Cycling is a great way to get exercise and enjoy an eco-friendly commute, especially when you live somewhere like Broward County, where the weather is lovely year-round. But, if you’re unfortunate enough to wreck your bike, whether it’s due to poorly-maintained bike paths or being struck by a car, then you have the right to demand compensation from the party that caused your accident, whether it’s the city responsible for maintaining the path you were riding or a negligent driver.
At The Andres Lopez Law Firm, we’re committed to helping injured cyclists like you secure fair compensation for your losses. A Broward County, FL, bicycle accident lawyer from our firm can guide you through the legal claims process, demanding that the at-fault party be held accountable for the harm they caused. We offer a complimentary initial case review; you can book yours with a quick phone call to our offices.
Bicycle accident lawyers are personal injury lawyers who represent the interests of people who have been hurt in bike accidents. Personal injury claims are the legal vehicle by which an injured victim can demand fair compensation for their losses after an accident they didn’t cause. You likely incurred substantial medical expenses, for example, and may have missed work to heal from your injuries. If you depend on your bike to commute to work or school, then you are entitled to demand the full cost of repairing or replacing your bike.
Your lawyer investigates the incident and gathers evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence in causing the wreck. This could be anything from the phone records of a driver who hit you, which show that they were illegally on their phone when they hit you, to the safety and maintenance records of the municipality responsible for the upkeep of the path you were riding on. We then weave this together into a strong case for compensation and present it to a judge and jury.
Most bicycle injury personal injury claims are the result of a car striking the bike rider, and usually, the driver is to blame due to negligence. Bikes have the same rights to the road as people in a car or truck and enjoy the same privileges, such as using a full lane on a non-highway road. But, when struck by a car, their injuries are severe, often disabling. This means that bike injury claims are naturally higher than many other types of personal injury cases. Insurance companies take a hard look at high-dollar claims like these, meaning you need a lawyer with the resources and knowledge to build a solid case for you.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bicycle accident, we can help. A Broward County bicycle accident lawyer can investigate the situation and gather evidence to prove the at-fault party is liable for the harm they caused you. We are committed to securing the highest possible settlement for your case. Please contact The Andres Lopez Law Firm today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
As cities grow and develop, urban landscapes continuously evolve to accommodate an increasing population and changing transportation needs. These shifts directly influence how people move around, including cyclists, who often find themselves affected by the rise of new infrastructure, traffic patterns, and public space allocations as a Broward County, FL bicycle accident lawyer knows all too well. Although many cities are trying to support safer, bike-friendly spaces, urban growth and development often bring challenges that can lead to a rise in bicycle accidents.
For cyclists, the expansion of busy roads, commercial spaces, and residential areas can mean sharing limited road space with more vehicles. This often leads to heightened risks of accidents, as cyclists and motorists compete for space, and not every city has adequate dedicated cycling lanes to promote safe riding. A Broward County bicycle accident lawyer understands that cyclists may be more vulnerable when navigating rapidly growing urban areas, where construction zones, rerouted traffic, and changing intersections pose additional hazards.
As cities expand and add new infrastructure, including roads, parking areas, and buildings, cycling conditions often change. Construction zones, temporary road closures, and detours can make it difficult for cyclists to move safely, increasing the chances of accidents. In some areas, new construction projects may lack clear markings or detours for cyclists, leaving them to merge into vehicle lanes or take unpredictable routes that raise accident risks. Heavy traffic and poor visibility, often found in construction zones, create situations where both drivers and cyclists are at a higher risk of not noticing one another.
The increasing use of ride-sharing and delivery services also adds to congestion in urban areas. Drivers stopping suddenly to pick up or drop off passengers or make deliveries can create unpredictable situations that leave cyclists vulnerable to sudden obstacles. This can also be the opposite case where more cyclists are joining trafficways as messengers or food delivery people.
Traffic patterns in cities can change quickly due to increased urbanization and population growth. More vehicles on the road lead to heavier traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours, which often heightens the risk for cyclists. Crowded intersections, roundabouts, and merging lanes pose specific dangers to cyclists, especially if drivers are not accustomed to sharing the road with them. Biking alongside vehicles in congested areas also increases the chances of accidents involving “dooring” incidents, where drivers or passengers open vehicle doors into a cyclist’s path.
In busy cities, drivers may be less likely to notice cyclists, particularly when distracted by dense traffic or complex intersections. Lack of awareness, coupled with increased congestion, contributes significantly to the rise in bicycle accidents in urban areas. In Broward County, a bicycle lawyer can provide guidance and representation to those affected by incidents related to these urban changes. Our team has won settlements as large as $100,000 that involved soft tissue injuries.
Many cities are now trying to adapt their public spaces to be more accommodating to cyclists, including expanding bike lanes and creating shared pathways. However, the transition is often uneven, and not all areas experience improvements at the same pace. Some cities may install bike lanes in some neighborhoods while leaving others untouched. This inconsistency can lead to increased confusion among cyclists and drivers, especially when transitioning between areas with and without cycling infrastructure.
Additionally, when bike lanes do exist, they may be poorly maintained or lack proper separation from vehicle lanes, creating potential dangers for cyclists who rely on these lanes for safe travel. Public spaces may also become crowded with pedestrians, scooters, and other new forms of transportation, all competing for limited space. Cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers all need time to adjust to these changes, and during this period, the risk of accidents may be higher.
As urban areas continue to change, cyclists may face risks that are beyond their control, leading to accidents with potentially serious consequences. At The Andres Lopez Law Firm, we are dedicated to supporting the rights of cyclists and advocating for safer urban environments. If you or a loved one has been affected by an accident, reach out to a Broward County bicycle accident lawyer to learn how we can assist you in seeking the compensation and support you deserve. We’re here to help protect your rights and work toward safer, more cyclist-friendly spaces in our communities. Our lawyers have over a decade of trial experience and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Attorney Andres Lopez has over a decade of trial experience. In that time, his work and track record of success has earned him a reputation for being a top trial attorney in South Florida.
Born in La Paz, Bolivia, Andres Lopez and his family moved to Washington, D.C. when he was a child.
Prior to attending law school, Andres Lopez tirelessly worked to give a voice to the people by serving in the White House, the Maryland Governor’s Office and managing the campaign of the first Latino to be elected to public office in Maryland.
Devoted to the legal community, Mr. Lopez serves as a member of The Florida Bar, the Broward County Bar Association, the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association, the Maryland Bar Association and the Florida Justice Association.