Bicyclists have the same rights as the drivers of other vehicles. However, those rights are sometimes not observed by others. Because they are not as protected as other drivers, victims of bicycle accidents almost always suffer serious injuries or death. Here are a few facts about bicycle accidents in Florida that you may not know.
- According to the 2012 report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles—the most recent report available—there were 6,425 traffic crashes involving bicycles statewide.
- 116 bicycle riders were killed in crashes in Florida in 2012. Another 6,058 bicycle riders were injured.
- 27 bicycle riders involved in accidents in Florida during 2012 were wearing a helmet and were not injured. 241 were listed as having possible injuries and another 391 had non-serious injuries. Of the helmet-wearing bicyclists involved in crashes, 104 had serious injuries and 14 died as a result of their injuries.
- 91 bicyclists who died as a result of accidents in Florida that year were not wearing a helmet or using other safety equipment such as lighting. A lack of safety equipment was also reported for 734 seriously injured bicyclists.
- In 2012, Polk County had 121 bicycle accidents, with 3 fatalities and 116 injuries.
- Broward County reported the highest number of bicycle accidents in 2012, with 822, followed by Miami-Dade, with 751. 770 and 693 of those accidents resulted in injury, respectively. Broward also had the highest number of bicycle fatalities, with 14, followed by Hillsborough County with 13.
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one due to a bicycle accident, the law firm of DDB Law may be able to help you get compensation needed to cover unexpected expenses. For more information, please contact us.