Pedal power is a pleasant and beneficial mode of transportation in Florida, especially with the present emphasis on becoming friendlier to our ecology and moves by local governments to make community streets more bike friendly. But those who ride bicycles are all too aware of the dangers presented when motor vehicles and cyclists collide.

The bicycle accident attorneys at Freeman & Mallard recognize that the tragedy that comes from a bicycle injury or fatality can be life altering, and we stand ready to aggressively fight for justice on your behalf.

The down side of so many Floridians using a bicycle for transportation is that the Sunshine State holds the dubious distinction of being ranked as the nation’s leader in annual bike accident deaths – and has since 2001.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that of the 2,978 traffic fatalities in Florida for 2008, 125 were bicyclists. Nationwide, 716 bicyclists died in 2008, and 52,000 more suffered a bicycle accident related injury. Those figures make Florida the most dangerous state in the nation for cycling, accounting for 1 in every 6 cycling deaths nationwide.

Statistics also showed that most bicycle accidents occur in urban surroundings, and happen most often between 5 – 9 p.m. The vast majority, (87%), of those killed are male, and the average age of those killed, male and female, was 41 for 2008. A decade ago, the average age was 32. As more riders, particularly middle-age men, take to the road for health and fitness, the risk of serious injury continues to increase. For many of these victims, the results of a serious bicycle accident prevent them from working to support their families.

A serious bicycle crash can be triggered by a wide array of circumstances. Motorists often fail to yield the right of way legally due the bike rider, not realizing (or ignoring) the fact that cyclists have the same rights to the road as a motor vehicle.

While there are many bicycle safety courses and educational efforts available through local law enforcement agencies, civic groups and state government organizations, many riders are still not safe from a driver who does not acknowledge their right to share the road. Drivers who are in a hurry and do not recognize that a bicyclist is allowed to be on the road will often attempt to pass a bike rider without allowing enough space between them, which can cause a serious crash.

Cyclists are not immune to road rage, either, as overly aggressive drivers may try to intentionally run them off the road without regard for their safety, taking the attitude that the motorist always has the right-of-way. Bicyclists can be rear-ended by a motor vehicle, cut off in the process of crossing an intersection or making a turn, and even struck by the door of a parked vehicle as they pedal past. Yet the number one cause of South Florida bicycle accidents continues to be driver carelessness or disregard for the safety of cyclists.

Bicycle helmets can help reduce the risk of serious face, head and brain injuries in some cases, particularly for young children. According to a study by SafeKids USA:

• An estimated 75% of bicycle-related fatalities among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet.
• Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85%, and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88%.
• Bicycle helmets have also been shown to offer substantial protection to the forehead and face.
• Universal use of bicycle helmets by children ages 4 to 15 could prevent between 135 and 155 deaths, between 39,000 and 45,000 head injuries, and between 18,000 and 55,000 scalp and face injuries annually.

If you or someone you love has been victimized in a bicycle accident, the Florida bicycle accident lawyers at Freeman & Mallard are prepared to aggressively represent your rights, and fight for the financial compensation you deserve under the law. Crash victims in Port St. Lucie/Ft. Pierce, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas are urged to call us today for a free, confidential appointment to discuss your rights.