Much of our attention to vehicle accidents is focused on the death, injury and damage caused by automobiles and trucks – and that is considerable. But two-wheeled vehicles can prove even more dangerous to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Bicycling is a favorite form of exercise and family fun for all ages. About a third of bicyclists say that they ride for recreation, and another 28% ride for exercise or health reasons.  For many Americans, however, bicycles are an everyday mode of transportation to and from work or school.  The Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center estimates that there are about nine million bike trips every day in the United States. Unfortunately, bicycling can cause devastating – even fatal – injuries to riders, car occupants, and pedestrians. This should not be a surprise: In many parts of the country, bicycles must compete with automobiles and large trucks, often in congested traffic on roads where there are no designated bike paths. Here are some additional 2014 facts from the NHTSA to consider when you or family members head out for a bike ride:

In 2014, 139 bicyclists were killed in Florida, giving Florida the dubious distinction of second deadliest state for cyclists, behind California. Florida law requires children under 16 years old to wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet that meets national standards. In our more than 40 years’ experience as a Florida personal injury law firm, our attorneys have successfully represented numerous victims and families that have been involved in bicycle-related accidents. In one recent case, a Florida man was riding his bicycle on the shoulder of a northbound road when the driver of an SUV abruptly turned into a driveway in front of his path. The man’s sudden collision with the much larger vehicle left him bruised and battered, with injuries to his neck that required removal of an intervertebral disk and fusion surgery. Although he was able to return to work, the bicycle crash victim continued to have neck pain and stiffness. He retained West Palm Beach personal injury attorney Brian Denney to represent him against the SUV’s driver and the vehicle owner. 

Following mediation just prior to trial, the claim was settled for $750,000 due the cyclist for the damages he suffered. Here are just a few steps that you can take to make sure you and your family members ride safely: Over the years, advances in bike safety technology have helped protect cyclists from fatal injuries.  For example, recently a Swedish firm developed an airbag for bicyclists. When sensors detect an unusual movement that indicates a potential crash, in one tenth of a second the airbag deploys out of a collar worn around the neck.used motorcycle tires clearwater If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bicycle accident, you will want a law firm with the experience and resources to pursue recovery for the devastating physical, emotional and financial losses. motorcycle dealers in vacaville ca

At Searcy Denney, when we contract to represent you, we assign an entire team to fight for you: one that includes not only an experienced personal injury attorney, but paralegals, investigators, expert witnesses and support staff. Please complete our Contact Form or call us at 1-800-780-8607 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our Florida personal injury attorneys. Ask a rider why he or she rides a motorcycle and you’ll get a wide range of answers: Motorcycles cost less than cars, they save on gas, parking is easy, camaraderie is enjoyable, and their environmental impact is low. trike motorcycles for sale oklahomaMainly, they’re cool – a vehicle for escape and untold adventure.husqvarna motorcycle dealer houston But here are some alarming statistics about motorcycle accidents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):hjc 3/4 motorcycle helmet

The issue of helmet laws has become critical to improving motorcycle safety, and the U.S. Department of Transportation has stepped up its efforts to encourage use of helmets that meet federal safety requirements. he NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,669 motorcyclists in 2014 – and that 660 more lives could have been saved if riders were wearing helmets. Yet just 19 states and the District of Columbia require that all motorcyclists must wear helmets.motorcycle shops in fredericksburg tx Florida law requires motorcycle drivers and riders to wear federally approved helmets unless they are over 21 years old and are covered by a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance for motorcycle injuries. motorcycle helmets in devonFlorida also requires motorcyclists to have their headlights on at all times while riding, even during the day.

Our injury lawyers at Searcy Denney are no stranger to motorcycle accident cases. In one recent experience, a South Florida husband and wife were riding their Harley Davidson along an oceanfront road when a restaurant delivery truck driver turned directly in front of them. There was no time for the couple to stop or avoid a collision. The husband was pronounced dead that evening at a local hospital, where his wife was treated for injuries that included large lacerations and fractured bones in both legs. She had surgery and began what was to be long-term physical therapy. The wife retained Searcy Denney personal injury John Shipley, who negotiated a confidential settlement with the restaurant’s insurance company. No one expects accidents to happen, but they do. If a family member has been killed or injured or you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, Searcy Denney’s experienced personal injury attorneys and support teams stand ready to help you. Please take the time to complete our Contact Form, or call us directly at