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With the perfect climate, beautiful scenery, and high gas prices, it is not surprising that cycling is one of the most popular ways for residents to get around Fort Lauderdale. It is an environmentally friendly, economical mode of transportation, and outdoor exercise has physical and mental health benefits that many have come to appreciate even more when indoor and group activities are less available
Cyclists must share the road with other motor vehicles such as cars and trucks at times, which can lead to bicycle accidents. When they happen, those involved need to speak to a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer right away. An experienced injury lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale can mount a claim to help maximize the compensation you may be entitled to.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Kogan & DiSalvo can advise and help you make more informed decisions at critical times, from choosing a specialist medical provider and help with diagnosis, documentation, and treatment, to bringing an experience-informed opinion to the table on whether a settlement figure is commensurate with your damages and right for you.
Car and bike accidents are unfortunately fairly common, with carinsurance.org placing Fort Lauderdale on the 20 deadliest cities to bike in due to the high number of accidents involving fatalities. This reflects the higher danger faced in Florida on the roads in general, with states like California that have far more bicyclists still having fewer yearly deaths. In fact, the AAA has an article on their website titled Florida has the Most Bicycle Deaths in the U.S. Here, it highlights that, despite only having around 6% of the US population, a disproportionate 16% of bicyclist fatalities occurred in our state.
If you or a loved one were injured on a bicycle in Fort Lauderdale, you are certainly not alone. Partially because of this unfortunate prevalence of accidents in Florida, the attorneys at Kogan & DiSalvo have obtained years of experience litigating exactly these types of cases.
There are several common causes of bicycle accidents in Florida. The four most common are:
There are many driver errors that may cause bicycle accidents. Because bicycles are much smaller in size than automobiles, drivers do not always see cyclists and may crash into them. This is especially true when cyclists are traveling straight and cars make a right-hand turn onto another roadway.
Dooring, the act of opening a car door into the path of a cyclist, is also very common in Ft. Lauderdale, and it is against the law. Dooring can cause severe injuries in cyclists, including causing the cyclist to be thrown into traffic, potentially causing them to be hit by another car. When this happens, one or more drivers can be found at fault.
Hazardous roadways such as large potholes that have not been fixed, broken sidewalks, or other hazards can cause a bicycle accident. In cases such as these, the City of Fort Lauderdale or the property owner may be held responsible for any injuries caused. This can include factors such as whether there were previous accidents or other events involving the property that should have provided notice of the hazardous condition.
Bikes can also be struck by buses, other cyclists, and trucks. Cyclist injuries can also result from poor road conditions, lack of or poorly designed bike lanes, or uncleared debris from an accident left in the street.
There are also instances in which a bicycle can be defective and cause an accident. This can include brake failure, defective carbon frames, or failure to meet safety standards, to name just a few. In these cases, the bicycle manufacturer may be found at fault for the accident and may be sued under a few different causes of action depending on the circumstances. When a bicycle accident occurs due to one of these causes, and the cyclist has suffered injuries as a result of it, it is imperative that injured parties call a bicycle accident lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale.
Although every accident has its own unique facts, there are several common types of bicycle accidents:
Though some of these accidents have factors that are inherently more severe, they can all happen at high speeds and involve injuries from the fall.
Even when helmets are worn, additional safety equipment is utilized, and all traffic laws are obeyed by cyclists, accidents still happen. Injuries suffered after a bicycle accident can be catastrophic, with the severity of the accident depending on many factors. Without a large metal frame surrounding them, and nothing between them and the road or curb if they happen to fall, cyclists have little protection. With reasonable experience, they can be traveling as fast as 20 mph at the time of the accident. The most common injuries suffered due to bicycle accidents are:
TBIs can be a particularly bad type of injury, and that is why the first piece of safety equipment recommended for biking is a helmet. TBIs include concussions, contusions, hemorrhages, hematomas, and other injuries. According to the Mayo Clinic, TBI symptoms include:
These injuries can significantly affect a victim as they can change what they are cognitively and physically capable of, as well as their mental state. This can affect their lifetime earning potential and lifestyle, inflicting changes that are often permanent and difficult for victims and their families to cope with. As with other severe injuries from cycling accidents, this can lead to the death of the injured party.
No matter the injury suffered, an individual should contact a bicycle accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale to help them substantiate a claim.
When it comes to insurance, Florida is a no-fault state. This means that, should a motor vehicle get into an accident, injured parties must go through their own insurance company for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits to cover up to the first $10,000 in medical care costs. Cyclists will use their own PIP if they have an automobile policy. A local personal injury lawyer can help an individual recover such compensation.
In order to claim compensation, the cyclist must be able to show that:
These can be complicated questions of fact and law depending on the circumstances of the accident, such as the apportionment of fault between the parties and damages suffered. The payments resulting from these injuries also include several factors. A few examples are the details of insurance policy limits, requirements of each party’s insurance policy, and how the damage to a victim’s lifestyle and earning potential can be calculated.
Under Florida law, a wrongful death lawsuit requires that a person or entity cause someone’s death by a wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty. A wrongful death lawsuit will allow survivors to recover for:
These damages, however, must typically be named in the complaint. This document is filed at the beginning of a lawsuit.
Additionally, Florida is a modified comparative negligence state. Under Florida negligence law, this means that if an injured party is partially at fault for the accident that they are basing the lawsuit on, their recovery for damages will be reduced in proportion to their fault up to 50%. If the injured party is found to be 51% or more at fault for their injuries, they will be barred from recovery entirely.
Which party bears fault and what the damages are can be complicated questions. Bringing in an experienced attorney early on is strongly advised, and our bike accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale at Kogan & DiSalvo can help.
For a typical bicycle accident, as in other negligence causes of action like many car accidents, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. In the tragic event of a fatality from the accident, the statute of limitations is also two years from the death of the victim for a wrongful death lawsuit. However, these statutes are subject to factors that can reduce the time period.
A wrongful death or negligence lawsuit will require proving fault by a “preponderance of the evidence,” essentially meaning “more likely than not” an action or inaction by another party caused the injury, damages, or death. As suggested, this will include a court considering the evidence gathered and submitted for the case. Because proving fault in these lawsuits can get complex, it is advisable to begin documenting evidence early before memories fade, witnesses move, or evidence becomes unavailable.
To make a claim with an insurance company or prove fault in a negligence or wrongful death lawsuit, evidence will be needed. This will be used to demonstrate fault and damages to the insurance adjuster, judge, and/or jury.
Because opportunities to document evidence – such as conversing with witnesses, taking photos of conditions of the road, and even writing your own account while your memory is fresh – may only be available for a limited amount of time, it is highly recommended that you begin documenting evidence as soon as immediate concerns such as getting to safety, reporting the accident to the police, and administering first aid have been completed. Many of the following evidence-gathering steps can be done with your phone immediately following the bike accident, such as:
It is often worth returning to the scene to follow up with an additional investigation, which can include documenting the size of the bike lane, the angle of the road, and other issues that could have been a factor in the accident. This can also include research into whether an individual, business, or government body should have been aware of and taken action to address a dangerous condition that caused an accident.
A wrongful death case similarly requires investigating facts and documenting evidence to prove fault. This will often involve a more detailed police investigation and report as law enforcement becomes more involved with an accident that involves a fatality that could lead to serious criminal charges.
In addition to documenting evidence of damages, some other steps recommended by experienced experts are not posting on social media about the accident and speaking with an attorney before having a conversation with an insurance representative. Posting on social media can offer evidence to an opposing side’s attorney or insurance agent.
When you speak with an insurance company, they may be quick to offer a settlement worth far less than an injured party could recover to discharge liability for damages that may not yet be fully known. An experienced attorney can provide an estimate of what can be recovered and follow up should injuries be revealed that were not immediately apparent.
While safety equipment cannot prevent or lessen every accident, it can reduce the likelihood and the severity of injuries. A few things for cyclists to consider to make their leisure activity or commute safer are:
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident and you would like to discuss your legal options to receive compensation for any injuries, pain, or damage to property sustained as a result, you can speak to a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer that can help right away. Our firm practices only personal injury law, allowing our attorneys to deepen their expertise on the complex legal issues surrounding cases like bicycle accidents.
A knowledgeable, experienced personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale can spot potential issues in a case and make sure that all of your potential claims are included early in a lawsuit as required by Florida law. Perhaps most importantly, even a brief consultation can offer context to help inform your decisions on how to proceed, and let you know when you can expect a settlement to be reached, considering the damages suffered, details of your case, and evidence. Call us today for a FREE, no-obligation case review!
Total reviews: 1043 |
Average rating: 4.9
10/10 law firm definitely recommending.
After my car accident, I was not sure where to turn, but the incredible team at Kogan & DiSalvo turned what felt like a nightmare into a smooth process. Each team member went above and beyond to make me feel supported, and confident that my case was in the best hands possible.
My paralegal Sam was an absolute superstar. She handled my case with precision and care. Any time I had a question, she was just a phone call away, ready to provide clear, detailed answers and updates. Her attention to detail and commitment to helping me was very reassuring.
Angelica was the friendly face and welcoming voice that made every interaction with the firm feel personal and comforting. From the first phone call, she treated me like a priority, always greeting me warmly and ensuring I was connected to the right person promptly. Her professionalism and genuine kindness made every visit to the office a positive experience, even during stressful times.
My amazing attorney Rachel took the time to explain every step, ensuring I understood my options. Her dedication to securing the best outcome for me was evident in every decision they made. Ultimately, their hard work resulted in a settlement that exceeded my expectations, giving me the support I needed to move forward.
I’m beyond grateful for their efforts and would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation.
I’m very glad I decided to go with Coogan and Salvo. They’re very professional and they’re ahead of the curve of other firms using apps to follow up on doctors visits and case progress which makes it easier to follow. I definitely recommend
Coogan & Salvo you’ll be glad you did.
After 4 years and 9 months, our case has finally been settled out of court thanks to Todd Baker and his team: Debra, Lesley, and Amahnia. Before Todd Baker took over our suit, we had almost given up on our case. Todd and his team came highly recommended. After meeting with Todd, we decided to put our trust in him to pursue our case. We are thankful that we did. Without Todd Baker, we know we wouldn’t have gotten the settlement we did. We would highly recommend only working with Todd Baker and his team.
Kogan & DiSavo did an excellent job in handing my personal injury case. I found their staff to be caring and knowledgeable and would definitely recommend
Outstanding Legal Services by Todd L. Baker, Esq., and Team
I had the pleasure of working with Todd L. Baker, Esq., and his exceptional team, including Debra Tejada and Leslie Hernandez, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very first consultation, Todd’s professionalism, deep legal expertise, and attention to detail were evident.
Debra Tejada, Todd’s assistant, was incredibly organized and always kept me informed throughout the process. Her communication skills and efficiency made a potentially stressful situation much easier to navigate.
Leslie Hernandez also stood out with her friendly demeanor and ability to handle complex tasks seamlessly. Her support and dedication were invaluable.
Together, they make a wonderful team, going above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for my case. If you’re looking for a lawyer who truly cares about their clients and a team that delivers top-notch service, Todd L. Baker, Esq., and his staff are the way to go.
My husband slipped and fell in a store due to a leaky ceiling. He immediately called Kogan & DiSalvo. He spoke to someone right away and they were on his case. He went to the doctor that they provided and was diagnosed. The attention that he received from the staff and lawyers was just amazing. All of his questions were answered, and we had complete satisfaction with the way this case was handled even though it was a very small case. We appreciate everything that was done for him, and I would definitely recommend Kogan & DiSalvo for anyone that has had a slip or fall. Thank you again!
Great Professional Team!
The number one injury attorneys in Florida!!
In September of 2024 , I was in an accident and hired a well known attorney in the state to which refused to return my calls and was very disappointed which ended in their representation of myself!
I then hired Kogan and DiSalvo,, and was VERY satisfied with them!
They returned EVERY call and answered my questions and concerns… to which ended in a settlement in 4 weeks!!
I would recommend Kogan and DiSalvo to those frustrated with misleading information… they are on top of their game!!
Thank you… Paul and team.
Joseph Z.
After my accident, Gisselle and Jay helped me immensely. They took care of everything I needed and were incredibly responsive to my questions and concerns. I feel incredibly well taken care of and cannot recommend them enough!! Thank you Jay and Gisselle for your hard work and effort with my case! 🙂
The best lawyers that I ever had to deal with they were right on point. They got their job done quick and fast. I didn’t have to wait that long and they got more than what I expected to get. They are good lawyers. They are very good lawyers. I would use them and I will recommend them to anybody
Tiffany, Maria and Michelle were easy to work with, knowledgeable and kind. It was a long process but I was kept informed along the way. Thank you for getting me what I deserved.
I was injured in a bicycle accident with an automobile in which I accumulated thousands of dollars in medical bills. I contacted Kogan & DiSalvo to see how to handle these bills, they explained the whole process and that I wouldn’t have to pay them any upfront money. I was assigned an attorney and a paralegal who explained every step of the process as it progressed. I dealt with Amanda who answered every question I had and I had a lot of them. They got all of my bills paid.I received payment for a new bicycle as well as a settlement from the accident. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of help.Lastly I would like to thank Amanda who was super helpful throughout this case.
They were absolutely phenomenal!
I am so happy I chose to come to Kogan & Disalvo they welcome me in like family when you go in ask for Jay London and Jess the best they keep me informed on everything excellent service I thank y’all so much keep up the amazing work.
I was injured while shopping at the largest corporate stores in the US. Numerous attorneys at Kogan and DiSalvo helped settle my case with a positive outcome. They set a new standard for case review of unusual elements involving the injuries I sustain ed. After continual delays by the defendants,Tiffani held fast and resolved the issues through mediation. Kogan and DiSalvo came highly recommended by friends in the business. I would also like to recommend this group for your litigation needs.
We were very impressed with the way Rachel and her team handled my mother’s case. They were not only very detailed and professional, but were always available to answer questions and concerns.
I had the pleasure of having Amanda as my paralegal over my case and she made my experience a lot smoother. She was attentive and compassionate when speaking with me and explained the legal jargon seamlessly. Now that my case has finally wrapped up I can say that I would recommend Kogan & DiSalvo to anyone in need of personal injury representation. Yes they are a giant of a legal team but with a great team that feels personal to you.
If you’re reading this, in search of representation, I wish you the best and hope you choose a team that will passionately represent you.
From the moment I googled injury lawyers, the first name that appeared was Kogan & DiSalvo. I’ve seeing them painted in the back of the cross many times instantly felt a sense of relief that all that right away. Boy am I glad I trusted my instincts. From the initial phone call that I made at the time of my injury I was guided over the phone what to do. It was almost like having a family and solo me through a rather traumatic situation. My attorney Ted DiSalvo has been amazing, however I did most of my correspondence with Amanda Hudson (she was like a big sister) guiding me and reassuring me an answering every question that I had throughout this long process.
Kogan and DiSalvo they treated me like family from day one. If you are ever in a position that you need a great injury firm that pays closer attention to you then your own family; Kogan & DiSalvo is who you need to call. They will make sure that you do not get shorchanged . They will get you the money that you deserve.
Lastly I know I sound like a broken record but Amanda Hudson was amazing “you rock Amanda” You made this a truly great experience..
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