Miami is notoriously dangerous for cyclists. Bicycle accidents in Key Biscayne are especially common. Here’s how to stay safe this summer. Every summer in Miami, the roads and trails seem to fill up with bicyclists. With the restrictions surrounding COVID-19 slowly fading, this year will probably see lots of people out on their bikes. One of the most popular places to ride—Key Biscayne—is likely to see a lot of increased bicycle traffic, as well. It’s no surprise, considering the beautiful views of Biscayne Bay along the way. Unfortunately, the incidence of bicycle accidents in Key Biscayne will also rise as people start to take to the roads across the Rickenbacker Causeway and throughout the island. If you plan to ride your bike this summer, whether solo or with friends and family, here are a few things you should know about staying safe. Why Accidents Happen First, it’s important to understand why bicycle accidents happen before we discuss any safety tips. Knowing what to look out for will increase your chances of avoiding injury. Some of the most common reasons that bicycles get into accidents with automobiles include: Poor cycling infrastructure Inattentive driving and riding Failure to give right of way …
Bicycle Accident in Florida? What You Need to Know about Insurance
Did you know that you can file an auto insurance claim after a bicycle accident in Florida? If you’re surprised, listen up. Your car insurance usually only pays for damages that you cause while driving, but if a driver hits you while you’re riding and they are found to be at fault, you can actually get coverage for your injuries by using your own insurance policy. You can do this because you’re technically a pedestrian—defined as someone who is not operating a vehicle that is “self-propelled.” Since you power your bike with your legs, that definition includes you when you’re on a bike. But wait. Wouldn’t the at-fault driver’s insurance cover your medical expenses? That’s a great question. Normally it would. However, some exceptions to the rule can mean you need to file a claim with your own insurance. Want to learn more? Here’s what you need to know. The Driver’s Insurance Might Not Cover Your Bicycle Accident Injuries A few instances exist in which the at-fault driver’s insurance might not cover you. For one, what if the driver doesn’t have insurance? After all, at any given time about 15% of drivers on the road across the country don’t carry …
Should I Call An Attorney After A Bicycle Accident?
As our Miami roads swell with traffic by the day, so do bicycle accident fatalities. More and more people are embracing a healthy lifestyle, leading to the increased number of cyclists on the road. This past January a driver struck two cyclists on Key Biscayne, killing one, as he briefly took his attention from the road to change a song on his phone. A week earlier a drunk driver plowed into a group of 20 cyclists on that same road, striking and injuring 4 of them. Two hours later yet another cyclist was struck in front of MAST Academy. LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 120 CYCLISTS WERE KILLED IN FLORIDA WITH MANY MORE SERIOUSLY INJURED. THREE TIMES MORE CYCLISTS DIE IN FLORIDA THAN THE NATIONAL RATE. For all its beauty, Miami is simply not a bicycle friendly city. Our wide and fast roads, aggressive drivers, endless construction and lack of connected bike paths make this a challenging city to ride. Getting from point A to point B on a bike in this town typically involves crossing busy streets, navigating around obstacles and riding on streets without a marked bike lane or path. With the Venetian Causeway closed for construction, anyone …