If a driver hit you while you were riding a bicycle in Leesburg, Florida, it may be possible to hold that motorist responsible for the injuries, expenses, and losses you endured as a result. A Leesburg bicycle accident lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns will represent you and handle the claims process on your behalf if we believe there is evidence to prove negligence and liability on the part of the at-fault motorist.
Let a Leesburg personal injury lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns review your case today at no cost to you. You can speak with a member of our team in our Leesburg office by calling now.
Recoverable Damages in a Leesburg Bicycle Accident Claim
The costs of serious injuries can add up quickly for a bicyclist. They may require emergency transportation to the hospital, emergency department care, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, rehabilitation, and even ongoing care and support. While they are juggling these medical care costs, they are also missing work and may not receive wages for this time. Some serious injuries prevent victims from ever returning to their jobs.
If we represent you in your case, Bogin, Munns & Munns will gather evidence to determine the value of your case based on your damages. Then, we use this proof to seek a settlement from the insurance company that compensates you for these damages. Some examples of potentially recoverable damages in a bicycle accident case could include:
- Medical expenses ranging from treatment to future care needs
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reduced ability to earn
- Property damages
- Related expenses paid
- Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
We will not sign a settlement agreement until we are happy with the offer and believe it is a fair payout based on your accident case’s facts. Our lawyers also have trial experience and can take your case to court if that becomes necessary. This is rare, though. Most clients who receive compensation following a bicycle accident do so via an insurance settlement.
Fatal Bicycle Accidents in Leesburg
In some cases, bicycle accident victims may not survive their injuries. If this happened to a loved one, you could qualify to seek wrongful death damages under Florida Statutes § 768.21. We can help you understand your options during a consultation with a team member. Reach out to us today to learn more.
To consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer serving Leesburg
855-780-9986
Bogin, Munns & Munns Represents Clients Based on Contingency
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, our clients never pay us anything directly. Our initial case consultations are free, and we work based on contingency fees. We pay for handling your case and cover all upfront expenses.
Then, we receive a portion of your settlement or court payout as our attorney fee. If we do not recover a payout in your case, we will not receive any money, either.
Since 1979, Bogin, Munns & Munns has represented accident victims throughout North and Central Florida. You can reach your nearest office following a Leesburg accident by calling our team. Let us get started with your complimentary case review right away.
Filing Civil Action Following a Leesburg Bicycle Accident
While bicycle accident cases in Florida do not frequently go to trial, it is sometimes necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit. This could:
- Prompt the insurer to increase its offer to a range that compensates our client fairly
- Force the insurer into mediation or arbitration where we can reach an agreement
- Result in your case going to trial, and we ask the judge or jury to grant you the compensation you deserve
Bicycle Accidents in Leesburg are Time-Sensitive
While you are recovering from your accident, keep in mind that the clock is ticking. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, we generally have two years to begin a civil suit in a Lake County court.
The statute of limitations typically starts on the date of the accident or the date of death if the cyclist passed away from their injuries. Some circumstances can toll (pause) the statute of limitations, so it’s best to let a lawyer review your case to determine the deadline.
If you wait too long, you may not be able to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. To learn more about the deadlines that will apply in your case, reach out to Bogin, Munns & Munns today about your Lake County bicycle accident.
Leesburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
Bicycle Versus Motor Vehicle Accidents Claim Lives Every Year
When a car hits a bicyclist, serious injuries are likely. While some people walk away from this type of incident unscathed, many suffer from broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other significant injuries.
In 2023, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 104 bicycle-versus-motor vehicle accidents in Lake County. This resulted in 98 injuries and five fatalities.
Risk Factors for Bike Accidents in Leesburg, Florida
Leesburg residents and visitors who ride bikes around the city should be aware of accident risk factors:
- Heavy Traffic on Major Roadways: Leesburg has several busy routes, such as US-441 and SR-44, which are often used by both local traffic and vehicles passing through. Bicyclists navigating these busy roads may face higher risks due to close encounters with fast-moving vehicles.
- Lack of Dedicated Bike Lanes: Although Leesburg has some bike-friendly infrastructure, not all major roads have dedicated bike lanes. This forces cyclists to share lanes with cars, especially on narrow or crowded streets, increasing the chances of accidents.
- Distracted Drivers: Like in many areas, distracted driving remains a problem in Leesburg. Motorists using phones, GPS, or other devices may fail to see cyclists, especially in low-visibility conditions, leading to accidents.
- Intersections and Turning Conflicts: Leesburg’s intersections, especially those on busy streets like US-441, pose risks for cyclists. Drivers may fail to yield when turning or may overlook cyclists while entering or exiting these intersections, leading to collisions.
- Nighttime or Low-Light Riding: Visibility can be a major issue at dawn, dusk, or night. Roads with limited street lighting can mean drivers don’t see cyclists until it’s too late.
In many bicycle collision cases, the accident occurred because the driver of the car did not consider the dangers they posed to the cyclist. Showing how they violated traffic laws or made sharing the road unsafe may be enough to hold them liable for the expenses and injuries the bicycle rider incurred.
A Leesburg bicycle accident lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can gather evidence and build a case to support your claim, if we decide to work together on your case. In addition to representing traffic accident victims, we are a full-service law firm that provides legal guidance and support for virtually the full spectrum of Florida law.
Challenges When Seeking Compensation for a Leesburg Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident in Leesburg, FL, injured individuals often face substantial challenges when seeking compensation, particularly due to issues of comparative negligence, insurance complexities, and the difficulty of establishing liability.
Drivers Blaming Leesburg Cyclists
One of the primary legal hurdles in Florida is the doctrine of modified comparative negligence. Florida Statutes § 768.81 can reduce a cyclist’s compensation based on their percentage of fault in the accident. Cyclists found more than 50 percent at fault cannot seek any damages.
Insurers commonly use this rule to argue that the cyclist was partially or even largely at fault to minimize the settlement they must pay, even if the cyclist was following most road laws. Our Leesburg bicycle accidents attorneys can be invaluable here, challenging insurers’ efforts to shift blame onto the cyclist.
Florida Insurance and Bicycle Accidents
Florida insurance laws further complicate a cyclist’s pursuit of compensation. Unlike car accidents where both drivers are likely covered by auto insurance, cyclists may not have specific insurance for this type of accident if they do not drive. When dealing with auto insurers, accident victims often encounter limits, exclusions, and disputes over liability. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, the process becomes even more complex.
Our attorneys help navigate these issues by locating all applicable insurance policies, negotiating on behalf of the cyclist, and ensuring that no potential compensation avenue goes unexplored. They can also address and challenge denials or low settlement to secure a fair settlement.
Liability is Sometimes Hard to Determine in a Bicycle Crash
Establishing liability in a bicycle accident poses another significant challenge. Liability often hinges on proving that the driver acted negligently, such as by failing to yield, driving distracted, or not allowing the legal three feet of space when passing. Drivers may also claim that the cyclist was at fault, perhaps by riding unpredictably, neglecting to signal, or violating traffic rules.
In such cases, an attorney’s ability to build a compelling liability case is essential. We can compile critical evidence, and may even bring in experts to reconstruct the accident to bolster the argument for the driver’s negligence.
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Talk with a Team Member From Our Leesburg Office Today for Free
If you were hurt in a bicycle traffic collision in Lake County, a Leesburg bicycle accident lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can represent you in your insurance claim or personal injury case if you qualify. The Bogin, Munns & Munns team offers free consultations to traffic accident victims from our Leesburg office.
Contact us today to learn more about us and discuss your accident with a team member.
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