Between January 1 and May 4, 2023, 71 bicyclists in Florida were killed in traffic accidents and another 2,666 were injured . Many of those who were injured face a long road to recovery; unlike a driver in a car accident, a bicyclist’s body takes the full brunt of the impact in a crash.

Several factors contribute to Florida’s high rate of bicycle crashes; some of these include:

  • Drivers may be distracted by texting or talking on the phone. Tourists may be focused on reading their GPS or street signs and not paying full attention to the road.
  • Drivers may drive too aggressively and not allow enough clearance when passing a bicycle.
  • Drivers may not check for a bicycle before opening their car door after parking.

While you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the road, you can make smart choices to help protect your own safety while bicycling. Here are some of our top tips:

  • Always wear a helmet, even if you are just traveling a few blocks away. According to the Cleveland Clinic, wearing a helmet reduces your risk of a head injury by 60%, your risk of a traumatic brain injury by 53%, and your risk of a serious injury or fatalist by 34% . This is the single most important safety precaution you can take.
  • Ensure that your bike is the right size and keep it in good working condition. This helps you maintain control of the bike if you need to suddenly swerve or brake.
  • Use hand signals when turning so car drivers are aware when you are planning to turn.
  • It’s safest to bike during daylight. If you choose to bike at night or in inclement weather, use lights and reflectors on your bike to increase your visibility. Florida law requires that your bike be equipped with a white light in front and a rear red light and red reflector to drive at night. Wearing brightly colored reflective clothing can also help drivers see you at night.
  • Ride your bike in the same direction that traffic is flowing. If there is a bike lane, use that instead of the main traffic lanes. Be aware, however, that cars may cross into the bike lane when making a right turn.
  • Follow all traffic signs and signals.

If you are in a bicycle crash due to another driver’s negligence, call Rader Law Group right away. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, future wages as well as pain and suffering. We will thoroughly investigate your case and hold the negligent parties responsible for your injuries. You deserve justice for your injuries, and we will do everything in our power to seek that for you.

Rader Law Group, LLC

With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273.

References Used:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Crash Dashboard – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov). Accessed May 10, 2023.

The Cleveland Clinic. Bicycle Helmet Safety: Importance of Wearing a Helmet – Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 10, 2023.