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When you are riding your bike in Florence, you should not have to worry about careless drivers or crumbling roads. Unfortunately, though, too many cyclists are injured each year due to entirely preventable mistakes. Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents in Florence can help you protect your rights after an accident and know when it might be appropriate to make a legal claim against a negligent party.
If you have been injured while riding, a dedicated bicycle accident attorney could fight for compensation on your behalf. The team at Busald Funk Zevely knows the law, and we know how to win cases against people who fail to protect people on bikes.
Most Bicycle Crashes are Caused by Driver Negligence
Despite what the insurance companies might want you to believe, most bike accidents are not the cyclist’s fault. The real danger often comes from the people behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Driver-caused bike accidents are all too common, and in many cases, are the direct result of negligence, distraction, or recklessness.
Some of the most common driver-related causes of bike wrecks in Florence include:
- Unsafe lane changes: Swerving into bike lanes or passing too closely
- Failure to yield: Turning left across traffic or rolling through stop signs
- Distracted driving: Texting, adjusting the radio, or simply not paying attention to the road
These behaviors are not just dangerous, they are illegal. Under KRS 189.290, drivers must operate their vehicles carefully and avoid actions that endanger other road users. When drivers fail to meet that duty of care, they can and should be held accountable.
Dangerous Road Conditions Can Also Play a Role
Sometimes, it’s not just a driver who might be at fault for a bike accident. It could even be the road itself. Crumbling infrastructure and inadequate signage can create serious risks for cyclists throughout Florence County.
Examples of hazardous cycling conditions include:
- Obstructed intersections where visibility is limited
- Potholes or crumbling shoulders that force riders into traffic
- Faded or missing bike lane markings that confuse riders and drivers
- Poor drainage that leads to slick roadways or puddles that hide dangers
Municipalities might try to claim immunity, but they can be legally responsible for these hazards in certain circumstances, especially if they ignored a known issue. These claims are complex and need an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle them. When public officials fail to maintain safe roads, we are ready to hold them accountable.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured in a Bicycle Crash?
After a bike crash, the priority should be everyone’s health and safety. Even if the injuries seem minor, an injured rider should get medical attention. Head injuries, internal trauma, and spinal damage are not always obvious right after a collision.
Once everyone is safe, a bike accident victim should:
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, vehicle, injuries, and road conditions
- Get witness contact info. Their statements could help a claim
- Do not give a statement to the insurance company. Let a lawyer handle that
- Talk to a legal team with experience in bicycle cases
Do not assume there is no claim because the rider is partially at fault. If someone else’s negligence caused the crash, the rider still deserves compensation. An experienced bike accident attorney can help maximize that compensation amount.
Hold Negligent Parties Accountable After One of These Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Florence
The common causes of bicycle accidents in Florence come down to one thing: negligence. Whether it was a distracted driver or a city that failed to fix the road, cyclists shouldn’t pay the price with their health and safety. Injuries can be life-changing, and the people responsible should be held accountable.
If you were injured in a bike crash in Florence, contact us today for a free consultation. We will take on the insurance companies and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
