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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.

Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is a time for barbeques, picnics, parades, and injuries. For most people, the long weekend is a time to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and spend time with loved ones. However, every year, thousands of people are injured or killed over this celebratory weekend due to unsafe choices made by others.

The National Safety Council estimates that 450 people will die over the Memorial Day holiday weekend due to car accidents. Memorial Day weekend sees a spike in the number of people traveling by car for family visits and parties combined with an increase in the number of people consuming alcoholic beverages. The result, quite literally, is deadly. Intoxicated or impaired drivers will have their reaction times slowed significantly, their ability to perceive distances declines, they are less alert, and their judgement and coordination become impaired.

Drunk drivers destroy lives. Victims hit by a drunk driver can suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and damaged organs. It may take months for them to be able to return to work, if they can ever do so.

Boating accidents are also a significant source of Memorial Day injuries. With more registered boats than any other state in the nation, Florida is a boater’s paradise. On holiday weekends, like Memorial Day weekend, there are more boaters on the waterways, so it’s especially important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings in the water.

The biggest risk associated with boating is drowning. According to the National Safe Boating Council, “drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2021, and 83 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. ” If you are riding on a boat, you need to wear a life jacket, no matter how strong a swimmer you are. The owner and captain of the boat are responsible for ensuring that there are enough life jackets for all the passengers.

Everyone loves a barbeque, but many people don’t realize that they can be dangerous. The grill should be placed on a nonflammable surface, like a stone patio, in an area without a roof or any overhanging branches. There should also be a sober adult tending to a lit barbeque at all times and ensuring that no children or pets come near it. Stepping away, even for a moment, could cause a tragedy for a child who knocks into it.

The attorneys at Rader Law Group hope you have an enjoyable and safe Memorial Day weekend!

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:
National Safety Council. Memorial Day 2022 Motor Vehicle Fatality Estimates – Injury Facts (nsc.org). Accessed April 10, 2023.
Safe Boating Campaign. National Safe Boating Week is May 20-26, 2023 – Safe Boating Campaign. Accessed April 10, 2023.