Bradenton Bicycle Accident Risks: How To Protect Your Rights To Compensation
Manatee County is a beautiful place to live. The year-round sunshine and scenic routes make bicycling a popular hobby, but it is important to bear in mind the risks.
Bicycle accidents in Bradenton are alarmingly common and can leave bicyclists suffering potentially devastating harm. In many cases, negligence on the part of other drivers is responsible. Our Bradenton bicycle accident lawyer wants you to know the risks and how to protect your rights in a claim.
Bicycle Accidents In Bradenton Cause Devastating Harm
A recent bicycle accident in Manatee County claimed the life of a 73-year-old Palmetto man. According to a December 27, 2024, Bradenton Herald news report, the crash happened at the corner of U.S. 19 and 61st Street East in Palmetto.
As the man rode his bike on 61st Street and attempted to cross the intersection, he was struck by a 26-year-old Tampa man driving a sedan and headed northbound on U.S. 19. The sedan driver was unharmed, but the cyclist suffered fatal injuries. Police confirm the victim was wearing a bicycle helmet at the time but have released no other details and are continuing to investigate.
Unfortunately, this type of preventable tragedy occurs regularly on roads throughout the Bradenton area. Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that nearly 120 bicycle accidents in Manatee County happen each year and claim the lives of as many as 10 people. Negligence on the part of drivers is often to blame. Reckless driving behaviors that can leave bicyclists suffering devastating harm include:
- Speeding and going too fast for traffic conditions;
- Running red lights and stop signs;
- Distracted driving, which can cause you to swerve into bike lanes;
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections;
- Aggressive driving, such as tailgating or cutting off cyclists;
- Driving under the influence, which poses risks to everyone on the road, especially vulnerable cyclists.
Your Rights In A Bradenton Bicycle Accident Claim
Under the Florida Statutes, bicyclists must follow the same rules as any other road user. To reduce your risk of bicycle accidents in Bradenton, wear a safety helmet, follow all traffic signs and signals, use bike lanes when possible, and wear light colors to increase visibility.
If you or someone you love gets injured in a Bradenton bike accident, you have the right to hold at-fault drivers accountable. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your legal rights in a claim:
- Report any accident immediately to law enforcement;
- Get the driver’s contact, vehicle registration, and insurance information;
- Get contact information for witnesses and take photos to document the scene;
- Seek medical attention and follow doctor instructions regarding recovery and activity restrictions.
Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Bradenton Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents in Bradenton can cause devastating injuries. Steven G. Lavely fights for injured victims and their families, providing the experienced legal representation needed to get compensation in a claim. To protect your rights, contact our office. Schedule a consultation today with our Bradenton bicycle accident lawyer.
Sources:
bradenton.com/news/local/article297665403.html
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2065.html
