Bicycle Accident Lawyers near Ocala Florida

Although motor vehicle crashes with cyclists are not 100% preventable, there are general guidelines that a cyclist can follow to help prevent a bicycle accident from occurring. The following are a few tips to keep in mind when you are on your bike.

• Stay to the right side of the road.

Even with Florida’s Share the Road Law, it is important to stay to the right side of the road as practicable.

• Use the bike lane, whenever possible.

If a bike lane is available, use it. Even in the bike lane, it is important to stay to the right side to avoid any accidents. It is required by Florida law that the cyclist ride in the bike lane if one is present and if they are traveling at a slower speed than traffic.

• Use lights and wear reflective clothing, especially at night.

This is especially important at night. Make sure to have lights on the front and back of your bike and wear reflectors. You should also wear bright, visible colored clothing during the day.

• Look both ways before crossing streets, intersections, or outlets.

To avoid being struck by a car, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and look in all directions before crossing any road, driveway, or shopping center outlets. Motorists aren’t always expecting you. Never assume a driver sees you and make sure you have made eye contact with one another.

• Obey all traffic signals and controls.

Just like driving a vehicle, Florida law requires that all bicyclists follow all traffic signals, including stop signs and traffic lights. Cyclists also have a duty to yield to pedestrians.

It is generally safer to ride your bicycle in the same direction as traffic. Riding in the opposite direction of the flow of traffic will leave you where most drivers are not expecting you. For example, a driver making a right hand turn will look to the left and wait for a break in the traffic to turn. If you are riding in the opposite direction of the flow of traffic, you would be on the right side of the driver who is looking to the left. This can cause you to become a bicycle accident victim and sustain bike injuries.

Even though it is only required by Florida law to wear a helmet if you are under the age of 16, a bicycle helmet should always be worn to prevent injury and death in the case of a bike accident. In the case that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the car-bicycle accident, the insurance companies may argue that some of your injuries could have been prevented if you were properly geared. This would likely result in the reduction of your benefits.

Any motorist can attempt to sue the cyclist involved in the bicycle accident. However, whether the driver will win the case depends on the details of the accident. If you are an injured bicycle crash victim and are being sued by the driver for the accident, contact 1-800VINCENT now to be connected with a skilled Ocala personal injury lawyer who will help you get the justice you deserve.