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A Weston Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Justin Morgan Law Discusses Bike Accidents and Bicycle Safety

Florida is a bicycle rider's haven. The beautiful weather and the abundance of bicycle trails are irresistible to bicycle enthusiasts. Unfortunately, these bike riders are at substantial risk for accidents. A single distracted driver can cause a catastrophic accident with a bicyclist. If you've been involved in a bicycle accident, a Weston bike accident lawyer at Justin Morgan Law can help. Justin Morgan is an active bicycle rider himself, and he is extremely familiar with the ins and outs of bicycle riding on roads, sidewalks, in parks, etc., and how motor vehicles and pedestrians interact with bicycle riders.

Florida Bicycle Accident Statistics

The Florida Safety and Highway and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) claim that on average [in 2020], there were nearly 280 crashes per week involving a motorcycle or bicycle in Florida, which truly underscores the importance of staying vigilant for all road users. A Weston personal injury attorney at Justin Morgan Law is familiar with these accidents and understands the dangers involved.

Why Are Bicycles So Dangerous to Ride in Traffic in Florida?

Lack of visibility puts bike riders in a particularly vulnerable state. Bicycle riders are in particular danger in traffic or even the open road because they present an exceptionally narrow profile, even narrower than motorcycles. As a result, motor vehicle drivers simply don't see them when driving casually, making sudden turns and stops that catch bike riders by surprise, often too late to prevent an accident.

Further, bicycle riders are again distinctly vulnerable to injuries when they are involved in an accident. Bike riders have virtually no protection between themselves, other vehicles, and the pavement. Even well-equipped bike riders lack the protective metal cocoon of a motor vehicle, with nothing to provide the safety that motor vehicle drivers enjoy. Accidents with large commercial trucks are even more dangerous, often resulting in serious injuries or death. If you've been hit by a motor vehicle in Weston while on your bicycle, a Weston bike accident attorney at Justin Morgan Law can help.

How Can Florida Bike Riders Avoid Accidents?

Fortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides helpful guidance for bike riders to help them avoid accidents and ride safely:

  • Ride with Traffic. When you ride alongside traffic, drivers are more likely to see you.
  • Use Bike Paths if Possible. On bike paths, there's only you and other bikers. Therefore, bike paths eliminate the risk of an accident with a motor vehicle.
  • Ride Defensively. Remember, traffic codes apply to both bicycle riders and motor vehicles, and bike riders must also follow the rules of the road.
  • Assume the Motor Vehicle Driver Doesn’t See You. Constantly scan the path ahead: left, middle, right, middle, etc. Most importantly, scan ahead for hazards that may create problems, like potholes, grates, slick surfaces, construction zones, and train tracks.
  • Just Ride. Don't listen to music, use your phone, or use anything that might distract you by taking your eyes, ears, or mind off the road and traffic.
  • Helmets. Bike riders should, of course, always wear a helmet, but it's essential to wear a helmet that fits just right: snug yet comfortable. Helmet manufacturers use different sizes, so find the right size and follow the instructions for a proper fit. A comprehensive list of helmet sizes can be found on the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) website.
  • Ride When and Where it's Safest. If you're riding for pleasure with no particular destination, ride when the roads are relatively traffic-free, usually between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Avoid riding in urban areas.
  • Ride Sober. One in four fatal bicycle accidents in 2019 involved a bike rider who had been drinking alcohol. This rule applies to any mind-altering substance,
  • Be Predictable. When a motor vehicle driver sees you, they have built-in expectations about what you'll do next. So ride where you are expected to be seen and look over your shoulder before changing lanes or turning.
  • Use Signals. The three primary hand signals are:
    • Slowing down/stopping. Signal by extending your arm downward with your palm facing backward;
    • Left turn. Signal by an arm straight out to the left;
    • Right turn. Signal by extending your arm at a 90° angle upwards

How Can Justin Morgan Law Help Me if I've Been in a Weston Bike Accident?

Justin Morgan Law has committed its practice to represent only persons and their families who have suffered an injury or death due to another person or business entity's negligence or fault. Accordingly, we do not and will not represent insurance companies.

We can devote all of our skills, knowledge of the law, and experience to you, the client. When you visit, you are the most important person in the room. A Weston bicycle accident attorney at Justin Morgan Law will, quite simply, take your legal worries off your hands and fight to get you the maximum financial compensation allowed by law, either through a successful full settlement or a positive jury verdict. In addition, we'll help make sure you're receiving the best medical attention available to help you recover.

Contact A Weston Bike Accident Lawyer at Justin Morgan Law Today

There are time limits for filing a claim, so do not hesitate to call Justin Morgan Law toll-free at 1-800-9JUSTIN or 1-800-958-7846. We'll help make sure all deadlines are met, fight for your rights, and deliver the best possible results for you. There is no cost, risk, or obligation for you because we offer free consultations and charge you nothing unless we receive favorable results. We have multilingual staff, and although most of our clients come from the tri-county South Florida area, we regularly represent clients from all across the state of Florida. Contact us today; take the burden off yourself, and allow your problems to become our problems to solve and fix for you.

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“Justin and his team go above and beyond for their clients, always on top of every detail. After an awful accident they made sure I had everything taken car of, from car rental to doctor appointments. Very grateful to have found them during this time.”
- Nicolas Jaime