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Heading to Florence Mall or commuting up to Cincinnati? It’s your responsibility as a driver to know the rules about sharing the road with bicyclists in Florence. Cyclists aren’t an interference or inconvenience on the road. Under Kentucky law, they are legally protected road users who have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers. When drivers get careless around bicycles, accidents happen, and serious injuries can follow.
A committed bicycle accident attorney can hold negligent drivers accountable when cyclists get hurt. At Busald Funk Zevely, we fight for those injured throughout the Commonwealth. If a driver violates the law and puts someone on a bike in harm’s way, we take action and get results.
Bicyclists Have the Same Rights as Drivers
Kentucky law classifies bicycles as vehicles under KRS 189.010, granting cyclists the full legal right to use public roads. They are required to follow traffic laws just like motor vehicle drivers, but that also means drivers must respect a cyclist’s space and treat them as equals when sharing the road.
Unless otherwise posted, cyclists may use most public roads and have no obligation to ride on sidewalks or shoulders. Drivers in Florence must yield when required, pass safely, and stay alert for cyclists, especially at intersections.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make Around Cyclists
Drivers in Florence all too often forget that they are sharing the road with people, not just other vehicles. A cyclist may be safely riding within the law, but all it takes is one careless move from a driver to cause life-changing injuries. The most frequent (and often preventable) driver behaviors include:
- Opening car doors into a bike lane without checking
- Passing too closely, often within a few feet of the cyclist
- Failing to check blind spots or side mirrors before turning
These behaviors are careless and may lead to fatal consequences. When a driver ignores basic safety rules and causes harm to a cyclist, that driver may face legal and financial accountability.
When is a Driver Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident?
Drivers in Kentucky owe cyclists a duty of care, and a breach of that duty gives cyclists the right to pursue compensation. When a driver causes a crash by failing to yield, speeding, drifting into a bike lane, or acting negligently in another way, the law holds them liable for the resulting injuries.
Under the Commonwealth’s comparative fault rules, a cyclist found partially at fault may still recover a portion of the damages. For example, they may have failed to signal, lacked proper visibility gear, or were not wearing a helmet. These factors do not place full responsibility on the cyclist. The driver may still share fault and owe a share of the damages.
Contact a Florence Attorney If a Negligent Driver Did Not Share the Road Causing an Accident
Respecting cyclists is not optional. It’s the law. If you or someone you love has been injured by a driver who failed to follow the rules about sharing the road with bicyclists in Florence, do not assume the insurance company will do the right thing. You need experienced, aggressive legal representation that will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our personal injury firm has worked with injured clients in Florence for decades. We know how to hold negligent people accountable, and we know how to win cases. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can start fighting for your rights.
