Fighting For Injured Ocala Cyclists

For many reasons, motor vehicle accidents involving bicycle accidents almost always lead to extremely serious injuries. Most cars weigh more than 4,000 pounds; most bicycles weigh about 20 pounds. Most vehicles travel at rather high speeds, even on Ocala side streets, while most bicycles are barely moving in comparison. Finally, all vehicle occupants have significant protections against car crash injuries. Bicycle riders almost literally have the clothes on their backs for protection.

The odds on the roadway are stacked against bicycle crash victims. Unfortunately, the assertive attorneys at Piccin & Glynn cannot do anything to protect cyclists from those probabilities. But, we can even the odds in the courtroom. Our aggressive motor vehicle accident lawyers will fight to obtain the compensation and justice you deserve. You can talk to one of our Ocala attorneys now by calling us at 352-581-6174.

What Are The Common Causes Of Bicycle Crashes?

Bicyclists make up only a tiny portion of the vehicle traffic in Florida. Yet they account for over 10% of the crash fatalities in the Sunshine State. Typically, these serious injuries stem from some form of negligent driving.

Some of the more common forms of negligent driving include:

• Excessive speed: Excessive speeding increases the risk of a collision between a car and bicycle. The faster the vehicles travel, the more time it takes to react to emergencies. Speed also multiplies the force in collisions. It transforms routine “fender benders” into serious crashes.
• Alcohol: This substance is a depressant that makes people unnaturally relaxed. Alcohol also replaces sober judgment with a sense of euphoria. These qualities often lead drivers to hurt cyclists in otherwise avoidable accidents.
• Distraction: Hand-held cellphones are a good example of distracted driving. When drivers use them, they take their minds off driving, their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel.
• Drowsiness: Many people who would never drink and drive have no problem driving home after a long day. Yet fatigue and alcohol affect the brain in about the same way. In fact, driving after 18 awake hours is like driving with a .08 BAC level.

When drivers operate vehicles in a negligent way, they violate the standard of care that all Ocala drivers must follow. They usually violate traffic safety laws as well. If you were hurt because a driver failed to meet the standards of care, it may make liability even easier to prove.

Obtaining Compensation In An Ocala Bicycle Crash

Damages in bicycle wreck cases usually include compensation for medical bills and other economic losses, as well as emotional distress and other noneconomic losses. Unfortunately, obtaining this compensation often requires more than solid evidence and a sound legal theory. Cyclists must also overcome the natural prejudice that many vehicle operators feel against bicycle riders. Many observers call this phenomenon “bikelash.”

Despite all those “Please Share The Road” signs, many Marion County jurors believe that bicycle riders do not share the same status as vehicle operators. An attorney must be prepared to deal with this prejudice. Usually, that process involves emphasizing all the things that the tortfeasor (negligent driver) did wrong. That way, the jury feels compelled to award fair compensation to the victim.

In addition to these challenges, cyclists must work against the insurance companies that are attempting to protect their bottom line. Florida insurance companies always have a large team of lawyers that works to reduce the compensation of injured people. Because of these challenges, it is often necessary for injured cyclists to have a knowledgeable attorney by their side.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Hard-Hitting Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle crash victims deserve justice and compensation for their serious injuries. For a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Ocala, contact Piccin & Glynn. We do not charge upfront legal fees in negligence cases.

Call us now at 352-581-6174 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation.