Bicycling is an excellent form of exercise, and a healthy, cost effective mode of transportation. Here in the Sunshine State, we are lucky to have great year round weather making cycling a popular activity.
If you are one of the many cyclists on the road, Orlando personal injury attorney Jeff Badgley advises that you follow the best practices in bicycle safety.
Still, even the most safety-conscious person can find themselves involved in an accident. The number of large trucks on the road is increasing, and so are the number of bicycle-truck accidents.
Earlier this year a 72 year old man was struck and killed on U.S. 27 in Ocala, when a box truck swerved off of the road and on to the shoulder bumping the bicyclist from behind and throwing him off of his bike. The driver was later cited for failure to maintain a single lane, and not wearing his glasses when operating a motor vehicle. The gentleman on the bike was wearing a helmet.
The American Trucking Association reports an estimated 3 million commercial trucks drive on our country’s roadways to move 9.2 billion tons of freight every year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 4,000 people (about 11 people a day) lose their lives in trucking accidents each year and 100,00 are injured. There is no doubt that more needs to be done to ensure public safety on our roadways and to minimize the number of bike collisions with trucks.
Most of us will travel safely alongside these trucks but, if you are a victim of a truck vs bicycle accident there are some things to keep in mind.
Here are some steps to take if your bicycle is hit by a truck:
- Assess yourself for injuries
- Call 911 to report the accident and get medical help
- Use your mobile phone to document the scene with video and photos
- Don’t discuss the accident with an insurance company before you’ve spoken with an attorney
Then… Hire the right attorney!
Jeff Badgley is a board certified civil trial attorney, which means he’s trained and willing to go to court rather than settle when an insurance company’s settlement offer is lower than the value of your case. When you’re researching attorneys, be sure to choose an attorney who can effectively present your case to a judge and jury. Choose a board certified trial attorney!
Also, Badgley’s expertise in trucking accidents is extensive as he previously represented large trucking companies. Now a staunch advocate for people who have been injured in truck accidents, his knowledge of these cases is instrumental in providing the best possible financial outcome for victims. If you or a loved one has been hit by a truck while cycling, contact Orlando attorney Jeff Badgley today.