Lakeland Personal Injury Attorneys Near You
At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our Lakeland injury attorneys have one goal: To seek maximum compensation for each client’s losses. If you have been injured in Lakeland, FL contact us for a free consultation today.
Speak to a Nearby Personal Injury Attorney in Lakeland, FL Immediately
If you are struggling to cope with the fallout from an injury near Lakeland, you know that the process can be exhausting. Going to the doctor. Getting your car or bike repaired. Explaining to your employer that you need more time off from work.
These tasks just scratch the surface of everything that is involved in recovering from traumatic injuries resulting from someone else’s mistake or neglect.
At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our Lakeland personal injury lawyers understand what you are going through, and we are here to help make the process as quick and painless as possible. We have been helping injured victims in Lakeland for decades. Let us help you pursue the compensation that you deserve.
Call us 24/7 at 863-688-7464 to get your FREE case review.
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Some Actual Examples of Injured Clients We Have Helped
Types of Lakeland Personal Injury Cases We Most Often Handle
Our Lakeland injury firm has been fighting for Polk County car accidents and injured victims for many decades. Many of our clients are residents of Polk County. Here are some examples of Polk County clients who were injured and who requested our personal injury law firm’s help to get them compensation for their injuries. Whether you’re looking for a Lakeland car accident lawyer, Lakeland motorcycle accident attorney, Lakeland slip and fall lawyer, Lakeland wrongful death lawyer, or a Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer, we are here to ensure you are properly compensated, and your rights are protected.
Recent Car Accident Settlement Example
$250,000/Car Accident
Our client was driving her vehicle with several family members on a clear sunny afternoon. As our client came up behind a truck towing a trailer, she was unexpectedly confronted with a dump truck, heading in the opposite direction, that was drifting into her lane. The dump truck side-swiped the truck in front of our client and began to approach our client in a head-on collision. Our client swerved to her right to avoid the head-on collision, but her vehicle sustained a side impact that forced the vehicle off the road and into the unpaved shoulder before coming to a rest.
Police and emergency personnel responded to the accident scene and our client was quickly taken to the nearest emergency room. The driver of the dump truck was ultimately arrested and charged with driving under the influence. While at the hospital, she underwent several diagnostic tests that revealed multiple rib fractures and a fracture of a thoracic vertebrae. Our client’s emergent condition was monitored by hospital staff until she was stabilized and then she was discharged. Following her discharge from the emergency room, she was taken under the care of an osteopathic physician. She underwent several weeks of different treatment modalities and was fortunately able to make a good recovery from her injuries.
After the client hired our firm, we quickly contacted the insurance company for the dump truck and clearly demonstrated that their driver was not only negligent, but he was under the influence of alcohol while on the clock. Supported by our client’s severe injuries, we made an aggressive demand to the insurance company for payment within a short deadline, and the insurance company ultimately met that deadline by agreeing to pay $250,000. The insurance company decided that it would be in their best interest to meet our demand instead of defending a lawsuit from our law firm. Our client was pleased with the case result and the relatively rapid progression of the case.
$750,000 Multiple Injuries After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Polk County
Client’s vehicle was rear ended by the defendant, which resulted in multiple injuries.
The Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Attorneys and Injury Law Team
“A system of hiring an attorney on an hourly basis rewards inefficiency, creates delays and commonly creates negative issues between the lawyer and the client. Representing clients on a contingency basis in which the law firm earns a percentage of the settlement, however, is much more rewarding for the client and the injury attorneys.”
Client Services Manager
Kelly Anne Kelly
As a Client Services Manager, Kelly’s focus is to enhance client satisfaction by continuously looking for ways to fulfill clients’ needs and concerns.
Maximize Your Injury Settlement by Hiring Our Law Firm.
Here are examples of initial insurance company offers compared to the final settlement we obtained for our injured clients.
Initial Offer | Final Result | The AU Difference |
---|---|---|
$1,500,000 | $5,000,000 | $3,500,000 |
$0 | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
$300,000 | $1,600,000 | $1,300,000 |
$0 | $1,575,000 | $1,575,000 |
$675,000 | $1,330,000 | $655,000 |
$0 | $1,260,000 | $1,260,000 |
$450,000 | $1,250,000 | $800,000 |
$300,000 | $1,074,168 | $774,168 |
$500,000 | $1,000,000 | $500,000 |
$80,000 | $938,077 | $858,077 |
$125,000 | $690,000 | $565,000 |
$7,500 | $650,000 | $642,500 |
$50,000 | $775,000 | $725,000 |
$58,644 | $525,000 | $466,356 |
$9,000 | $450,000 | $441,000 |
$55,000 | $455,000 | $400,000 |
$65,000 | $650,000 | $585,000 |
$55,000 | $500,000 | $445,000 |
What Our Clients Say:
Our Lakeland Personal Injury Law Firm Office Near You
100 S Kentucky Ave Suite #295,
Lakeland, FL 33801
Do I Need an Attorney for My Lakeland Personal Injury Claim?
When you get injured and it’s someone else’s fault, you are entitled to seek financial compensation for all of your incident-related losses.
This includes not only your outstanding medical bills and the costs to repair your vehicle (if you were injured in a collision), but your future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses as well.
It takes an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer near you to calculate the total losses resulting from a traumatic injury – without legal representation, you will almost certainly end up with less than you deserve.
Remember, when you file an insurance claim – even when you file a claim with your own insurance company – the insurance company is not on your side.
The adjuster will not make sure you understand your rights, and you will be pressured to settle quickly before you know the true extent of your harm.
Can Delays Hurt My Lakeland Personal Injury Claim?
Yes, there are a number of different ways that delays can potentially hurt your claim for financial compensation. First, after a Lakeland injury, you need to collect evidence to establish liability.
If you wait too long, this evidence could vanish. Similarly, if you wait to seek medical attention, your doctor may not be able to conclusively link the incident to your injuries.
In addition, under Florida law, there is a time limit for filing a personal injury claim (known as the “statute of limitations”), and if you miss the window to file your claim you could lose your rights entirely.
At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we specialize in representing personal injury victims and their families, including those involved in car accidents in Florida. Our skilled team of Florida car accident lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. We know what is at stake, and we can take action quickly to preserve your claim for compensation.
Call us 24/7 at 863-688-7464 to get your FREE case review.
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Is It Expensive to Hire an Experienced Lakeland Personal Injury Lawyer?
No. Or, at least, it shouldn’t be. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we handle all personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- There are no up-front costs.
- There are no monthly legal bills.
- There are no fees or costs of any kind unless we win your case.
If we succeed in securing an insurance settlement or a verdict at trial, your legal fees will be a percentage of the amount we recover on your behalf. If we don’t win, you don’t pay any fees or costs.
You decide when (and if) to settle, and we will make sure you know exactly how much you can expect to take home so that you can make an informed decision about resolving your claim.
Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in Lakeland, FL, you could have the legal right to recover financial compensation for your damages.
Faced with a growing pile of medical bills and no way to pay your rent or mortgage payment, you could be facing financial and emotional trauma along with the physical pain you’re enduring.
The good news is that, depending on the details of your case, you could be legally entitled to recover the cost of your medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
A Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer from Abrahamson & Uiterwyk can provide the assistance and support you need. We help protect your legal rights and fight to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
The Serious Risk of Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Lakeland
If you ride a motorcycle in Lakeland or the surrounding areas of Polk County, you face a fairly significant risk of being in an accident and suffering serious (or even fatal) injuries as a result.
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), Polk County was home to almost 300 motorcycle crashes in 2019 alone. Of those, more than 30 accident victims lost their lives that year.
Compared to other U.S. states, the Sunshine State is home to some of the highest motorcycle accident rates in the country. Favorable weather and plenty of open roadways make our state especially popular with bikers.
Research from the Governors Highway Safety Association regularly ranks us as one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders, with motorcyclist fatalities making up almost 20% of our state’s annual traffic fatalities, despite motorcycles making up only about 3% of the state’s registered vehicles.
Florida motorcycle accident fatality data from Ride Smart Florida (the communication and outreach extension of the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition) demonstrates just how serious motorcycle crash injuries can be.
Although motorcycle crashes account for a relatively low percentage of overall motorized vehicle crashes in Florida, these accidents are responsible for a substantially higher percentage of traffic fatalities.
Source: https://ridesmartflorida.com/crashes-over-time
So, although you might not face a hugely inflated risk of being involved in a bike crash, you do face a significantly higher risk of dying as a result of any crash you may be involved in.
Taking extra precautions on the roadway is second nature to most bikers. No matter how cautious you might be, however, your life could change in an instant if you become the victim of someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions on the roadway.
Call us 24/7 at 800-538-4878 to get your FREE case review.
What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents in Lakeland, FL
One of the most common accident types we see at our Florida personal injury law office is motorcycle accidents. Bikers are more vulnerable than other drivers and motorcycle crashes can lead to serious accidents and injuries, even if the motorcyclist is wearing a helmet. Common injuries in motorcycle crashes include road rash abrasions, broken bones, and head injuries. All of these can require significant medical treatment. If the motorcycle accident was caused due to the negligence of a Lakeland driver who was distracted or made an illegal driving maneuver the biker could be entitled to receive compensation to help cover medical bills, loss of wages, and other costs related to the bike accident. If you are a motorcyclist in Lakeland, Florida who has been injured in a crash we urge you to reach out to the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk for a free case consultation.
Who Has Liability for Your Motorcycle Accident & Injury Claim?
Many Lakeland motorcycle crashes occur as a result of negligence or wrongful actions on the part of other motorists.
Other accidents happen due to poorly marked streets, neglected maintenance, highway construction, or other roadway hazards. Even faulty vehicle manufacturing and components can cause serious injury accidents for bikers.
If your accident may have been caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful actions, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. To negotiate a settlement or be successful in court, you must establish liability for your injuries.
Lakeland motorcycle accident attorneys typically prove liability by demonstrating the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care,
- Breach of duty,
- Causation, and
- Actual damages.
Motorists have a duty (a legal obligation) to exercise reasonable care when driving on the roadways and to act in a way that allows them to avoid causing harm to motorcycle riders, other drivers, and others on the road.
If a driver breaches their duty and, as a result, their actions lead to an accident, that driver is liable for any actual (demonstrable) damages that result.
In addition to motorists, there are other parties who have a duty of care to bikers. Commercial and public transportation companies must operate their vehicles safely to reduce the risk of harm.
Lakeland and other cities must maintain the roadways in good condition and provide safe, appropriate lighting and signage.
Contractors have an obligation to clearly mark areas of road construction and to barricade areas when workers are present. If any of these parties breach their obligations, they could have liability for your damages.
Will You Have to Go to Court for Your Lakeland Motorcycle Accident?
Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers recognize the importance of building a persuasive, well-documented case.
Your attorney will build the strongest possible claim on your behalf and submit it to the at-fault party’s insurance company with a demand letter. From that point, the insurance company should begin to negotiate a potential settlement.
In most cases, attorneys successfully negotiate a settlement for injury victims with the insurance company.
This ensures that you get cash in hand as quickly as possible and avoid the hassle and delay that going to court can cause. Sometimes, however, your attorney might recommend filing a lawsuit and pursuing compensation that way.
Do You Have to Hire a Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Although you are not legally obligated to have an attorney to pursue a motorcycle injury settlement or even to file a civil suit, having an experienced Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer on your side provides many advantages.
When you choose an experienced personal injury lawyer from Abrahamson & Uiterwyk to handle your case, you will benefit in many significant ways.
Immediately, you will have the benefit of knowing our entire team is on your side. We work tirelessly to get you justice and help you pursue fair financial compensation for your damages.
These are just a few of the benefits we provide our Lakeland motorcycle accident clients:
- We investigate and document your case;
- We establish fault and liability for your damages;
- We handle every aspect of your case;
- We deal with all parties, including the insurance company;
- We help protect your legal rights; and
- We provide exceptional communication.
Our extensive network of resources will help us build your case and document your damages. We level the playing field for you with our extensive background and in-depth knowledge of the legal process and the local court system.
We make it clear to the insurance company that they must negotiate a settlement in good faith. Otherwise, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court.
Calculating the Value of Your Motorcycle Injury Claim
When we calculate the value of your motorcycle injury claim, we identify and document all your damages. You may be entitled to recover some or all of the following:
- Emergency medical transportation and treatment,
- Physician and surgeon services,
- Hospital and surgical costs,
- Medication and assistive devices,
- Physical therapy and rehab,
- Lost income and benefits,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional trauma,
- Diminished quality of life, and
- Diminished earning capacity.
If your injuries require future treatment or if you cannot return to work, we will also project the cost of any future care and loss of income. We can also incorporate into your settlement claim the value of any permanent damage or disability you sustained.
Our goal is to recover financial compensation that allows you to get the comprehensive medical treatment you need while covering expenses until you can get back on your feet.
We will handle all aspects of the negotiation process, so you can focus on the important task of recovering and healing from your injuries.
Talk to a Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
You do not have to face this difficult situation on your own. The experienced personal injury attorneys in Lakeland, FL provide compassionate and aggressive representation tailored to your needs.
We provide a free consultation and case evaluation, and we never collect any legal fees or costs until we recover compensation for you.
Contact us now to schedule your consultation or to speak directly with one of our Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers today. If you have been in a car accident in Polk County, contact a Polk County, FL auto accident lawyer today.
Lakeland Slip and Fall Attorneys
Slip and fall accidents are a common source of injury in every state. Each year, over a million people around the country experience a slip and fall injury.
People can sustain a wide range of injuries in a slip and fall accident, from minor bruises to broken bones, head injuries, and more.
If you or someone you know recently suffered a slip and fall accident, it is a good idea to talk to a Lakeland slip and fall lawyer about how you might receive compensation.
Types of Slip and Fall Cases We Handle
Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has achieved excellent results in a wide range of slip and fall cases. We have experience helping clients with:
- Slippery or unsafe surfaces;
- Wet floor accidents; and
- Falls on escalators or stairs.
We have fought to get compensation for clients with a wide range of injuries. This includes short-term injuries as well as injuries that become long-term issues, such as chronic knee injuries. Whatever your situation, our firm has the experience you are looking for to achieve optimal results.
Florida Slip and Fall Settlements
The amount of your settlement and how quickly you are able to resolve your case depends on the details of your situation. Disputes over certain facts surrounding your slip and fall can cause your case to take longer to reach a settlement.
For example, if it is not clear that the owner of the property where you fell is at fault, you will have to establish fault before you can reach a settlement. Maybe the negligence of a third party other than the property owner is arguably the cause of your accident.
In addition, the negligent party can claim that you were not lawfully on the premises when you slipped and fell. You will have to resolve this issue before you can settle your case. Other factors that can affect the amount of your settlement or the length of your case include:
- Whether your own negligence contributed to the accident;
- Disputes about damages; and
- The severity of your injuries.
The Lakeland slip and fall lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk will help you resolve the disputed issues in your case in the most beneficial way possible.
Comparative Fault
Florida is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found to be no more than 50% at fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by the same proportion as your percentage of fault. As an example, if you are found to be 20% at fault in an accident, you may still recover 80% of your damages in a lawsuit. If, however, your percentage of fault is found to be more than 50%, you are barred from any recovery under the law.
What Kind of Damages Can I Receive?
Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages cover financial losses that occurred as a result of your accident.
If you could not work because of the injuries you sustained in your fall, you can get compensation for lost wages as part of your damages award. In addition, your medical bills may be covered by your settlement.
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that are not financial. These damages include:
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of enjoyment of life; and
- Mental suffering caused by your injuries.
It can be difficult to estimate the monetary value of these categories of damages. For example, if you can no longer engage in an activity that you once enjoyed, it is hard to calculate a financial value that compensates you for the loss of enjoyment of that activity.
The experienced Lakeland slip and fall attorneys in our office will fight for you to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
If you have not done so already, you should seek medical attention for any injuries or pain. Your health and well-being should always be the first priority. Even if you are only experiencing minor pain and do not think you have any serious injuries, you should see a doctor.
This is especially true when it comes to head injuries. Sometimes concussion symptoms do not become apparent right away. Fast treatment is the key to a complete recovery after a slip and fall that results in a head injury.
A doctor will also keep medical records of your injuries and treatment, and these documents can be useful if you decide to file a lawsuit. Records of treatment can help you prove the amount of damages the other party owes you for your medical bills.
Medical records and a doctor’s diagnosis can also help you establish that the fall, and not a prior accident, caused your injuries.
It can also be useful to write out a description of the accident as soon as possible. Your memory can fade over time, and you never know which details can prove useful to your case.
Recording your recollections in writing can be useful evidence if you cannot recall the exact details at a later date. Think about where on the premises you slipped.
Record the time and date to the best of your ability. Were there wet floor signs or other warnings of dangerous conditions? Did anyone else witness the accident?
Finally, contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident can help. The Lakeland slip and fall attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk know how to gather evidence and take witness statements before too much time has passed after the accident.
Why Abrahamson & Uiterwyk?
Abrahamson & Uiterwyk will handle your case with a level of compassion and integrity. We make sure we are available to answer your questions throughout your case, and we will advocate aggressively for your rights.
Our attorneys have more than three decades of experience handling personal injury claims, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial. We have a long history of satisfied clients and impressive results, including:
- $689,000 slip and fall: Client sustained a back injury after a slip and fall at Walmart;
- $650,000 trip and fall: Client tripped over cables and fell headfirst into a concrete barrier; and
- $300,000 trip and fall: Client tripped and fell over a rolled-up rug and sustained shoulder and wrist injuries, both requiring surgery.
These are just a few examples of the results we have achieved for our clients. Call or text our office today to start discussing your slip and fall case with a personal injury attorney in Lakeland.
Call us 24/7 at 800-538-4878 to get your FREE case review.
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Lakeland Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you lost a family member in an accident that someone else caused, you might be considering your options for taking legal action.
In Florida, injury accident victims can lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes, construction accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and falls, or virtually any other scenario. No matter how your loved one lost their lives, your family deserves justice and fair financial compensation for your loss.
No settlement or jury award can bring your loved one back. However, an experienced attorney can help you hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions and pursue compensation for your damages. Contacting a Lakeland wrongful death attorney from Abrahamson & Uiterwyk can help you understand your options and get started with the legal process.
What Are Some Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Lakeland?
Although any type of personal injury accident can result in the victim’s death, these are some of the most common causes:
- Car accidents,
- Motorcycle accidents,
- Bicycle accidents,
- Pedestrian accidents,
- Construction accidents,
- Medical malpractice,
- Slip and fall accidents
- 18-wheeler accidents (truck accidents), and
- Defective product accidents.
Whatever the circumstances of your loved one’s fatal injuries, a Lakeland wrongful death attorney can help you learn more about your options for taking action against the at-fault party.
Am I Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Florida, a wrongful death claim can be filed only by a designed personal representative of the victim’s estate. The victim’s spouse, children, and parents are typically the beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim. However, other family members may be entitled to recover damages, depending on their relationship to the victim. An attorney can evaluate the details of your situation to help you determine your rights to pursue legal action under the law.
Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after any personal injury accident can help ensure you don’t lose your right to pursue a claim.
How Can a Lakeland Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?
When you trust Abrahamson & Uiterwyk to handle your wrongful death claim, we will work tirelessly to bring you justice.
We handle every aspect of your case, from beginning to end. This allows you to have the time you need with your family. We put our network of resources to work on your behalf, investigating the circumstances of your loved one’s injury accident and compiling the evidence necessary to build the strongest possible case. We handle all contact and interaction with the insurance company and other involved parties, providing you with updates along the way.
Once we document your case and all your damages, we submit a demand to the at-fault party’s insurance company. In most cases, we successfully negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. If necessary, however, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.
During the past three decades, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has represented more than 20,000 clients, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars on their behalf.
Our past case results demonstrate our commitment to getting justice for our clients and holding at-fault parties accountable for their actions. Although these results might not indicate any particular outcome for your case, you can rest assured that we will take every possible step to seek the compensation you deserve for your economic and non-economic damages.
What is the Value of My Wrongful Death Claim?
To determine the value of your wrongful death claim, we begin by identifying the damages you suffered as a result of your family member’s death. Depending on the details of your case, you could be entitled to pursue damages that include the following:
- Funeral expenses,
- Mental pain and suffering,
- Lost income,
- Loss of household support,
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and protection,
- Loss of guidance and counsel, and
- Loss of inheritance.
You could also be entitled to pursue other types of damages, such as lost accumulation of value of the victim’s estate and any medical expenses you incurred due to the victim’s treatment before their death. To better understand the potential value of your claim, contact one of our Lakeland wrongful death attorneys today.
How Will My Attorney Prove My Wrongful Death Claim?
This complex area of the law can pose significant challenges when you attempt to establish liability for wrongful death. Our experienced attorneys understand these challenges and know what’s necessary to build the strongest possible case.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the victim’s injuries, we may need to demonstrate the elements of negligence.
For example, if your loved one died as a result of a car accident or medical malpractice, we must demonstrate that the at-fault party’s negligent or wrongful actions—such as impaired, distracted, or reckless driving—caused the victim’s death. If the victim died as a result of a slip and fall accident, we must demonstrate how the property owner failed to maintain their property properly or failed to provide adequate warning of a hazard.
Every case is unique and requires a carefully crafted legal strategy. The experienced wrongful death lawyers of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk take a highly personalized approach, ensuring the best possible outcome for you.
Contact a Lakeland Wrongful Death Lawyer Now for Help
Contact us today. Why? Time is of the essence after any type of wrongful death accident. Before you speak to the insurance company or consider accepting any settlement officer, contact a Lakeland wrongful death attorney from Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. For more than three decades, we have fought to get justice for our clients. We are known for our highly personalized level of service and our ability to get results.
We offer a free consultation and case evaluation. We evaluate the details of your case and help you understand your options for pursuing a claim. We will answer your questions and explain your options, so you can make the best choice for yourself, your family, and your future.
Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you with a wrongful death claim in Lakeland.
Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Being in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. Unfortunately, Florida ranks as one of the top states for bicycle accidents.
With such great weather throughout much of the year, it is no surprise that there are so many cyclists on the road.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2020 crash report, there were 5,934 bicycle accidents and 160 deaths that year.
If you are one of the thousands injured in a bicycle accident, seek legal support from an experienced Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What Are Your Options After a Bicycle Accident?
If you are in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand your legal options. If your injuries were caused by the negligence of another person or entity, you may be entitled to compensation.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, expenses related to treatment, and your prognosis, you may require more compensation than what an insurance company is willing to give you.
Do not settle for less than you deserve. Your best option is to talk to an experienced Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer to evaluate the best course of action for your case.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lakeland
There are a lot of potential threats for bicyclists. Riding a bike is a vulnerable activity. Even with the addition of protective gear such as a helmet and pads, you are still very exposed and not always easy to see in traffic. There are several common causes of bicycle accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle collisions. These accidents also include bicycles. The most common cause of distracted driving is using the phone to text, email, or dial a number.
Lane Splitting and Driving Too Close
Cars and cyclists make the common mistake of riding too close to one another. This can be the fault of either party. Bicycle riders who split lanes of traffic put themselves in a dangerous position, just as vehicles that ride too close to bicycles are also more likely to have a collision.
Inclement Weather and Dangerous Road Conditions
Weather can cause slippery and unpredictable conditions. The most common issues are reduced visibility and brake malfunctions. Wet brakes and roadways can cause problems for both cyclists and car drivers.
Driving Impaired
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or in any other state of decreased alertness can greatly increase the chances of an accident. Bicycles are already difficult to see.
When a driver is impaired, they are less likely to notice the details of traffic around them and respond quickly to dangerous situations.
Riding in a Vehicle’s Blind Spot
When a driver can’t see a bicycle, they can’t be expected to respond appropriately to the proximity of the cyclist. Accidents often happen when the driver tries to change lanes and does not see the bicycle.
Speeding
High-speed accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries. Speeding increases the amount of time it takes to come to a stop or react quickly. Even low-speed accidents can cause death. High-speed accidents are often fatal.
Running a Red Light or a Stop Sign
Failing to obey traffic laws is a common cause of many vehicle accidents. When a vehicle hits a bicycle in an intersection, it is often severe.
Proving Fault in a Bicycle Accident
Florida is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found to be no more than 50% at fault for the injuries, your recovery is reduced by the same proportion as your percentage of fault. As an example, if you are found to be 20% at fault in an injury, you may still recover 80% of your damages in a lawsuit. If, however, your percentage of fault is found to be more than 50%, you are barred from any recovery under the law.
What Kind of Compensation is Available for a Bicycle Accident?
If you are injured due to the negligent behavior of another person or entity, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover damages.
Economic Damages
The actual monetary expenses associated with your injury and property damage are called “economic damages.” These damages cover costs that have a tangible number associated with them. Some examples include:
- Medical treatment,
- Physical therapy,
- Property damage, and
- Lost wages.
You should not have to be responsible for expenses that you would not have incurred had the other party not acted negligently.
Non-Economic Damages
The hardest part of being in a bicycle accident is not always the costs associated with the injury or property damage. Non-economic damages cover the mental and emotional costs that arise from the experience. These may include:
- Pain and suffering,
- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- Post-traumatic stress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, they could be life-changing. No amount of money can make that better, but it is the closest remedy the court has. Because these damages do not come with a receipt or invoice, they are more difficult to prove. A Lakeland bicycle accident attorney will be able to help you prove these damages.
Choosing a Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Your priority should be to focus on healing, while your attorney focuses on the details of your claim. The experienced team at Abrahamson and Uiterwyk has served over 20,000 injured clients and understands how difficult this time can be. We provide a free consultation to discuss your bicycle accident and determine what options may be available.
Once you retain our services, we will conduct an independent investigation into your accident. This involves gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, expenses, and more.
We want to make sure we have a clear understanding of how much compensation you deserve so that we can negotiate on your behalf. If we cannot negotiate for fair compensation, we will prepare your case for litigation.
You should never settle for less than what you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation. We can also assist you with motorcycle accidents, car accidents, medical malpractice cases and more. If you need help after a car accident in Polk County, contact a Polk County, FL auto accident lawyer.
Call us 24/7 at 800-538-4878 to get your FREE case review.
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Lakeland, FL Case Types
The highly-experienced Florida personal injury law firm of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk also provides:
- Car accident lawyers in Florida
- Guide to Florida Car Accident Law
- Motorcycle accident lawyers in Florida
- Slip & fall lawyers in Florida
- Truck accident lawyers in Florida
- Bicycle accident lawyers in Florida
- Brain injury lawyers in Florida
- Birth injury lawyers in Florida
- Pedestrian accident lawyers in Florida
- Florida Red Light Car Accident Settlement Lawyers
- Construction accident lawyers in Florida
- Wrongful death lawyers in Florida
- Actos injury lawyers in Florida
- Boating accident lawyers in Florida
- Business interruption insurance lawyers in Florida
- Defective drugs medical device lawyers in Florida
- Dog bite lawyers in Florida
- Drunk driving accident lawyers in Florida
- Insurance disputes lawyers in Florida
- Medical malpractice lawyers in Florida
- Metal hip knee implant lawyers in Florida
- Nursing home abuse lawyers in Florida
- Product liability lawyers in Florida
- Work injury / workers comp lawyers in Florida
Expanded Reach Across Florida to Help Injured Victims
- Tampa, FL injury lawyers
- Clearwater, FL injury lawyers
- St. Petersburg, FL injury lawyers
- Sarasota, FL injury lawyers
- Orlando, FL injury lawyers
- Bartow, FL injury lawyers
- Bradenton, FL injury lawyers
- Brandon, FL injury lawyers
- Brooksville, FL injury lawyers
- Crystal River, FL injury lawyers
- Citrus County, FL injury lawyers
- Dade City, FL injury lawyers
- Holiday, FL injury lawyers
- Homosassa, FL injury lawyers
- Hudson, FL injury lawyers
- Inverness, FL injury lawyers
- Jupiter, FL injury lawyers
- Kissimmee, FL injury lawyers
- Lakeland, FL injury lawyers
- Largo, FL injury lawyers
- Lutz, FL injury lawyers
- New Port Richey, FL injury lawyers
- North Port, FL injury lawyers
- Oldsmar, FL injury lawyers
- Palmetto, FL injury lawyers
- Palm Harbor, FL injury lawyers
- Pinellas Park, FL injury lawyers
- Plant City, FL injury lawyers
- Port Charlotte, FL injury lawyers
- Port Richey, FL injury lawyers
- Riverview, FL injury lawyers
- Ruskin, FL injury lawyers
- Safety Harbor, FL injury lawyers
- Sebring, FL injury lawyers
- Seminole, FL injury lawyers
- Spring Hill, FL injury lawyers
- Sumter County, FL injury lawyers
- Sun City Center, FL injury lawyers
- Tarpon Springs, FL injury lawyers
- Town ‘N’ Country, FL injury lawyers
- Valrico, FL injury lawyers
- Venice, FL injury lawyers
- Wesley Chapel, FL injury lawyers
- Winter Haven, FL injury lawyers
- Zephyrhills, FL injury lawyers
…and the surrounding area!