Hit-and-run accidents can leave a bicyclist in dire straits. If you’re suffering from the effects of the collision, you deserve an advocate who will fight for justice as well as for the compensation that will help you heal. A Boynton Beach hit-and-run bicycle accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help.
When a driver causes mayhem and then leaves the scene, it can be challenging to seek compensation. A legal team with experience tracking down hit-and-run drivers can be beneficial. If we can locate the driver, we will hold them accountable. In cases where we can’t find the missing driver, you may still have options, and our Boynton Beach personal injury team would be happy to discuss them with you.
Compensation For Hit And Run Bicycle Accidents
Recoverable damages for a hit-and-run bicycle accident are similar to other personal injury cases. If we are able to file a lawsuit, you may collect economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include any out-of-pocket expenses you incur, including:
- Ambulance fees
- Medical costs
- Surgical costs
- Medications
- Medical equipment
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Property loss
- Lost wages
Non-economic damages are more challenging to estimate a value for as they don’t have a monetary base. This area of compensation includes more personal losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Scarring
Your lawyer will gather all documentation regarding your medical condition and the costs associated with your injuries to develop a fair estimate of your losses. Then, we will present it to the defendant’s insurance company or your own, depending on your options.
Benefits Of Having A Boynton Beach Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Securing legal assistance from a Boynton Beach bicycle accident lawyer can be beneficial. Our hit-and-run bike accident team will attend to all the details to build a solid case for you. Some of the actions we take may include:
- A complete investigation
- An attempt to locate the hit-and-run driver
- Review of the police report
- Compiling your medical records and expenses related to the accident
- Interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining available video surveillance of the area, if available
- Hiring an accident reconstruction expert (if necessary)
- Working with medical professionals to predict your recovery rate
If we locate the driver, our team will handle all communication with their insurance company or representative. This can include settlement discussions, although you will have the final decision on whether a settlement agreement is acceptable.
If necessary, we will file a lawsuit in civil court. We will ensure that we meet the filing deadlines for all documentation. Our team will represent you in all meetings and court appearances.
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Time Limits For Filing A Lawsuit
Per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you have up to four years to file a lawsuit in most bicycle accident cases. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, you might be limited to two years per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d). Failure to file on time might result in losing the ability to seek compensation.
Having a law firm representing your interests in hit-and-run bicycle accidents means they will ensure that your case meets all filing deadlines.
Finding A Missing Hit And Run Driver
Drivers involved in accidents are required to remain at the scene. There are several options for finding a missing driver, and a Boynton Beach hit-and-run bicycle accident lawyer can assist in the search.
Try to get a picture of the vehicle if you have a cell phone within reach. Witnesses may also be able to provide photos of the fleeing driver. If you can, try to get a good description of the vehicle, including the following:
- Make and model
- Age (new or older if you can’t specify a year)
- Color
- License plate number
- Identifying characteristics such as bumper stickers
- How they were driving (speeding, weaving, etc.)
Traffic Cams And Other Evidence
Boynton Beach has several traffic and weather cameras throughout the city. It is possible to request data from the camera surveillance using the date and time of your accident. These are often routinely deleted, so requesting footage as soon as possible after an accident is vital.
When you speak with the police, make sure to offer as much information as you can. When they broadcast a “Be on the lookout” (BOLO) notice, they can often locate a hit-and-run driver efficiently. Law enforcement personnel will also post notices at local repair shops. By reconstructing the accident, it is possible to pinpoint the type of damage a vehicle would have sustained based on the scene and the degree of your injuries.
It’s also possible that a driver may develop feelings of guilt and turn themselves in. If you cannot locate a hit-and-run driver, don’t give up. A hit-and-run car accident lawyer might still be able to offer options.
Why Drivers Might Leave The Scene
Florida Statutes § 316.027 states that it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident. Per the FLHSMV, the potential penalties for leaving the scene are severe. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents happen with alarming frequency. There are many reasons why drivers might flee, including:
- The driver is intoxicated
- The driver is uninsured
- The driver has a warrant out for their arrest
Many other factors may cause a driver to flee. They may face criminal charges in addition to being liable for the injuries they caused.
Lack Of Protection Means More Severe Injuries
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department (FLHSMV) reported nearly 500 bicycle accidents in Palm Beach County in 2022. Injuries were reported in more than 430 cases, with over a dozen resulting in death. There are several reasons that bicycle versus motor vehicle crashes can create catastrophic injuries for the bicyclist:
- Weight differential
- Lack of protective covering on a bicycle
- Lack of safety equipment for bike riders
While Florida has a bicycle safety helmet requirement, per Florida Statutes § 316.2065(3)(d), the statute only applies to riders under 16. When tangling with a passenger car or truck, a bicyclist stands little chance of being left unscathed, especially if they weren’t wearing a helmet.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Due to the size differential, bicyclists’ injuries can be severe when hit by a motor vehicle. Some of the common injuries are:
- Broken legs and arms
- Bruising, sprains, and strains
- Cuts, abrasions, and scrapes (road rash)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal injuries, including paralysis
- Neck injuries (whiplash)
- Amputations/loss of limbs
Helmets can help with head injuries, but they are not a failsafe. It is crucial to get medical attention following any hit-and-run bicycle accident. Even if you don’t seem to be injured, the effects of an accident can set in days later.
Contact A Boynton Beach Hit And Run Accident Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine have experience with Boynton Beach hit-and-run bicycle accidents. When you partner with our team, we understand the complexities of this type of case. Our team will work hard to locate the driver and get you the compensation you deserve.
