Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Pensacola, FL

Florida’s sunny climate and flat terrain are ideal for riding bicycles, but due to factors such as lack of designated bicycle lanes and the large number of tourists riding on unfamiliar roads, bicycle accidents are a major problem. Because cyclists have no protection in a crash, accidents involving bicyclists often result in serious injuries or death. Survivors may be left dealing with tremendous pain and suffering, and mounting medical, hospital, rehabilitation, and household bills, at a time they are unable to work.

If you or a loved one has been injured or someone has died in a bicycle accident due to another party’s negligence or fault, you may be entitled to compensation through insurance or a lawsuit. However the situation is complicated since Florida’s no-fault insurance law limits the ability of bicycle accident victims to take legal action against the at-fault driver; and to go beyond no-fault, specific conditions must be met. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims, make it seem like the accident was the fault of the bicyclist, or deny claims altogether.

Fortunately, you do not have to fight for fair compensation on your own. There is legal help available from the skilled Pensacola bicycle accident attorneys at Caldwell Wenzel and Asthana Personal Injury Lawyers. We know the laws, the tactics insurance companies use to avoid payment, and how to fight for the settlement you deserve.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to determine the best way to handle your case, so call us today.

After a serious bicycle accident in Florida, it is especially important to have a knowledgeable attorney working for you, due to the state’s modified comparative negligence rule. This rule reduces compensation based on degree of fault; if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from receiving any compensation at all. As a result, you should look for an attorney who has the essential knowledge, experience, and resources to investigate and prove another party negligent, negotiate a fair settlement, and litigate your claim if necessary.

Here are some reasons to choose Caldwell Wenzel and Asthana Personal Injury Lawyers to represent you:

• Our seasoned attorneys have the necessary experience. Attorneys C. Randall Caldwell, Jr., and Drew Wenzel and Dee Asthana have more than 25 years of combined legal experience and a long record of success both in and out of the courtroom.
• We have proven case results, getting the largest payouts possible, such as an $8 million medical malpractice case.
• We are highly recommended by many satisfied clients and offer an attorney referral program, receiving referrals from colleagues, past clients, lawyers, and judges.
• We know how to deal with insurance companies and how to negotiate to settle most cases out of court, but we are also successful litigators, fully prepared to take your case to trial.
• We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and there are no fees to you unless and until we win your case.

We are fully committed to our clients and fighting to get them the best settlement possible.

Florida is a no-fault insurance state and requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.  PIP coverage provides immediate medical and wage loss benefits to the policyholder, regardless of who is at fault. If you are a cyclist hit by a car, and you have PIP insurance coverage yourself, you can file a claim through your own car insurance policy. If you do not have this coverage, you may be able to make a PIP claim against the driver’s insurance policy. In such cases, consulting a qualified Pensacola car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim and ensure your rights are protected.

However, PIP coverage has its limitations and does not fully cover all medical expenses or lost wages. In cases where injuries are severe or a wrongful death occurs, bicyclists may receive a much better settlement through a personal injury lawsuit.

Florida law allows you to go beyond no-fault and file a lawsuit if you have suffered serious injuries (such as scarring, disfigurement, or loss of bodily function) due to another party’s negligence or fault. In a successful case, you may receive compensatory damages that cover all costs and losses you suffered from the accident — both your economic and noneconomic damages:

Economic damages are for your monetary losses, such as:

• Medical and rehabilitation costs, current and future
• Modifications to your home or vehicle, such as to accommodate a wheelchair
• Property damaged in the accident
• Lost income and future income if unable to work.

Non-economic damages are those that do not have a specific dollar value but negatively impact your quality of life and may include:

• Physical and emotional pain and suffering, depression and anxiety
• Loss of quality of life and consortium
• Permanent disability.

In some rare cases, where the responsible party acted with extreme recklessness or malice, you may also receive punitive damages, meant to discourage this type of behavior.

There is a wide range of damage amounts you could receive for a bicycle accident, depending on factors such as how the accident occurred, the severity of the injuries, the degree of fault and the clarity of liability, and the available insurance coverage and assets of the defendant. The knowledge and investigative and negotiating ability of your attorney are also factors.