Bicycling Accidents

The bike accident lawyers at the West Palm Beach law firm of Murray & Guari have been achieving exceptional results for Palm Beach County auto accident and bike accident victims for more than 20 years.

Recently, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, bicycle sales have surged more than 121% as people look for ways to socially distance, to get outside, and to safely commute to work. While many Florida roadways have bike lanes, biking in South Florida is not always safe. Unfortunately with this increase in bike sales, Safe Kids Palm Beach County reports that traumatic youth injuries from bicycle accidents have risen 167 percent since schools closed in March 2019.

Florida also continues to lead the nation in pedalcycle deaths. Deaths among Florida bicyclist 20 years and older has tripled since 1975 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2018, more than 161 bicyclist were killed after more than 6,500 collisions with passenger cars and light trucks.

Florida cities and communities are making an effort to expand bike lane usage; however, as more bicyclists move to the roadways, the likelihood of serious accidents increases. Every six hours a bicyclist is fatally injured and every year, close to one million children are injured in bicycle accidents.

In many cases, bike accidents result from a motorist’s negligence or inattentiveness while driving their vehicle. Some the most common collisions occur when a motor vehicle driver:

• Turns directly in front of a bicyclist
• Enters a street from a driveway or parking spot and pulls out into traffic in front of the bicyclist.
• Fails to yield at an intersection or runs a stop light or red light
• Is inattentive or distracted while driving past a bicyclist
• Fails to look both ways when resuming travel after stopping at a stop sign
• Is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Bicycling accidents and/or injuries can also be caused by pedestrians, defective bike parts, recalled helmets, and ineffective bike safety equipment. These accidents cause serious injury such as broken bones, traumatic brain injury, head/neck/spinal cord injuries and even death.

We have created a brochure on cycling and pedestrian accidents and safety, including safe practices. It was designed alongside an informational video, which is found here on our website. To view or download the brochure, click here. You may also request copies from our office by calling (561) 366-9099.

If you or a loved one has been in a serious bicycling accident, contact or call our bike and auto accident attorneys.