Bicycle Accidents

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get exercise. It is also an inexpensive means of transportation in a time of rising fuel costs. Unfortunately, bicyclists also face peril every time they take to the streets. Unlike other vehicles, bicycles offer no protection, so when they are hit riders usually make direct contact with the other vehicles. Injury is almost certain—sometimes serious or permanent. West Palm Beach bicycle injury attorney Jessica Mishali is dedicated to serving clients who fall prey to the neglectful actions of others which cause injury.

Thousands of bicyclists use Florida’s streets each day. Many of these are avid riders who love the freedom and vigor they experience on their bikes. Yet each year many end up in hospital emergency rooms, or even morgues. In 2009, 4,425 bicyclists in the state were injured in accidents. Another 100 were killed (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

What is particularly troubling is that, while over the past few years the number of injuries and deaths state-wide have declined somewhat, Florida remains as #1 in the nation—even over California, which has twice the population and enjoys similarly good weather most of the year.

While the causes of bicycle accidents are as numerous as fruit on a tree, they tend to fall into a few categories. When the cause can be attributed to the negligence of another, West Palm Beach injury attorney Jessica Mishali may be able to assist the victim with gaining compensation. Among the categories of causes are:

• Recklessness on the part of the rider: not obeying traffic laws, weaving in and out of traffic, etc.
• Poor maintenance of equipment
• Hazards or poor road conditions
• Defects in manufacture of the bicycle
• Failure of drivers to see or yield the right of way

Many motorists don’t consider bicycles as vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as automobiles and motorcycles. They may swerve into bike lanes or cut off bicyclists. Often they don’t even see the rider.

The injuries to bicyclists are often very serious. Broken bones and lacerations are almost inevitable if a motorist crashes into a rider. Permanent damage to the spine and internal injuries are frequent as well. Sometimes victim’s limbs are so damaged they need to be amputated. And perhaps worst of all, head trauma and brain damage are among the most common serious consequences of bicycle accidents.

Helmets go a long way toward preventing a rider from permanently losing brain and motor function. Pads can help in less serious crashes, while reflective gear, lights, and reflectors can help motorists see the rider. However, even the well-protected rider is no match for a two- or three-thousand pound car or big rig. If there is a silver lining in all of this, it is that West Palm Beach bicycle injury attorney Jessica Mishali will work with a victim to recover costs of medical treatment, lost wages, pain, suffering, damage to the bicycle, and more.

If you are injured in a bicycle accident because of another’s negligence, West Palm Beach bicycle injury attorney Jessica Mishali would like to speak with you. Call for a consultation today at (561) 833-2772.