Riding a bicycle can be recreational or for transportation. Cycling to work or around town is great exercise and an economical choice. Unfortunately, riding a bike can be risky, but there are ways to enhance safety. Bicycle safety is everyone’s responsibility. Drivers and riders all play a role in bicycle safety and preventative measures in Clermont. When you use a bicycle on busy streets, the danger level increases. People often rush and become distracted by work or errands, leading to accidents.
If you have been in a crash, a talented bicycle accident attorney could help you make sense of it all. If you are reading this before anything has happened, even better. There are measures you can take to ensure bicycle safety and prevent accidents. Whether an accident was preventable or not, having the right information helps either way.
Florida Law Protects Cyclists—But Accidents Still Happen
Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles, which means riders have the same rights—and responsibilities—as motor vehicle drivers. However, despite following bike safety and preventative measures, accidents still happen in Clermont, and a motor vehicle collision can leave a cyclist with life-changing injuries. Understanding your legal rights after a crash is crucial, especially if you need assistance with lost wages, medical bills, or long-term rehabilitation.
If a driver fails to yield, runs a stop sign, or is distracted, they could be held legally responsible. An experienced attorney could help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a case that accurately reflects what happened—not just what the insurance company wants to believe.
Simple Habits That Could Help Prevent a Crash
There are a few things you can do to be safe when it comes to operating a bicycle:
- Follow traffic laws
- Wear a helmet every time
- Ride with traffic, never against it
- Be visible, such as by wearing bright clothes
- Use lights and reflectors, especially at dawn or dusk
- Avoid busy roads when possible, even if it adds time
- Stay alert and assume drivers are not paying attention
- Signal turns clearly and make eye contact when possible
These tips might seem basic, but they are effective. If your kids are biking around Clermont, discuss bicycle safety and these preventative measures with them. One short conversation could prevent a serious injury.
Why Do Bike Accidents Still Happen?
Not all crashes in Clermont are the rider’s fault: most are probably not, despite them taking preventative measures and following bicycle safety. Perhaps a driver opened their car door without checking, someone sped through a stop sign, or the road design was unsuitable for bike traffic, such as being too narrow, lacking a bike lane, or poorly lit.
When that happens, you should not have to pay for someone else’s mistake. Florida follows comparative negligence laws under Florida Statutes § 768.81, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—depending on the details. That is where a lawyer comes in.
To Understand Bicycle Safety and Preventive Measures Better, Talk to a Clermont Bike Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a crash, things might feel confusing. You may be sore, overwhelmed, or unsure of whom to trust. We have compassion for that. At Largey Law, our personal injury lawyer understands bicycle safety and preventative measures in Clermont and could help you decide your next step.
You do not have to go through this alone. Contact us today to discuss how we could help you move forward.