Seeking Justice for Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Victims
Florida law governs the rights and responsibilities of all motor vehicles, including bicyclists and pedestrians. These laws are designed to protect everyone on the roadways. Pedestrians and bicyclists face unique challenges due to their size and are often not visible to other motor vehicles on the roadways. Because of this and other variables, Florida has one of the nation’s highest bicycle and pedestrian accident rates.
If you are injured or have lost a loved one in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, Mapp & Parker, P.A. can help you seek justice. Attorney Charles Parker and Attorney Charles Anthony Parker are passionate about protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you need to recover. Our law firm routinely negotiates settlements from major insurance carriers and confidently tries cases in the courtroom whenever necessary. Let us help you seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, future earnings, disabilities, and pain and suffering. In a wrongful death claim, the family may be entitled to additional compensation.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Crash Statistics
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) records data on traffic crashes in the state. In 2020, there were 5,952 bicycle accidents, resulting in 759 incapacitating injuries, 169 fatalities, and 4,815 other injuries. That same year, there were 6,117 pedestrian accidents, resulting in 1,265 incapacitating injuries, 715 fatalities, and 5,039 other injuries.
Common Causes of Accidents:
- Intoxication
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield
- Poor visibility
- Obstructed view
- Driver error
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Running a red light
- Driver fatigue
Safety Tips
There are various ways that pedestrians and bicyclists can decrease their risks and stay safe on the roads. For example, pedestrians should always use the sidewalk and cross only at crosswalks. They should also ensure they are visible to drivers, especially at night. Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic, using bike lanes and hand signals when turning. They should also wear reflective clothing and stay off busy roads. When on the roadways, always stay alert and avoid using headphones and cell phones.
Payment Sources for Injured Pedestrians
When pedestrians are in an accident, their PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance can pay for medical bills and lost wages, even though their motor vehicle was not involved in the accident. If the pedestrian does not own a motor vehicle in Florida, the victim may use the PIP insurance coverage of a relative living in their household. If this is not available, the payment source can be the PIP insurance of the at-fault driver.
PIP insurance generally has a limitation of $10,000. Once this limit is reached, a victim’s health insurance may help cover the costs of medical bills. When the injuries are catastrophic, and the victim has long-term or permanent disabilities, a personal injury lawsuit is the best way to recover losses and hold the at-fault driver accountable for damages and pain and suffering.
Payment Sources for Injured Motorcyclists
In Florida, a motorcyclist is not required to carry PIP insurance. However, those under 21 and those who want to ride without a helmet must carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance. Those who choose not to carry medical insurance or those whose medical care exceeds $10,000 may have coverage through their health insurance policies. When medical bills exhaust that coverage, the injured motorcyclist can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Consequences of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
A pedestrian or bicycle accident can be severe and require life-long rehabilitation and medical treatment. Pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable to catastrophic injuries because they have minimal protection, even when safety equipment is used. Common injuries include broken bones, head and internal injuries, scarring and disfigurement, amputations, and spinal cord trauma. The victim of an accident requires extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Their injuries can result in permanent disability or death.
Let Mapp & Parker, P.A. Take the Burden from You.
Our law firm has a long and proud history of fighting for Central Florida residents when they need it most. Since 1996, we have helped countless clients recover compensation after motorcycle or pedestrian accidents. We review the details of the accident through medical records, police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony to assess the damages accurately. Without experienced legal counsel, victims can easily underestimate the cost of their medical care and future living expenses, leaving them with bills for out-of-pocket expenses.
We Fight to Protect Victims of Negligence
At Mapp & Parker, P.A., you can feel confident that we will represent your best interests at the negotiating table. When an adequate settlement is not reached, we are always prepared to present a compelling case to a judge and jury.
Our goal is to prove the elements of the negligence claim. That is, the other party owed you a duty of care, and the duty of care was breached, directly causing injuries and damages.
At Mapp & Parker, P.A., we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We are located in Orlando, Florida, and represent clients throughout Central Florida. Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys at 407-894-1285 to discuss your legal options during a Free Consultation.
