St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer
For those who ride regularly, it is no secret that drivers of motor vehicles are often carelessly dangerous or purposefully violent towards cyclists. Less than 10 percent of bike crashes were the fault of the cyclist, as reported in a year-long Toronto study. Cars, SUVs, pickups, city buses, and semi trucks regularly give too little space when making a pass; honk, buzz, or intentionally threaten cyclists for being on the roadway; and pull out from side roads without caring to look for cyclists. For those that ride seldomly, or prefer to normally stay on shared walk and bike paths, the experience of vehicular violence in the form of intimidation and carelessness can come as an incredible shock. Yet, even the most hardened cyclists fear for their lives on a regular basis, and can end up in the hospital if things do not go their way. If you have been hit by a vehicle, or were injured because of a vehicle running you off the road or causing you to crash, you need immediate legal assistance to ensure that the negligent or criminal party is held accountable for the damages relating to your pain and suffering, medical, personal property, and all other economic losses. Contact our St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyers today.
Unsafe Driving Results in Rising Rate of Bicyclist Deaths
2015 was a bad year for traffic safety, as reported by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And, it was worse for some users than others. While the 7.2 percent increase in traffic fatalities was an increase not seen in 50 years, cyclist fatalities rose by almost twice that, at 12.2 percent more in 2015 than in 2014. A total of 818 cyclists were killed by motor vehicles in 2015, a number so large that has not been seen in over two decades (1995).
Proving Fault in St. Petersburg Bike Collisions Means Acting Fast
Many vulnerable user (such as pedestrian and cyclist) collisions end up being hit and runs, as the driver can often easily flee the scene without worry of pursuit or damage to their vehicle slowing them down. Additionally, even if the driver stays on scene, they may change their admission of guilt a few days after the incident, or the official police report may not accurately represent what happened. For all of these reasons, it is wise to seek immediate legal counsel so that we can begin collecting evidence and accurate witness statements before either fade from memory.
Contact a St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured or killed by a negligent or violent driver, call the St. Petersburg law office of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian at 1-800-227-2275 today for immediate assistance in holding the at-fault party financially responsible. While no amount of financial compensation will erase the physical and emotional turmoil that you have been through, it can help to pay your medical expenses and possibly give you and your family a more sound economic future.
