Unfortunately, pedestrians and bicycle riders account for a large percentage of road accident victims in Florida and the rest of the United States. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 5,000 bicycle crashes occurred in Florida in 2020. Accidents involving a motor vehicle are often fatal for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Dyson Law PLLC team in Delray Beach, FL, has put together some tips to help keep you safer on the road.
For Pedestrians and Bicycle Riders: How to Keep Safe on the Road
How can pedestrians and bicyclists protect themselves from road casualties? Keep reading for the top seven safety tips from Dyson Law PLLC’s personal injury attorney team.
1. Wear Proper Gear
Florida law requires bicycle riders and passengers under 16 to wear a helmet. However, bicyclists of all ages should wear a helmet to protect themselves from a severe head injury. Make sure that your helmet fits properly, and the strap fastens securely.
Always choose appropriate shoes, like sneakers or athletic shoes, for cycling. Avoid flip-flops, shoes that might slip off your feet, or riding barefoot.
2. Make Yourself Visible
Whether you are a pedestrian or a cyclist, choose clothes, shoes, and accessories in bright neon colors during the day and reflective clothing during the night. When walking after dark, carry a flashlight.
3. Keep to Designated Areas
If you are cycling, use bicycle lanes whenever possible or ride close to the curbs. If you are a pedestrian, walk on sidewalks if these are present. Otherwise, whenever you can, walk in the direction of the traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
Cross the roadway at crosswalks or intersections and watch for traffic carefully. Never pass between parked cars to enter a road.
4. Obey Traffic Laws
Follow all traffic signs and signals and pay attention to marked lanes—yield right of way to oncoming vehicles, when appropriate.
5. Stay Alert
Pay close attention when cycling or walking in busy traffic areas. Avoid headphones and other distractions that can divert your attention from the traffic and prevent you from hearing an approaching car. Never text while riding a bicycle or crossing a road.
6. Observe Your Distance
If you are a pedestrian, avoid walking too close to the curb. If you are a cyclist, keep well away from vehicles on the road, huge trucks, or buses with broad “blind zones” around them.
7. Consider the Weather
Many road accidents happen in inclement weather when roads are slippery, and visibility is poorer than usual. If possible, choose clear, dry weather for bicycle rides, running, or walking.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Road Accident
Sometimes, despite taking every precaution, people become the victims of road accidents. If this happens to you, you may be in a state of shock, disorientation, or even unconsciousness. Nevertheless, here are some steps you should take immediately following an accident if at all possible:
- Get urgent medical help, including a complete check-up.
- Obtain multiple, clear photos and videos of the accident scene, including all relevant details.
- Gather the names and contact information of the other parties involved in the accident and any witnesses.
- Contact the police to provide a detailed account of the accident.
- Obtain reliable legal counsel to help you with reporting it to the insurance company and find out whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Should You File a Personal Injury Claim?
Suppose you’ve suffered an injury in a road accident and believe the accident occurred due to negligence or unlawful behavior of another party. In that case, you may have a basis for a personal injury claim. You can even make a claim against your uninsured motorist policy if you cannot identify the driver that hit you because they fled the scene. Be sure to call our firm, Dyson Law PLLC in Delray Beach, FL.
- Damage awards may vary depending on your case but will typically cover:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization and rehabilitation
- Loss of income due to missed days at work and reduced employability
- Compensation for mental and emotional distress
When to File a Claim
Ideally, if you believe you have a case, you should file a personal injury claim as soon as possible after the accident. According to the Florida statute of limitations, you can file within four years after the injury. Still, filing immediately usually helps present a stronger case and makes it easier to gather relevant evidence.
Why People Choose Our Law Firm
At Dyson Law PLLC, we handle cases of all sizes and have recovered millions for our clients in South Florida. With us, you get:
- Personalized legal representation
- A free initial case assessment
And the best part? You only pay attorney fees if we win a settlement, so working with us means you do not have to pay us until you get compensation.
Dyson Law PLLC: Your Personal Injury Attorney in Delray Beach, FL
As you face the aftermath of an accident and its possible long-term consequences, you need a solid legal team with vast experience in personal injury law to protect your rights. At Dyson Law PLLC, we combine an old-school work ethic with the latest technology to serve our clients well. With a small attorney-to-client ratio, you can rest assured we will keep you in the loop, give you the decision as to how to proceed, and provide exceptional value. At Dyson Law PLLC, we do not abandon clients if they don’t fit into the square box. Instead, our experienced personal injury lawyers, including a Spanish-speaking personal injury lawyer, will tackle the insurance companies while you work to get better. Best of all, we work on a contingency basis, which means there are no upfront costs.
For a free consultation, contact Dyson Law PLLC Firm, PLLC at (561) 903-4542 or complete our online form. We serve clients throughout Palm Beach County and South Florida.
Copyright © 2021 Dyson Law PLLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Dyson Law PLLC
15300 Jog Rd STE 103
Delray Beach, FL 33446
(561) 903-4542
dysonlaw.com
