Personal Injury Lawyer

Four bicyclists in Florida are in critical condition after being hit by a driver in Florida, reports The Drive.

According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, which is currently investigating the incident, the bicyclists were in the bicycle lane at the right side of Center Road in Venice, Florida, at the time of the incident. A Chevrolet that was being driven by a woman in her 90s tried to change lanes to their left and ended up hitting all four people on their bikes. The victims, three men and one woman, are all listed in critical condition. Three of the victims had to be airlifted, and the fourth was taken to an area hospital by an ambulance.

Multiple bikes were scattered across the road after the accident, painting the picture of a severe collision. Law enforcement asked locals to steer clear of the area for several hours after the accident because of the nature of the scene and the cleanup involved.

Local residents added to the conversation surrounding cyclist and pedestrian safety issues in that area. According to resident Mike Campisi, it was no surprise that someone got hit in that section. He is also a cyclist but said that he always stays on the sidewalk because of the traffic nearby.

Pedestrians and those on bikes are generally the most exposed when it comes to joining traffic that is motorized. Since neither of these groups have a shell that protects them from the other vehicles on the road, pedestrians and cyclists tend to bear the brunt of the damage in auto accidents. This past August, a hit-and-run driver was suspected of killing a cyclist. The victim in that case was discovered hundreds of feet from the road, with just a mangled bike in a nearby ditch recovered. In March, a pedestrian who was trying to cross the road was struck and killed by a car that was using self-driving tech at the time.

The dangers of sharing the road

Even though many areas are now trying to become more cyclist-friendly by installing bike lanes, launching public awareness campaigns and changing traffic patterns, there are still significant dangers out there for those biking on roads. Drivers often don’t see cyclists until it is too late, and speeding, distracted driving and other reckless or careless driver behavior results in tragic bike-auto accidents daily nationwide. A bike accident can easily result in property damage and serious injury to the cyclist.

If you were hurt in an accident with a vehicle while on your bike, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses stemming from that accident. Talk to the best bicycle accident lawyer Denver, CO offers about your case today, before you settle with any insurance company involved. Your best interests will never be at the top of an insurance company’s list, so having legal help on your side to deal with them will allow you to receive what you are entitled to while you are able to focus on your recovery.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at the Law Office of Richard J. Banta, P.C. for their insight into bike accidents and personal injury claims.