim. However, it may be possible for a bike rider to be the responsible party in a bicycle accident in South Florida.
Personal injury lawyers in South Florida see their fair share of bicycle accident victims. In most of these cases, the person driving the car or SUV was at fault. The cyclist may have been riding along the side of the road when the driver loses control and runs them over. Or, a car runs a red light and collides with a person crossing the road on their bike. However, there are times when the person on the bike is actually the one who caused the crash.
How Could a Bicyclist Possibly Cause an Accident?
Just because someone is on a bike doesn’t mean they don’t have to follow the rules of the road. You have to drive with traffic, not against it. If someone is on their bike and is driving against the flow of traffic, they can be held negligent. For example, if someone’s making a legal, left-hand turn, they shouldn’t expect to find a cyclist coming toward them.
Or, perhaps the person on the bicycle tries to cross an intersection while there are cars coming in both directions. If the cyclist doesn’t have the right of way, or if they’re not in a crosswalk, they have to cede to the cars and SUVS. Of course, even in these situations, if the driver had a chance to avoid the collision, they need to take reasonable steps to make that happen.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney in South Florida
If you or your loved one are injured while riding your bicycle, contact our office right away. You may have a potential legal claim against the person who hit you. Of course, your accident lawyer will have to prove that the other driver was at fault. If they can do this, you may be entitled to damages. Call today and schedule your initial consultation. It’s absolutely free and you don’t pay a dime until you settle your case.
