Cowen Edwards helps bicycle accident victims in Fort Lauderdale. Just because you’re on a bicycle doesn’t mean you can ignore the rules of the road. Laws and regulations are in place to protect you and keep you safe, but accidents can still happen. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Have to Stop at a Stop Sign on a Bicycle?
When you’re riding on a bike, you have to generally follow the same laws and rules as drivers in cars. This includes stopping at stop signs, based on FS 316.2065 (6)(b), which says:
- When a group of people on bicycles reaches a stop sign, they can go through the intersection together–up to 10 riders at a time–after coming to a complete stop and following traffic rules.
- Drivers must let one group of cyclists pass through the stop sign before they do.
This law–and others–are meant to keep biking safe for everyone. Unfortunately though, not everyone follows this law. And stopping at a stop sign is one of the simplest things any driver can do. So then, when this leads to an accident, you need to start thinking about the claims process.
What Should You Do After a Bike Accident at a Stop Sign?
It’s really not difficult to understand how not stopping at a stop sign causes a bicycle accident–or any accident for that matter. Not stopping puts everyone in the area at risk, from other drivers to bicyclists to pedestrians.
Regardless of the reasoning though, there’s certain things you need to do as a bicyclist when you’re injured in one of these types of accidents:
- Call 911 – First, check for injuries and call 911 for an ambulance so medical help can reach you quickly. Also, have the 911 dispatcher send the local police so they can manage the scene.
- Remember details – If the driver flees the scene, try to remember as many details as you can about the vehicle or the driver. like the color, make, or model. If possible, snap a photo of the license plate before the driver leaves.
- Gather evidence – Take photos or videos of the scene, and get contact details from any witnesses. Also, ask if any witnesses have photos, videos, or statements that could be helpful.
- Go to a hospital – Even if you think you’re unhurt, see a doctor or visit urgent care. Some injuries aren’t immediately obvious but can worsen over time.
- Keep records – Save all documents related to the accident, like medical records, the police report, and communication with insurance companies.
- Be careful with statements – Be careful when speaking with insurance representatives or the police and avoid admitting fault. Even with clear hit-and-run situations, insurance companies may try to reduce their liability.
It’s incredibly frustrating when someone doesn’t follow stop signs or laws in general. But the reality is that you’ll probably be facing injuries and other losses that you’re going to have to deal with because of these actions. Following these steps can help build a strong claim for when you’re ready to file.
What Claims Option Do You Have After a Bicycle Accident?
There’s two major parts to any bicycle accident claim: establishing liability through negligence and then actually filing the injury claim to recover “damages.”
The good news, relatively speaking, is that when a driver causes an accident by failing to stop at a stop sign, establishing liability is usually straightforward: they’ll be responsible for your injuries and damages.
With liability established, you move on to the actual claims process. Generally, you can either file an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit inside the court system. Whichever option you choose, you can potentially recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Repair/replacement costs for your bicycle and other property
- Reduced enjoyment of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses, if injuries are fatal
- Punitive damages, in certain cases
The total amount of damages you can get depends on a few different factors, but revolves around how serious your injuries are and any degree of fault you may have. Also in Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. Missing the statute of limitations means you can’t file a claim or recover damages–no matter how strong your claim is.
Free Consultations for Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Victims
If you bike in Fort Lauderdale, you know that accidents can happen even if you follow the rules of the road. However, each accident is different and happens for different reasons. For minor accidents, legal action might not be necessary.
However, in situations where a driver runs a stop sign, your accident is likely to be more serious. If this has happened to you, our team can help by:
- Investigating the details of the accident
- Explaining your rights and options
- Helping you gather important evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit and guiding you through the legal process
Our goal is to make things simpler for you by managing the legal work so you can focus on your recovery. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
