Does Florida have the most bicycle fatalities from vehicle crashes

Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation, especially in states like Florida which have a lot of sunshine and flat terrain. While bicycling is a great way to get around, there is still the possibility of Florida bicyclists getting into cycling accidents. Does Florida have the most bicycle fatalities from vehicle crashes? According to the latest car and bicycle accident statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2019), Florida ranks number one in the country in the number of bicycle deaths from vehicle crashes with 161.

If you are involved in a bike crash, it is important to know your rights. You may have a legal claim against the driver that hit you, or you may need to reach a settlement with the other party if you were also at fault. It is best to hire an experienced bike accident attorney from the law firm of Jared Spingarn P.A. who can give you sound legal advice if you get into a bike accident.

Also, it’s worth keeping in mind that the statute of limitation in the state of Florida is 4 years.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in the U.S.

The latest statistics from the NHTSA show that in 2019, an estimated 49,000 bicycle crashes occurred that resulted in injuries. Of this total, 846 resulted in bicyclist deaths in the entire country.

Furthermore, these bicycle and car accident statistics show that 96% of fatal bicycle accidents happened due to a single-vehicle collision with a motorist. The data showed that most bicycle deaths happened upon impact with a motor vehicle. Additionally, most fatal bicycle crashes occurred when bicyclists were hit by the front of a vehicle.

In fatal bicycle accidents with bigger vehicles such as large trucks and buses, the most common point of impact was on the right side of the vehicle. This type of bicycle crash accounted for an estimated 20% of all bicycle accident fatalities.

Bicycle Accidents by State

When considering fatal bicycle accident statistics by state, Florida cyclists get into fatal crashes at a rate of 0.75 per 100,000 resident population. This number is above the national average of 0.26.

Delaware is the next state with the highest rate of fatal bike accidents, with 0.72 bicyclists killed per 100,000 resident population. The number of cyclists involved in fatal bicycle accidents was highest in Florida with 161, followed by California with 133, and Texas with 66.

In contrast, the State of Nebraska recorded the lowest rate of fatal bike crashes at only 0.05 per 100,000 resident population. Nebraska had only one fatal bicycle accident in 2019. There were also several states that had zero fatalities from bicycle accidents – New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wyoming.

Florida Bicycle Accident Statistics

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) tracks the data on traffic and bicycle accidents in the state. In 2020, the department recorded 5,952 bicycle accidents in Florida. Of this number, 4,815 bike accidents resulted in injuries to cyclists while 759 of the bike crashes resulted in severe or incapacitating injuries.

Bicycle Deaths in Florida

Does Florida have the most bicycle fatalities from vehicle crashes? The statistics show that more cyclists are involved in deadly crashes in Florida compared to any other state.

Bicycle accidents in Florida resulted in 169 fatalities in 2020. This number increased from the previous year. Of this number, 141 cyclists were not wearing any type of safety equipment while riding. But 22 cyclists were found to be wearing bike helmets when the crash occurred.

The worst thing that can happen is getting into a fatal bike accident, in which case the immediate family members or relatives of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. In this case, it is best to get a free consultation with the Law Offices of Jared Spingarn, P.A. Accident Attorneys. The attorneys in the firm can expertly handle your case.

Common Causes of a Florida Bicycle Accident

The statistics from the FLHSMV show that the following factors caused the highest number of fatal traffic accidents in Florida:

• Drivers operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner
• Drivers’ or cyclists’ failure to yield right of way
• Failure to keep in the proper lane (bicycle lanes for a cyclist or correct road lanes for drivers)
• Drivers ran off the roadway resulting in them hitting cyclists, pedestrians on the sidewalk, or off-road structures

In crashes that resulted in incapacitating injuries, the statistics show the following causes:

• Drivers operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner
• Failure to yield right of way
• Failure to keep in the proper lane
• Cyclist or driver who ran a red light

Where do most bicycle crashes occur?

In Florida, bicycle riders get into accidents more often in the following counties:

1. Miami-Dade: Recorded 757 cycling accidents with 15 fatalities and 696 cyclist injuries.
2. Broward: 602 bike accidents with 6 fatalities and 577 injuries.
3. Pinellas: 518 accidents, 8 fatalities, and 494 injured.
4. Hillsborough: 472 bikes were involved in an accident with 14 fatalities and 446 injuries.
5. Palm Beach: 373 bicycles were involved in a crash with 12 fatalities and 348 injured Florida cyclists.

At what time of day do bicycle accidents occur?

In Florida, a bicycle accident that results in injury most often occurs during the following days and times:

• Non-incapacitating injury: Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Incapacitating injury: Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fatal injury: Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Common Injuries after a Bicycle Accident

When out on a bike ride, you are at risk of getting into an accident and sustaining injuries that range from minor to severe. The following are the most common injuries a biker can sustain while out on a ride.

• Minor or non-incapacitating injury: Scratches, bruises, lacerations, neck pain, and similar
• Serious or incapacitating injury: Broken bones, severed limbs, impairment or loss of function, or another disabling injury
• Possible injury: No visible injury but the accident victim complains of pains; momentary loss of consciousness
• Fatal injury: Any serious injury that resulted in death within 30 days after the accident occurred

What should I do if I get into a bicycle accident?

A bicycle accident can happen at any time when you are out riding your bike. Even if you follow the road rules, out-of-control cars or cars driven by negligent drivers can hit you and cause personal injury. In the event of a crash, it is important to know the steps you should take to make sure you are protected in the aftermath.

Most vehicle accidents happen due to negligence. If you sustained injuries from a crash, you can file a personal injury claim or a lawsuit against the driver at fault. In these cases, you must have a personal injury attorney from the law firm of Jared Spingarn P.A. by your side who can help you every step of the way.

Here is a list of the things you should do immediately after a bicycle accident.

• Check your injuries.
• Call emergency services – 911 and the police.
• Get immediate medical attention if needed.
• Call Jared Spingarn P.A. to get the proper advice on what to do.
• If you have personal insurance, call your insurance agent or company to inform them of the incident.
• If able, give your statement to the police of your recollection of the events. However, don’t overshare. Your lawyer can advise you on the important details to give to the police.
• Collect all the evidence that you can. This includes photographs of the bike, motor vehicle, and any damaged equipment or structures due to the crash.
• Make sure to keep the evidence – this can help you when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the other party. Again, your bike accident or personal injury attorney can help you with this process.

Sharing the Road: Responsibilities of Florida Bicyclists and Motorists

Drivers often fail to notice bicyclists sharing the road with their vehicles. However, in Florida, both bicycle riders and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road and are held accountable as such.

A cyclist in Florida is also considered a driver. This means that even when riding a bike, you should follow the road rules. This includes riding a bike on the roadway in the same direction as motor vehicles, riding a bike on designated bicycle lanes if present, and following all traffic signs accordingly.

Likewise, a driver of a motor vehicle must be aware that cyclists have the right to use the roadways. Thus, motorists should not tailgate cyclists, cut into their lanes, or carelessly overtake a bicycle rider.

Contact Jared Spingarn P.A. (Florida Bike Accident Attorney) for a Free Consultation

Does Florida have the most bicycle fatalities from vehicle crashes? Per the 2019 data from the NHTSA, yes it does. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is best to have a knowledgeable bike accident attorney to help you with the correct course of action to take. Be sure to get in touch with the law firm of Jared Spingarn P.A. for your legal representation. They can offer a free case evaluation to help you decide on the legal steps you can take after the accident.

>> If you’re involved in a bike accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney at 1-954-781-2316 or drop a message on their Contact Us page.