Bicycle Accident Attorney in Pensacola, Florida

man riding his bicycle on a highway in Pensacola, Florida

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident in Pensacola? Being struck by a motor vehicle on your bicycle could leave you with debilitating injuries. You deserve to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life from the driver who hit you and from other liable parties.

At Cardoso Law, PLLC, our bicycle accident attorneys protect the interests of people hurt by somebody else’s negligence and pursue accountability from those who injure our clients. We understand the anxiety and stress you experience after a Pensacola bicycle accident. When you contact us, you can expect a caring, compassionate approach. We take the time to listen to your story and provide you with the assistance you need as you recover from your personal injuries. You can reach out to us whenever you have a question and expect a prompt response.

A Pensacola bicycle injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options for financial recovery and what to expect throughout the compensation claims process. With our law firm in your corner, you can focus on treating your injury and returning to regular life after a devastating accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Florida?

Following a Pensacola bicycle accident, you have limited time to file a lawsuit against a driver or other party at fault for the accident. Florida’s statute of limitations typically gives you only two years from the date of a bicycle accident to file suit. In addition, if you have an accident claim against the state or a local government, Florida law requires you to provide notice of your claim to the appropriate agency within three years of the accident.

Filing a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires means the court can dismiss your bicycle accident case on the at-fault driver’s motion. If the court dismisses your case, you will lose your rights to demand financial recovery for your Pensacola bicycle accident injuries.

Do not wait to speak to a dedicated Pensacola personal injury lawyer from Cardoso Law, PLLC, to ensure that you file your lawsuit to pursue compensation in time.

Recoverable Compensation in a Pensacola Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

A bicycle accident lawsuit can provide you with compensation for expenses and losses you incurred due to your injuries and property damage, including for:

Medical and rehabilitation expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s appointments, prescriptions, physical/occupational therapy, or medical supplies and mobility equipment.
Long-term care expenses such as home health care or installation of disability accommodations in your home if you suffer permanent disability or impairment.
Loss of income or future earning potential if you cannot work due to injuries or disabilities.
Physical pain and emotional distress.
Disabilities or permanent scarring/disfigurement that reduce your quality of life.
Repair or replacement expenses if your bicycle suffered damage in the accident.

Fired my son’s first attorney and trying to find another one was a nightmare. Then Mr. Cardoso name was passed on to me by a prior client of his. Wished we found him first. Mr. Cardoso is an amazing attorney that will listen to you, return your calls in a timely manner and keep you updated throughout the entire process. I honestly feel that if my son did not have Mr. Cardoso represent him, proving that he was innocence then my son would have went to jail accused of a crime that he did not commit.

— Donna H. (5 Star Review)

Cardoso Law, PLLC exceeded all expectations. We were continually updated throughout the process with professional and informative information. We started the process not knowing what to expect and finished the process with a most favorable outcome. The level of commitment, service, and integrity was outstanding.

— Carol O. (5 Star Review)

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Pensacola, Fl?

Steps you should take after a bicycle accident to preserve your legal options for financial recovery include:

Call 911 or contact the police to report the crash.
Use your cell phone to take photos and video of the accident scene if you can do so. These include details such as skid marks, traffic controls, weather/lighting/road conditions, and visible injuries.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible to have a doctor diagnose your injuries and begin treatment.
Notify your auto insurance provider, if you have a policy, about the accident to preserve your personal injury protection coverage eligibility.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and instructions.
Keep copies of bills, invoices, and receipts of your expenses, as well as copies of your pay stubs or income statements if you miss work.
Request copies of the police accident report and your medical records from the treatment of your injuries.
Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries or posting photos or videos of yourself on social media during your case. Insurance companies sometimes monitor social media for posts that might contradict your official claims.

Finally, speak to a bicycle accident law firm to learn more about your legal rights and how to pursue financial compensation for your injuries.

What Are the Florida Bicycle Laws?

Florida’s bicycle laws are established by Florida Statute §316.2065. This statute’s rules for bicycles include:

Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists.
A bicycle may not carry more passengers than it was designed for, except that an adult operator may carry a child in a backpack or sling.
Child passengers under age 4 or weighing less than 40 pounds must ride in a child seat or carrier. A child passenger may not remain in a seat or carrier unattended by the bicycle operator.
All bicycle riders under age 16 must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards.
Bicycle riders may not attach themselves or their bicycle to a motor vehicle, but a bike by itself (without a rider) may be attached to a commercially available carrier designed for bicycles.
Bicycle riders riding below the normal speed of traffic must ride in a designated bicycle lane. If a road has no designated bicycle lane, the rider must be as close as possible to the right-hand edge of the road, except when overtaking another bicycle, making a left turn, or avoiding a hazard. When riding on a one-way road with two or more lanes, an operator may ride along the left-hand side of the road.
When riding between sunset and sunrise, bicycles must have a white-light front lamp visible from a distance of at least 500 feet and a red rear light visible from at least 600 feet.
Bicycles must have brakes capable of bringing the bicycle to a stop from a speed of 10 mph within 25 feet on dry, level, clean pavement.
Drivers must maintain a three-foot distance when driving alongside or passing a cyclist.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Pensacola, Florida

Many bicycle accidents occur due to motorists who fail to properly share the road with bicyclists.

Common causes of bike crashes in Pensacola include:

Speeding
Tailgating
Reckless or aggressive driving, including road rage, excessive speeding, street racing, or swerving through traffic
Running red lights or stop signs
Failing to yield the right of way, including failing to yield to a bicycle when turning
Unsafe and erratic turns and lane changes, including failing to signal or check mirrors
Opening doors of street-parked vehicles, in the path of an oncoming bicycle

Distracted driving, including using a cell phone, eating/drinking, grooming, adjusting the radio/infotainment system, or reaching for an object
Drowsy/fatigued driving
Drunk or drugged driving
Passing or driving too close to a bicycle
Low lighting or poor visibility
Poor road conditions, such as broken pavement, potholes, or debris on the road
Vehicle defects, including defective tires or brakes
Inadequate vehicle maintenance

Why You Need a Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney

Our Pensacola bicycle accident attorneys will handle every step of your case and advocate for your interests. That way, you can focus your time and energy on your physical and emotional recovery and leave the legal issues to us.

Working with a Pensacola bicycle accident attorney from Cardoso Law, PLLC, can give you a better chance of recovering compensation for your personal injuries. Let our firm get to work to secure financial recovery and justice for the harm you have suffered by:

Recovering evidence from the bicycle accident scene to begin building a persuasive case for your right to recovery.
Working with accident reconstruction experts and medical, vocational, or financial experts to help strengthen your bicycle accident case.
Identifying liable parties and applicable insurance coverage from whom you can seek compensation.
Documenting your personal injuries, recording your ongoing expenses, and calculating your future losses to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Preparing and filing insurance and legal claims for you.
Vigorously negotiating with insurance companies and defense attorneys to secure a settlement.
If litigation becomes necessary, taking your case to court and trial to obtain the recovery you deserve.

Common Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in Pensacola

At best, the only protection bicycle riders have in an accident includes a bicycle helmet and potentially elbow and knee pads. As a result, bike accidents tend to inflict serious, life-altering injuries on riders.

Common personal injuries suffered in bicycle accidents include:

Lacerations and abrasions, including road rash
Burns
Broken bones
Dislocated joints
Ligament sprains/tears
Muscle and tendon strains/tears
Whiplash
Nerve damage

Spinal injuries, including herniated disks or spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Paralysis
Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
Crush injuries
Facial injuries
Traumatic amputation

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Pensacola, FL Today

If you suffered injuries in a bicycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, reach out to Cardoso Law, PLLC, today for a free, no-obligation consultation. A bicycle accident attorney in Pensacola from our law firm can explain how we will work to procure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. And you owe no fee until we recover compensation for you.

We serve clients across the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent Metro Area, the Florida Panhandle, and the Emerald Coast. Contact us today for a free initial case review, and we will get started on your bike accident injury case.

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