Pensacola Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Proudly Representing Victims of Bike Collisions
Every year, thousands of bicyclists are killed and countless more are injured in collisions with motor vehicles throughout Florida. In fact, according to a recent report, Florida is one of the most dangerous states for both bicyclists and pedestrians.
If you were one of the thousands of people injured in a bike accident in Florida, you could be entitled to financial compensation. At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we proudly represent injured cyclists and their families, providing personalized legal support and guidance during an immensely difficult time. We are passionate advocates for bicyclist safety and believe that negligent motorists should be held accountable. We have recovered numerous million- and multimillion-dollar results for our clients, totaling more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts.
Find out how our Pensacola bicycle accident attorneys can help you with your claim; call (850) 695-8331 or contact us online today.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Like other vehicle accidents, most bicycle accidents are the result of negligence. Although bicyclists themselves can make mistakes that may result in a crash, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by negligent motorists.
Some common causes of bike accidents in Pensacola and the surrounding areas include:
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Speeding/driving too fast for current conditions
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to check for bicyclists in vehicle blind spots
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Driving or parking in a designated bike lane
- Failing to properly share the road
- Unsafe or illegal passing, turns, and other driving maneuvers
- Driving too close when overtaking a bicyclist
- Disobeying red lights, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
These and other unsafe driving behaviors put bicyclists at serious risk. Whether you were injured by a negligent motorist or involved in a multiple-bicycle crash, the Law Office of J.J. Talbott can help you seek fair compensation for your damages.
Are Bicycle Accidents Covered by No-Fault Insurance in Florida?
Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning all motorists must carry a form of no-fault insurance known as “personal injury protection,” or PIP. Under this system, motorists are automatically covered for certain damages following an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This extends to bicyclists who are injured in collisions with motor vehicles. In other words, if you were injured in a bicycle accident involving a car, truck, motorcycle, or SUV, you are typically covered by your or the driver’s no-fault insurance.
Under the no-fault system, you do not have to prove that the driver or anyone else was to blame for the crash. You could even receive compensation for your losses if you were partly or entirely at fault. However, no-fault coverage is limited. You can only receive compensation for certain economic damages; PIP does not cover any noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered After a Bike Accident?
Due to their relative lack of protection, bicyclists tend to suffer severe, catastrophic injuries when they are involved in collisions with large, heavy motor vehicles. Common bicycle accident injuries include head and back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding.
The cost of treating these injuries is immense, leaving many victims understandably concerned with how much their bicycle accident claim could be worth and what types of damages they may be entitled to receive.
In Florida, no-fault or PIP insurance only covers the following damages:
- Up to 80% of the victim’s “reasonable and necessary” medical expenses
- Up to 60% of the victim’s lost income/wages
- $5,000 in death benefits
Additionally, to collect these benefits, you must receive medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. This is known as the 14-day rule. If you do not follow the 14-day rule, you cannot file a PIP claim.
Our Clients Say It Best
"Has always done it correctly and thoroughly. You can give complete trust to J.J. and the whole Talbott staff."
- Brian C.