After a bicycle accident in Port St. Lucie, you may feel a mix of emotions and face some challenges. While the aftermath of an accident can be difficult, it's important to remember that you have rights and options available to you.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we're here to help you navigate this process and pursue the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery and moving forward.
Our Port St. Lucie bicycle accident lawyers understand the joys and risks that come with riding a bicycle. We know that even the most cautious riders can find themselves in an accident due to factors beyond their control, such as distracted drivers or poorly maintained roads.
When that happens, hire a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team on your side. That’s where we come in.
Table of contents
- Why Choose Our Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
- Bicycle Accident Statistics for Port St. Lucie
- Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
- Injuries People Sustain in Bicycle Accidents
- What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Port St. Lucie
- What Compensation Can I Receive After a Bicycle Accident in Port St. Lucie?
- The Role of a Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Why Choose Our Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we're proud of the numerous client testimonials that showcase our success in representing people in Port St. Lucie and throughout Florida.
Our team of skilled Port St. Lucie bicycle accident attorneys has the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, build a strong case on your behalf, and fight for the full and fair compensation you're entitled to.
We understand that the legal process can seem daunting, especially when you're dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of a bicycle accident. That's why we're committed to providing personalized attention and support to each and every one of our clients.
We're here to help you understand your rights, explore your options, and pursue the compensation you need to support your recovery and move forward with your life. With a Port St. Lucie bicycle accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on what matters most – your health, your well-being, and your future.
Bicycle Accident Statistics for Port St. Lucie
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there were 22,447 crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians in a recent year. Of those, 995 were fatalities, and 2,285 resulted in serious injuries. The City of Port St. Lucie has seen a similar trend, with the number of reported bicycle accidents doubling in recent years.
Several factors contribute to the high number of bicycle accidents in Port St. Lucie and throughout Florida, including heavy traffic, distracted driving, and a lack of dedicated bicycle infrastructure.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we believe that every cyclist has the right to feel safe and protected on the road. That's why we're committed to fighting for the rights of bicycle accident victims and working to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road can easily overlook bicyclists, resulting in serious accidents.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists at intersections or when turning can cause accidents.
- Speeding: Drivers who are speeding may not have enough time to react to bicyclists on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Dooring: When a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist, it can cause serious accidents and injuries.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and other hazards on the road can cause bicyclists to lose control and crash.
Injuries People Sustain in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. The cost of treating these injuries can also quickly add up.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
- Head injuries: Even with a helmet, bicyclists can suffer serious head injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. The average cost of treating a concussion in Port St. Lucie is around $5,000, while more severe traumatic brain injuries can cost upwards of $100,000.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, as well as other serious complications. The lifetime cost of treating a spinal cord injury can range from $500,000 to over $3 million, depending on the severity of the injury and the age of the victim.
- Broken bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones are common in bicycle accidents. The average cost of treating a broken arm or leg in Port St. Lucie is around $2,500, while more complex fractures can cost $10,000 or more.
- Road rash: Skidding across the pavement can cause serious skin abrasions and lacerations. The cost of treating road rash can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but can easily reach several thousand dollars when factoring in the cost of medical treatment, medication, and lost wages.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. The cost of treating internal injuries can be significant, with surgeries and hospital stays easily reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
It's important to note that these are just average costs and that the actual cost of treating a bicycle accident injury can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of your bicycle accident case.
The high cost of treating bicycle accident injuries also underscores the importance of having an experienced Port St. Lucie bicycle accident lawyer on your side. Without a lawyer, you may be at risk of settling for less than you deserve or being denied compensation altogether.
Additionally, these figures do not account for the cost of ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or the impact that the injury may have on your ability to work and earn a living.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Port St. Lucie
After a bicycle accident, to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Follow up with medical care: If you didn't seek medical attention immediately after the accident, it's essential to do so as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Visit your doctor, an urgent care center, or a hospital to get a thorough evaluation and begin treatment for any injuries.
- Document your injuries: Take photos of any visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or road rash. Keep a record of all medical appointments, prescriptions, and any other expenses related to your injury.
- File a police report: If the police were not called to the accident scene, contact the Port St. Lucie Police Department's non-emergency line to file a report. You need an official accident record for your legal claim.
- Preserve evidence: If you haven't already done so, gather any evidence you have from the accident, such as photos of the scene, contact information for witnesses, and the driver's insurance information. If your bicycle or other property was damaged, keep it in its current condition and take photos of the damage.
- Contact a bicycle accident lawyer: Don't wait to seek legal guidance. An experienced Port St. Lucie bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather additional evidence, and start building your case. They can also handle communication with insurance companies and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Remember, the days and weeks following a bicycle accident can be critical for your health and your legal claim. By taking these steps, you can protect your well-being and increase your chances of securing a fair settlement or verdict.
What Compensation Can I Receive After a Bicycle Accident in Port St. Lucie?
After a bicycle accident in Port St. Lucie, you may recover compensation for your damages, including:
Medical Expenses
Bicycle accident injuries can result in substantial medical costs, ranging from emergency room visits and surgeries to ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation.
You may recover compensation for all of your accident-related medical expenses, including:
- Ambulance and emergency services
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Doctor's visits and consultations
- Prescription medications and pain management
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Assistive devices, such as crutches or a wheelchair
- Home modifications to accommodate a disability
- Future medical expenses related to your injury
Lost Wages
Injuries from a bicycle accident can prevent you from working, leading to a loss of income.
You may recover compensation for:
- Wages lost during your recovery period
- Bonuses, commissions, or other income you would have earned
- Paid time off or vacation days used during your recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your future employment opportunities
Pain and Suffering
Bicycle accidents can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress.
You may recover compensation for:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional suffering, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse)
Property Damage
In addition to bodily injuries, your bicycle and other personal property the accident damaged.
You may recover compensation for:
- Repairs to your bicycle
- Replacement of your bicycle the accident damaged it beyond repair
- Damage to accessories, such as helmets, clothing, or bicycle computers
- Damage to personal items, such as a cell phone or glasses
The specific damages you recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the available insurance coverage.
The Role of a Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After a bicycle accident in Port St. Lucie, a skilled bicycle accident lawyer can play a crucial role in helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Your lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: Your Port St. Lucie bicycle accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine who was at fault and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Handle communication with insurance companies: Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts and deny claims. Your Port St. Lucie bicycle accident attorney will handle all communication with the insurance companies to protect your rights.
- Calculate your damages: Your lawyer will work with people to calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate a settlement: In many cases, bicycle accident claims can be settled out of court. Your Port St. Lucie accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement covering all your damages.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your bicycle accident attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we're committed to helping bicycle accident victims in Port St. Lucie and throughout Florida. Whether it was you or someone you love who’s been injured in a bicycle accident, our Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyers are on standby, ready to help.
Do you have a question, want to describe what happened, or request a case evaluation? Contact us at (772) 800-8000 or fill out our online form. Don't hesitate to ask anything. We respond quickly, often the same day, if not within minutes!