Holding At Fault Drivers Accountable For Bicycle Accidents In Miami
Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. When bicycle accidents in Miami happen, it can result in severe, potentially fatal personal injuries. While reckless driving on the part of motorists is often to blame, victims and their families are often shocked that no criminal charges are filed in the case. Filing a bicycle accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver can provide a sense of justice while ensuring you get the compensation you need in the aftermath.
Two Killed In Fatal Miami Bicycle Accident, Driver Not Charged
A recent fatal bicycle accident in Miami claimed the lives of two local residents. While police detained the at-fault driver involved, no criminal charges were filed against him. According to a May 16, 2022 CBS Local News report, the crash happened on a Sunday afternoon on the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Early reports indicate that a man driving a Jeep on the Causeway near the start of the William Powell Bridge collided with a couple riding bicycles. No official cause has been released, but Miami Fire and Rescue confirms that both bicyclists died at the scene. The driver came to a stop, notified police, and remained to answer questions. An investigation is ongoing and while the driver received several undisclosed citations, no criminal charges have yet been filed in the case.
The area is a popular place for cyclists but the high speeds at which drivers typically travel create serious risks. There have been several fatal bicycle accidents in the area over the past several years, one involving a hit and run driver and another in which the driver was impaired.
How Bicycle Accident Victims And Their Families Can Get Justice
According to statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), roughly 800 bicycle accidents in Miami-Dade County happen each year. In the majority of cases, reckless driving is to blame but at fault motorists rarely face charges. This can be hard to take for victims and surviving family members in fatal bike accident cases. However, filing a bicycle accident lawsuit can provide a sense of justice and the compensation needed to recover in the aftermath.
Filing a bicycle accident lawsuit in Miami entitles you to different types of compensation, referred to as damages. This includes:
- Economic damages, compensating you for medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs, in the event of a fatal crash;
- Non-economic damages, compensating victims and their families for pain, suffering, and lost companionship or enjoyment in life;
- Punitive damages, which is an additional amount that punishes the at-fault driver for their willful and negligent behavior.
Reach Out To Our Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicycle accidents can have devastating impacts on victims and their families. At Pita Weber Del Prado, we help you get justice and the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. Call 305-670-2889 or contact our Miami personal injury lawyer online to request a consultation today.
Sources:
miami.cbslocal.com/2022/05/16/two-cyclists-killed-rickenbacker-causeway/
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
