Bike Accidents and Crosswalks in Brevard County
Bicycles are an affordable and environmentally friendly form of transportation. Many people rely on bicycles to get them to and from school, work, and other destinations. Since bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles, there is always the risk of an accident, even when a bike is in a seemingly safe area, such as a crosswalk.
Unfortunately, bike accidents tend to be catastrophic for cyclists since a bike provides no protection from larger, heavier vehicles. The bike accident attorneys at Charpentier Law Firm, P.A., serving Melbourne, FL, Cocoa, FL, Titusville, FL, and surrounding areas, are happy to help victims of bike accidents involving crosswalks explore their right to financial compensation after a collision.
Are Bicyclists Considered Pedestrians?
Florida law recognizes a bicycle as a vehicle. As such, bicyclists have the right to use the road just like any other motor vehicle. There are also designated bike lanes available to bicyclists. While riding down the road or in a designated bike lane, cyclists are expected to follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles on the road.
Traffic laws dictate that bicyclists must travel with traffic, adhere to all posted traffic signs and lights, and signal before making a turn or stopping. Bicycles are also required to yield the right of way to any pedestrian on foot. By following these traffic laws, bicyclists can significantly decrease their risk of an accident.
Who Has the Right of Way?
In the state of Florida, pedestrians always have the right of way. Any motor vehicle or bike must stop and wait for pedestrians to cross through an intersection before proceeding themselves. After pedestrians, bicycles generally have the right of way. Traffic laws in Florida allow bicycles to travel on the sidewalk if there is no bike lane present. Cyclists can also ride their bike in a crosswalk. When traveling on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk, a bicycle is treated as a pedestrian.
Bicycles riding in a crosswalk have the right of way over a motor vehicle. However, bicyclists should be aware that they are still expected to adhere to traffic laws. Bicycles cannot travel through an intersection without yielding to pedestrians on foot. They also may not ride through a crosswalk against a traffic light or without adhering to posted signs, such as a stop sign.
Get the Help of an Attorney
Cyclists involved in an accident are likely to suffer from serious injuries that require costly medical care. The physical and financial damages of a bike accident can be devastating. If there are any questions regarding right of way or who is at fault for a bicycle accident in a crosswalk, victims should get the help of a knowledgeable attorney.
The bicycle accident attorneys at our law firm have a thorough understanding of Florida traffic laws. We can gather evidence to show liability in a bike accident. Our effective legal representation can be invaluable in getting our clients maximum compensation for bike accident damages.
Get Answers From An Expert Brevard County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and would like to learn how the attorneys at Charpentier Law Firm, P.A. can be of assistance, contact us at your earliest convenience, or call 321-308-8020 to schedule a personal consultation with a member of our legal team. We serve patients in Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF SUCCESS
IN BREVARD COUNTY
Over the past 40-plus years of helping Brevard County's injured and mistreated, our firm has obtained some $65 million in recoveries on behalf of our clients, highlighted by an $8 million product liability award in 2001.
The team at Charpentier Law Firm has the negotiation skills to reach favorable settlements in many cases, but also has the experience and perseverance to try a case to verdict whenever it is in the best interests of our clients. Our history of success illustrates our dedication to our clients and their pursuit of justice. Our personal injury attorneys in Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa are proud to offer superior legal representation to victims and their families throughout Brevard County and Central Florida.