Unfortunately, bicyclists face the risk of a devastating accident every time they hit the road. In Florida, there were 182 bicycle fatalities in 2021 alone.
There are several possible causes of bicycle accidents, the most common of which include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of all traffic accidents, including bicycle crashes. Whether drivers are talking on the phone, texting, interacting with passengers, or simply not focused on the road, they can quickly cause a serious collision.
Speeding
When drivers are speeding, they have less time to make decisions and prevent collisions. This makes speeding a common cause of bicycle accidents. Additionally, when a car is moving at a high speed, it’s more likely to cause severe, potentially life-threatening injuries.
Not Leaving a Sufficient Buffer
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that motorists, bicyclists, and motorcyclists all have the right to travel on the road. In fact, under Florida law, drivers are required to give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance while driving beside or passing them.
When drivers don’t leave enough space between their vehicles and bicyclists, it greatly increases the risk of a collision. Without a sufficient buffer, both the motorist and the bicyclist have few options if they need to avoid an accident.
Aggressive Driving
Fast lane changes, weaving between traffic, and other forms of aggressive driving commonly cause bicycle accidents. When a driver is weaving in between cars, there’s a smaller chance that they’ll see bicyclists on the road.
Bicyclists who are involved in a crash deserve fair compensation for all of their losses. At Weldon & Rothman, RL, our experienced attorneys represent bicyclists throughout Southwest Florida, ensuring that their legal rights are protected. Our main office is located in Naples, Florida and we have two satellite offices in Fort Myers and Sarasota, Florida.
If you were recently involved in a bicycle accident, call us today at (239) 262-2141 to schedule a free consultation.