When a bicycle and a motor vehicle collide significant injury or death is often the result. Victims or their families may be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries and losses, depending on who is liable for the crash.
Puerto Rico is known for its bike trails and cyclist events, and the island accommodates its many riders with bike lanes and paths and increasing awareness campaigns for motorists. Traffic laws require that motor vehicles stay out of bike lanes and to remain at least three feet away from bicyclists when passing.
Bicycle riders also have rules they must obey when riding in public spaces, including:
- Always riding with a white light on the front of the bike and a red light or red reflector on the back
- Never riding a bike with damaged brakes in public spaces
- Not carrying objects that are wider than the width of the handlebars or longer then the bike
- Riding in a single line when pairing up with other riders and riding on the right on the road
- Wearing a bicycle helmet when riding on public roadways or recreational areas
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
When a motor vehicle collides with a bicyclist the types of injuries the cyclist may suffer can be very severe including:
- Broken bones
- Death
- Facial fractures and head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
Most bicycle motor vehicle collisions occur due to negligence on the part of the rider or the driver. Fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and drugs and alcohol consumption are some of the most common forces behind these types of crashes.
Motor vehicle operators have a duty of care when driving on public roadways. This duty includes being aware of all vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on or near the road and obeying all traffic laws. When a driver operates in a reckless manner, drives too close to a bicycle rider, enters a designated bike lane without checking for bike riders or without using their turn signals, the driver breaches the duty of care they owe road users and may be liable for any injuries or property damage that breach causes.
We Can Help
If you were injured by the negligent conduct of a motorist while on your bicycle, you may be entitled to financial recovery of damages such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Therapy or rehabilitation costs and assistive technologies
- Current and future expected wage loss
- Decreased earnings capacity
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Emotional and mental trauma
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death
But to have a successful case, you need a legal team dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our firm has a long and proven record of helping victims of negligence get the maximum compensation available for their injuries and losses, and we will do the same for you.
For more than 20 years, we have ensured that those who suffer harm by the actions, behaviors, or intent of someone else, receive the justice they deserve. Fill out the form or call us today to learn more about the rights of bicyclists in Puerto Rico and whether you or your family members are entitled to seek redress.
