Because bicycle accidents can result in catastrophic and life-threatening injuries, bicyclists need to be especially aware of their surroundings. People driving cars tend to not pay as much attention to people riding bicycles as they would to those on motorcycles or in other vehicles. Additionally, bicyclists often turn corners very sharply and travel in the same direction as vehicles. As a result, motorists are unable to see bicyclists when they pull out onto the roadway as easily as they would another vehicle or even a motorcycle, and consequently, the reaction time of the automobile driver frequently is lessened. Regardless, the person driving the car is no less responsible for causing injury to the bicyclist, but there is more opportunity for injury when a bicyclist is involved.
Florida Law treats bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians very similarly, and all have legitimate claims if they are injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle. However, it is especially important that bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians take all necessary safety precautions when on the roadways as any fault attributable to them in an accident – as in any injury case — can be used against them by the defense.
