How a Bike vs. Car Crash Is Different from a Car Against Car Crash
There’s no question that riding a bike can be great for your health and the environment. However, bike riding can also be incredibly risky and potentially catastrophic if you get hit by a car. There are significant variations in the types of injuries bicyclists incur, and insurance companies handle these accidents differently. This article explores the differences between accidents that happen to a bike and a car versus a car-on-car collision.
Pros and Cons of Riding a Bike in Florida Keys
South Florida is known for its beautiful weather, and you can enjoy the sunshine and scenery of Florida Keys, Key West year-round. Plus, if you live in Key West, parking can be a challenge that you don’t have to face if you’re on a bicycle.
And, with the innovation of e-bikes, you can get to your destination quickly without having to break a sweat. On the other hand, Florida, especially Key West, is not known for being the most accommodating to bicyclists.
In fact, Florida ranks in the bottom half of states for “bike friendliness.” With nearly 6,000 severe injuries and 129 fatal injuries reported in 2021, riding on two wheels in Florida can be dangerous, especially given that motor vehicles are found to be responsible for the accident 83 percent of the time.
Bicycle Accidents Versus Car Accidents
Unlike passenger vehicle occupants, a bicyclist is unprotected by the outer walls of steel and aluminum provided by a car. Armed only with a helmet (and potentially elbow and knee pads), a bicyclist is dependent on the people who operate motor vehicles on the road driving responsibly.
There’s rarely a “fender bender” in a bicycle accident. Though not every accident results in an injury, the League of American Bicyclists reports that more than 85% of crashes leave a bicyclist injured.
Florida’s No-Fault Provision and How It Affects Bicyclists
Florida is one of 12 states to have no-fault insurance laws. In an accident, each party will turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policy first. As a bicyclist in a car accident, you are immediately entitled to $10,000 of coverage for medical treatment and/or wage loss, regardless of who was at fault, even if you do not own a vehicle. This is true even if you were riding an e-bike.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash
It can be incredibly difficult to think logically and rationally after being hit by a car. However, whether your accident is a bike vs. car or car vs. car, the steps are identical. To preserve both your health and a viable personal injury claim, follow these steps:
- Remove yourself and your bike to a place of safety. It’s important to get off the road and out of oncoming traffic. If possible, remove your bike to prevent further collisions, but do not put yourself in danger to rescue your bicycle.
- Always Call 911 and report the accident. If you are catastrophically injured, it is likely that someone else will complete this step for you.
- Gather evidence. Get contact details from the driver and any witnesses. Take photographs of any relevant evidence.
- Do not admit fault or apologize. This information can be used against you in a claim.
- Contact a personal injury attorney. Florida insurance laws are complex, but an attorney can guide you on the next steps.
Contact an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today
When a bicyclist is involved in a motor vehicle crash, it can be particularly devastating. For help managing a personal injury claim with an insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit, contact the experienced attorneys at Florida Keys Injury for help at 786-605-8500 or contact us online. There is no fee until we recover compensation for you.
