Bicycle Accident Attorneys Seeking Real Justice for Injured Victims in Starke, Bradford County, and Nearby Areas of Florida
Were you injured while riding your bike in or around Starke, Florida? A Starke bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Cyclists are often seriously injured in collisions with motor vehicles. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is here to help you explore all legal options and get the Real Results you deserve.
The first place to turn after a bicycle accident is your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Unfortunately, the cost of your bike accident injuries may exceed the coverage available through PIP. You may need to bring a claim against the careless driver, but a successful outcome can be difficult to attain on your own. A bike accident attorney can collect evidence against negligent drivers and other defendants.
You can depend on Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers to seek Real Justice for you and your family. We Keep It Real, always. Our team will provide you with reliable legal advice, compassionate guidance, and skilled representation at the negotiating table and, if necessary, at trial. We provide Real Advocacy for those who need it most.
Call 904-758-1111 or contact us online for a FREE consultation with an experienced Starke bicycle accident lawyer. Our attorneys serve injured cyclists throughout Bradford County and nearby areas of Florida.
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Why Choose Us?
When you’re facing one of the toughest moments of your life, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a trusted ally who will stand with you and fight for your rights.
What To Do If You Get Hit on Your Bike in Starke
People love cycling for the exercise, freedom, and sheer joy of feeling the wind in their hair. Most people don’t give a lot of thought to the dangers they face on a bike. Sadly, bicycle accidents are an ever-present threat.
If you are involved in a bike accident, there are several important steps you need to take:
- Get to Safety: Bicycles are much smaller than motor vehicles, making them more likely to get hit in the aftermath of a crash. If possible, move your bike (and yourself) out of harm’s way.
- Call 911 Immediately: Ask for the police and first responders. This ensures that you get medical treatment and satisfies Florida’s accident reporting requirements.
- Get Medical Care: Have paramedics evaluate your injuries and take you to the emergency room if needed. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent, so don’t assume you’re fine even if you feel okay. You should always visit a medical provider after leaving the scene for an examination and treatment.
- Exchange Information With the Driver: You will need to get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance coverage details. Emotions may run high, but don’t discuss who was at fault.
- Speak to Witnesses: Witness testimony benefits the success of any bike accident claim. Ask bystanders what they saw and get their contact info.
- Document the Accident: If you can, take photos of any vehicles involved, the damage to your bike, and any injuries you’ve sustained. You should also take pictures and video of conditions at the scene, including the weather, the road, etc.
- Cooperate With the Police: Provide the responding officer with an honest account of the accident. Your statement and other pivotal information will be included in the crash report, which can provide support for your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible. This ensures that PIP coverage will be available, regardless of who was at fault.
- Don’t Speak With Insurance Adjusters: Other than reporting the accident to your insurer, it is important not to communicate with other insurance company representatives on your own. Doing so can jeopardize your claim. Instead…
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Starke: Speaking to an experienced attorney ASAP is the best way to protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could leave you with less compensation than you deserve.
Taking these 10 steps after a bicycle accident can keep you safe, get you on the road to recovery from your injuries, and lay the groundwork for a successful claim. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers fights for maximum compensation on behalf of cyclists injured through no fault of their own in Starke, Bradford County, and throughout Florida.
Who Is At Fault & Who Pays for My Medical Bills?
Bicycle accidents have many potential causes. Often, they are the result of negligence on the part of a motorist. If a negligent driver causes the crash:
- PIP insurance will pay 80% of your medical bills (up to the limits of the policy).
- You are responsible for the remaining 20% of medical expenses from the accident. Health insurance or other coverage may cover some or all of these costs.
- You can pursue compensation for medical expenses not paid by PIP (in addition to other damages) from the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold.
Additional defendants may be named in a bicycle accident injury claim, such as the employer of a careless driver who was working at the time of the crash, government entities that fail to maintain roads, etc. Our Starke bicycle accident attorneys thoroughly investigate to identify all defendants and pursue claims for medical bills and other losses.
What If I’m Partially At Fault for the Accident?
Partial fault doesn’t necessarily bar you from recovering compensation after a bike crash. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, damages are reduced according to the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. If your share of fault is 50% or less, you may still be entitled to partial recovery of damages.
Comparative negligence is an especially important consideration in bicycle accident claims involving head injuries. Florida has no universal helmet law for cyclists 16 and older, but the safety advantages of wearing a helmet are undeniable. If a bicyclist suffers a head injury and they weren’t wearing a helmet, they may face accusations of comparative fault and have difficulty recovering maximum compensation.
Don’t be intimidated if the insurance company claims that you are at fault. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers champions your rights and makes sure that blame for the accident is assigned appropriately.
Do I Need Starke Bicycle Accident Lawyers To Get Real Results?
Yes, we strongly recommend hiring a Starke bicycle accident attorney to help with your claim. Insurance companies are not on your side. They want to settle claims for as little as possible (ideally, nothing at all), and they have the resources to mount strong defenses.
Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is an accomplished bike accident law firm. We recognize the serious disadvantage cyclists face in collisions with motor vehicles.
Our attorneys provide Real Advocacy, up to and including going to trial when needed. This provides the best chance of obtaining Real Results for our clients. It also provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing that Real Justice has been done.
What Are My Rights as a Bicyclist in Starke?
In Florida, bicyclists have the same rights and obligations as motorists. They are responsible for obeying the rules of the road and enjoy the same legal protections as other road users.
Key rights all cyclists in Florida should be aware of include:
- You have the right to ride on most public roads (i.e., bicyclists are not limited to bike paths).
- Cyclists may also ride on sidewalks, but pedestrians have the right of way.
- Motorists must maintain a 3 foot minimum clearance when passing bicyclists.
Perhaps most importantly, you may have the right to bring a claim for damages if a driver or other party disregards your rights and does you serious harm. A Starke bicycle injury lawyer can provide an honest assessment of your case and fight to maximize the compensation you are due.
How Long Do I Have To File a Bike Accident Injury Claim in Florida?
Personal injury claims in Florida are subject to a 2-year statute of limitations. This marks a relatively recent change; for accidents prior to March 23, 2023, you have a maximum of 4 years to make a claim. Meanwhile, wrongful death claims in Florida must be brought within 2 years.
Do not lose the opportunity to pursue fair compensation and Real Justice for yourself and your family. Our bicycle accident injury attorneys waste no time preparing your case. If necessary, we will file a lawsuit with the appropriate court within the legal time limit.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Research by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) found that Florida leads the nation in cyclist fatalities. On average, 18 bicyclists are in crashes daily. Further research by the FLHSMV shows that approximately 789 cyclists suffer incapacitating injuries every year.
Common examples of incapacitating injuries suffered by cyclists in crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head & facial injuries
- Neck, back, & spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Multiple broken bones & complex fractures
- Nerve damage
- Internal injuries
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic amputation & loss of limbs
These injuries often result in permanent impairment, scarring, and/or disfigurement. In the worst cases, they can even lead to death. As such, they generally satisfy the threshold for serious injury that entitles the victim to bring fault-based claims against the individual(s) responsible.
You may be entitled to more than PIP. A bike accident lawyer can advocate for your best interests.
What Compensation Could I Recover After a Bike Accident in Florida?
Those who are seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Starke or Bradford County may be entitled to compensation for a variety of different losses. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we make it our mission to recover maximum compensation for the current challenges you face, as well as any losses you will face in the future.
Compensation that may be available for a cycling accident includes:
- Medical expenses, past & present
- All lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- The cost of household services & home care
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as medically necessary travel, home & vehicle modifications, etc.
- Pain & suffering
- Mental & emotional anguish
- Permanent scarring & disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Far too often, families in Florida are left reeling from the loss of a loved one in a bicycle accident. A settlement or trial award won’t take away the pain. Still, it can help ease the loss of financial support, provide for funeral and other expenses, and seek justice and accountability for your heartache and pain.
How Can Our Starke Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help?
Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers has decades of experience representing the victims of all types of car accidents. This includes cyclists who have been seriously hurt in collisions with motor vehicles.
Located conveniently in Starke, we know the roads commonly traveled by bicyclists throughout Bradford County and the hazards people on bikes often encounter in the area. This knowledge enables us to represent clients effectively, providing Real Advocacy for innocent riders hurt through no fault of their own.
Here’s what sets our bike accident law firm apart:
- Trial Experience: We have plenty of Real Experience and success in the courtroom, and our trial-ready approach provides distinct advantages in settlement negotiations.
- Communication: Our entire team sees each client as a unique individual, not a file. We provide direct communication and personalized attention from day one until your case is resolved. You should feel heard, cared for, and supported in difficult times.
- Personalized Assistance: At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, our services go beyond legal representation. We also help clients access services and resources to aid in their recovery or adjust to their “new normal.”
- Bilingual Support: Members of our team are fluent in Spanish and English. Communicating with clients in their preferred language is critical for building trust and serving them most effectively.
A Starke bicycle accident lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders. Your focus should be on recovery. Our attorneys will investigate the incident, gather evidence, identify the defendants, calculate the full value of your case, and communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. If a settlement cannot be reached, we can file a lawsuit and handle all aspects of litigation for you.
– you are in good hands!
Real Advocacy, Real Experience, Real Justice—We’re Only a Phone Call Away
Bicyclists are extremely vulnerable. A helmet and pads can only do so much if you are struck by a motor vehicle. Hiring a lawyer for a bike accident is in your best interest, and Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers can provide you with fierce representation and compassionate assistance.
Contact Our Starke Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today for a FREE Consultation
We can help you seek maximum coverage for certain losses through your no-fault PIP insurance and additional damages via a fault-based claim. Call Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers at 904-758-1111 or contact us online today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable Starke bicycle accident lawyer.
We’ll start with a FREE, no-obligation consultation to learn more about you and your case. Did a negligent driver injure you while you were on your bike in Starke, Broward County, or nearby areas of North Florida? Let’s take the first step toward Real Justice today.