Bicycling is a fun and healthy way to travel Florida's roads. Unfortunately, it can also be very dangerous when bicyclists encounter drivers who aren't paying attention or resent bicyclists for taking up space on "their" road. Despite ongoing campaigns by Florida transit agencies reminding us to share the road, too many drivers simply fail to see bicyclists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 773 bicyclists were killed in accidents in 2006, and another 44,000 were injured. And unfortunately, the agency says Florida led the nation in rate of fatal bicycle accidents, with 7.3 fatalities per million citizens that year.

With nothing more than a helmet to protect them, cyclists sustain far more severe injuries in an accident than the drivers who hit them. Even a bicyclist hit by a car traveling at neighborhood-appropriate speeds can sustain severe injuries like broken bones, brain injuries and paralysis. These are severe injuries that can require months for a full recovery; some leave their victims permanently disabled. In addition to being painful and taking victims away from work and other daily activities, this can also be very expensive. Hospitalization, physical therapy, surgery and other treatments can quickly add up to six figures, even with health insurance.

It's bad enough when these injuries stem from what was truly an accident. But if you were hit by a careless or reckless driver, you have the right to hold that person responsible for the results of his or her actions. A Florida bicycle accident lawsuit allows you to claim the costs of all of your medical bills -- past and future -- the wages you lost and any other costs related to the accident. You can also recover damages for intangible losses like a permanent disability or your pain and trauma.

If you're considering a bicycle accident claim, you should call the Law Offices of Cohn, Smith & Cohn as soon as possible to set up a free evaluation of your case. We are a Florida personal injury law firm that has handled bicycle accident lawsuits and other personal injury claims for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you negotiate with the driver's insurance company -- even when it tries to blame you for your injuries -- and if necessary, take it to court to get you full compensation for your injuries. We are committed to getting you the best possible financial compensation.

If you were injured or you recently lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, contact us online or call us at 954-431-8100 or 305-624-9186 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.