Bicycle Accidents In Miami: Safety Tips To Reduce Your Risks
Riding a bike offers an inexpensive form of transportation, is a fun hobby, and has a variety of health benefits. However, it is important to be aware that bicycle accidents in Miami occur on an unfortunately frequent basis and are a leading cause of serious injury. To protect yourself when riding on local roads, be aware of the risks and follow our safety tips.
Miami Bicycle Accidents Pose Serious Injury Risks
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that more than 800 bicycle accidents in Miami-Dade County happen each year. That averages to more than two per day. While children and older adults are among the most common victims, they pose serious risks to riders of any age.
With little to protect them in a crash or collision, injuries suffered by bicyclists in even a relatively minor bike accident in Miami have the potential to be severe. Among the most common include:
- Multiple broken bones;
- Burns due to contact with hot engine parts or road surfaces;
- Severe cuts, capable of causing amputations and life-threatening infections;
- Head and brain injuries, which can cause long-term impairments;
- Abdominal injuries, resulting in internal bleeding and causing damage to internal organs;
- Spinal cord injuries, which can leave victims with permanent paralysis.
Safety Tips To Help Prevent Bicycle Accidents In Miami
Bicycling offers numerous health, financial, and environmental benefits. While Miami-Dade County encourages bicycling and provides bike lanes throughout the area, they also want cyclists to be aware of the risks and take proper safety precautions. This includes:
- Wear a helmet when riding: While the Florida Statutes only require helmets for bicyclists under 16, riders of all ages are encouraged to wear one as it significantly reduces serious head injury risks.
- Adjust your bike properly: The seat should be level, the handlebars within easy reach, and your feet should touch the ground but not drag.
- Maintain your bike: Lubricant chains, check tire air levels, and provide other maintenance regularly.
- Increase visibility: Wear light, bright colors when riding and use reflectors, headlights, and other gear to increase visibility with drivers.
- Use extra caution when riding at night: Riding at night is particularly dangerous, and bicyclists are advised to avoid it, if possible. If you must ride, stay off the road and take additional steps to increase visibility.
If a bicycle accident happens, try to get a description of the driver and vehicle. Unfortunately, hit-and-run bike accidents in Miami occur regularly. Notify the police, make sure an accident report is filed, and seek medical attention immediately.
Our Miami Serious Injury Lawyer Protects Your Rights
Bicycle accidents in Miami are common and can cause serious injuries that impact you and your family for years to come. At Pita Weber Del Prado, we protect your rights in filing a claim and help you get the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation with our Miami serious injury lawyers, call 305-670-2889 or contact our office online today.
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/recreation/bike305/bike-safety-tips.page
