When The Vehicle Driver Tries To Blame You For The Accident.

Traffic accidents involving bicycles often lead to severe injuries for the cyclist, and significant financial liability for the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To reduce their financial exposure, insurance companies may try to shift some or all of the blame onto the cyclist. Our Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers are highly experienced in identifying and countering these tactics. We understand how insurers attempt to manipulate Florida’s comparative negligence laws to minimize or deny rightful compensation, and we are committed to protecting our clients from these strategies.

Under Florida’s comparative negligence statute (§768.81), multiple parties can be assigned a percentage of fault in an accident. While this may seem fair in theory, insurance companies frequently use this law to their advantage by attempting to argue that the injured cyclist was primarily responsible. If they can convince you or the court that you were more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all. Without skilled legal representation, this tactic can be devastating for victims who are already dealing with pain, medical bills, and loss of income. Our Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers know how to challenge these claims and present clear, compelling evidence that holds the true at-fault party accountable.

In addition to comparative negligence laws, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws also play a role in bicycle accident claims. According to Florida statute 627.7407, every driver is required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection, (PIP) coverage. Many cyclists don’t realize is that they can carry the same PIP insurance as a cyclist, even if they don’t have a Florida driver’s license. If a cyclist has their own PIP coverage, it will cover the medical expenses up to the amount of the policy’s coverage. This includes lost wages, and property damage. Any damages that exceed PIP limits can then be pursued through a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t face the insurance company alone. Speak with our experienced Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers to ensure your rights are protected and your case is properly evaluated. Our initial consultation are free, and there are no out-of-pocket costs for our legal representation. We only get paid when you do.

As experienced personal injury attorneys, our Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers have helped thousands of clients identify and recover the full range of damages they are entitled to under Florida law. Many accident victims are unaware of the compensation they can legally claim and often underestimate how deeply their injuries and losses will affect their lives, both now and in the future. That’s why we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of every client’s case to ensure no area of compensation is overlooked. Below are the major categories of damages we explore while building a fair and accurate claim.

Pain and suffering is one of the most misunderstood yet significant categories of compensation. While it may seem subjective, courts and the legal community recognize standardized methods for calculating pain and suffering based on the severity of your physical injuries, ongoing medical conditions, and the emotional distress you’ve endured. Chronic pain, long-term disability, mental anguish, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are all important factors in determining these damages.

Medical care costs are often substantial for bicycle accident victims. These can include emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, long-term treatment, medications, and even transportation to and from appointments. We work closely with medical experts to accurately project not only your current bills, but the cost of all future care that your injuries may require.

Loss of personal property is another category we evaluate thoroughly. You are entitled to be compensated for the value of your damaged or destroyed bicycle, personal safety gear, and any other personal belongings you were carrying at the time of the accident.

Lost income is often one of the most financially devastating consequences of a serious bicycle accident. You may miss work for days, weeks, or even months during your recovery. In some cases, victims are unable to return to the same line of work due to physical limitations, forcing a career change or reducing earning potential. Under Florida law, you have the right to claim all income lost from the time of your injury and throughout the remainder of your working life if your ability to earn a living has been permanently affected.

In cases where the at-fault driver was driving in a particularly reckless way, was under the influence or fleeing the scene, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are designed to punish gross negligence or intentional misconduct and serve as a warning to others.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact our Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers today. We specialize in uncovering the full scope of damages and relentlessly pursue the maximum compensation you are legally entitled to. Your initial case review is completely free, and there are no out-of-pocket costs for our services. We only get paid when you get paid.

How Much Time Does It Take To Receive Compensation For Damages?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How long will it take to receive compensation after a bicycle accident?” At our firm, our Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers work diligently to secure fair compensation for our clients as quickly as possible. We understand how financially overwhelming an accident can be, especially when medical bills, lost income, and other expenses start piling up. The fastest path to compensation is typically through a negotiated settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. When a fair and properly calculated agreement is reached, clients can often receive their compensation within 60 to 90 days. However, formalities such as documentation processing or insurer delays can sometimes extend this timeframe.

In more complex cases, particularly those involving catastrophic injuries or substantial financial damages, insurance companies may deliberately stall negotiations to minimize their liability. They may request additional documentation, delay witness interviews, or use other tactics designed to slow down the process. When an insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, our only remaining option may be to file a lawsuit on behalf of our client.

Litigation is inherently more time-consuming due to court scheduling, pre-trial motions, discovery phases, and procedural requirements. Even after a favorable verdict is reached, the losing party has up to nine weeks to file post-trial motions. They may also request a new trial or appeal the decision, potentially restarting the legal process and adding months or even years to the timeline before compensation is received.

Despite these potential delays, our Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers are committed to advising each client based on the specific circumstances of their case. We outline all available legal options and recommend the approach most likely to achieve the best possible outcome in the shortest reasonable amount of time. Whether our client chooses to accept a settlement or pursue a court verdict, the decision is always theirs to make, and we’re prepared to stand by them every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact our Jacksonville bicycle accident attorneys for a free case review. There are no out-of-pocket costs for our legal services, and we only get paid if after you get paid.

What To Do When the Insurance Company Offers You A Big Check To Settle.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident and the insurance company quickly offers you a large settlement check, proceed with caution. While it may seem generous, this tactic is often used to settle claims before victims fully understand the true value of their losses. Insurance companies know that many individuals, especially those without legal representation will accept the first offer without realizing they may be entitled to significantly more compensation under Florida law. Accepting a quick payout without understanding your legal rights can be a costly mistake.

Our Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyers strongly recommend that you never agree to a settlement or sign anything until you’ve spoken with an experienced personal injury attorney. Most accident victims have little to no knowledge of what damages they are legally entitled to claim or how to properly calculate them. As with any major financial decision, it’s essential to consult a professional who can help you make an informed choice.

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our bicycle accident lawyers represent accident victims every day. We are deeply familiar with Florida’s personal injury laws and the various forms of compensation you may be entitled to. Medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and future financial losses are just a few examples of claimable financial and property losses. We’ll walk you through each area of potential recovery and ensure that your claim is based on accurate calculations and supported by strong evidence.

Being represented by a knowledgeable Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer not only ensures that your rights are protected, but it also sends a clear message to the insurance company that you are not settling for less than you are entitled to under the law. We know how to build legitimate, well-documented claims and insurers know we’re prepared to take a case to trial if necessary.

Before accepting any offer, contact McGRATH GIBSON LAW for a free consultation. There are no out-of-pocket costs for our representation, and we only get paid if you do. Let us help you get the full compensation you are legally entitled to.