Cycling Accidents

The number of serious and fatal cycling accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in the United States has skyrocketed with the popularity of cycling for recreation and fitness. Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 600 people are killed and 50,000 are injured in bicycle accidents.

Bicycle Accident Attorney Richard Ansara knows a disproportionate number of those will be middle-aged men. Often the head of household and a family’s primary wage earner, these accidents can have a devastating impact on a family’s finances. As a Fort Lauderdale cycling accident lawyer, Richard Ansara is here to help you seek recourse.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports nearly three-quarters of fatal bicycle accidents occur in urban areas and three-quarters occur during the day. Men account for more than 80 percent of those who are seriously injured or killed.

With the increasing popularity of cycling for recreation and fitness, the average age of bicycle accident victims has increased. In 2010, the average age of a victim injured in a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident was nearly 30, while the average age of those fatally injured was 39.

Today, nearly two-thirds of bicycle accident victims are between the ages of 25 and 64. Florida continues to lead the nation in the number of fatal bicycle accidents and the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area continues to rank as one of the most dangerous areas in the nation for cycling accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports more than 100 riders are killed each year and more than 5,000 are injured. Florida now accounts for about one-sixth of the nation’s fatal bicycle accidents. Consulting a cycling accident lawyer can help Fort Lauderdale families hold negligent drivers accountable.

Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties continue to push master cycling plans as a way to alleviate congestion and promote exercise and healthy lifestyles. A Bike Sharing plan is adding 600 rental cycles to the streets. City and county government must join homeowners’ associations and community planners in working to ensure the proper infrastructure is in place to help keep riders safe.

While most accidents are caused by inattentive, distracted or negligent drivers, cyclists understand the need to remain vigilant as the first line of defense against an accident. As a Fort Lauderdale cycling accident attorney, Richard Ansara understands the issues and knows what it takes obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.

Bicycle Safety Tips provided by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office include:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Make sure your bike is properly adjusted and in good working order each time you ride.
• Wear proper clothing.
• Be visible – this means wearing bright colors and using reflectors, lights and other visual aids.
• Ride on marked paths and in other safe areas.
• Always ride in the direction of traffic when riding on the street.
• Stay alert for dangers, including other motorists, road hazards and pedestrians.
• Never ride inappropriately with passengers.
• Keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Use proper hand signals.

If you are dealing with a bicycle accident, contact The Ansara Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation with a cycling accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale to discuss your rights. Call (954) 761-3641 – 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Serving all of Broward County, including Weston, Sunrise, Miramar, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Davie and Coral Springs.