Gulfport, FL – Car Hits, Injures Juvenile on Bike in Front of School
4OctGulfport, FL (October 3rd, 2024) – A juvenile bicyclist suffered injuries after getting struck by a car in front of a local high school on Thursday morning.
The bicycle accident occurred in front of Boca Ciega High School, and remains under investigation. The minor was reportedly crossing the entrance on a bicycle when they were struck by a vehicle turning into the driveway.
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What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Florida?
On average, 18 people are involved in bicycle crashes every day across Florida. Such accidents occur for varying reasons, some resulting from the actions or inaction of drivers, and others due to the factors caused by bicyclists themselves. Some of the most common of these include:
Distraction
Distracted driving is a common factor in bicycle accidents. Distractions, including testing, eating, or talking on the phone, can increase the risk of collisions for both drivers and bicyclists. If their eyes are off the road, hands off the wheel or handlebars, or attention off traffic and those around them, drivers and bicyclists may not see hazards, or lack the time needed to react safely to avoid a wreck.
Failing to Yield
Drivers often fail to yield to bicyclists, particularly at intersections and bike lanes. When making turns, even the most cautious drivers may not see cyclists, or they may not be aware of bike lanes. Failing to yield to bicyclists who expect them too commonly contributes to bike-car crashes.
Dooring
Particularly in urban areas, dooring commonly leads to collisions involving bicycles and motor vehicles. Dooring happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming cyclists. Bicyclists may crash into these unexpectedly opened doors, and suffer serious injuries.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Dangerous road conditions, including potholes, debris, and inadequate signage, can also contribute to bicycle accidents. Potholes and debris can create hazards that cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes, or motorists to lose control of their vehicles. Inadequate signage, such as poorly marked intersections or bike lanes, may confuse bicyclists and drivers, which may increase the risk of bicycle accidents.
When Are Drivers Liable for Bicycle Accidents?
In Florida, drivers are generally liable for bicycle accidents if their negligence causes the collision. As such, if drivers’ actions or inaction contribute to the crash, they can be held responsible for the resulting damages.
Proving Liability in Florida
To hold a driver responsible for injuries in bike accident cases, cyclists will need to establish the elements of negligence, causation, and damages.
Establishing negligence involves showing the driver owed a duty of care to the injured party, and that the injury resulted due to that breach. For bicycle accident victims to recover compensation, they must also prove that the driver’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident and their resulting injuries. Additionally, they will need to prove they suffered actual damages due to the bicycle accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
In the context of proving liability with the help of a bicycle accidents lawyer, establishing the liability may involve putting forth evidence to support that the driver was distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding or driving recklessly, or doored the cyclist by opening the car door without checking for oncoming cyclists.
Supporting Evidence
Successfully recovering damages for bicycle accident injuries requires gathering evidence to build a strong legal argument. Examples of evidence that may benefit such claims include:
- Eyewitness Testimony: If able, victims should get contact information for any witnesses to the accident, as well as ask them to provide written or recorded statements about what they saw.
- Accident Reports: Obtaining copies of law enforcement’s accident report may have descriptions of the event based on the officer’s observations and statements by those involved.
- Medical Records: Victims’ medical records can establish that actual injuries occurred, as well as help determine the cause of those injuries.
- Photos and Videos: If able, victims should take pictures or record video of the accident scene, the injuries suffered, and any property damage.
Following crashes involving cars, bicyclists may find it helpful to consult with bicycle accident attorneys to learn the types of evidence they should be collecting.
What Damages Can You Recover for Bike Accident Injuries?
Those injured in bicycle accidents may be entitled to recover damages to compensate for their losses. The specific damages they can claim will depend on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages seek to make accident victims as close to financially whole as possible for the tangible losses resulting from the crash and resulting injuries. For instance, victims may seek to recover medical expenses, including the cost of up-to-date and future medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and prescription medications.
The economic damages recoverable through bicycle accident lawsuits also include lost wages resulting from an injury leaving them unable to work, as well as lost earning capacity if they cannot return to their previous job duty or status.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, seek to compensate accident victims for the less quantifiable losses resulting from bike crashes. For example, such damages may include pain and suffering, disfigurement or scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Having more than 30 years of experience representing clients like you in bicycle, and other, accident cases, our board-certified personal injury lawyer, Jim Magazine, understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an accident injury can take. Call Magazine & Light Law Group today at 727-499-9900 to discuss your options and determine the best course forward.