Blogs from March, 2022

Whether you are enjoying a leisurely ride, exercising, or even commuting to work, many people in Florida and other states ride bicycles for various reasons. However, roads in the United States are dangerous for cyclists.

The most common cause of injury to cyclists is being struck by a motor vehicle. Drivers often hit cyclists when they are making left and right turns, when they do not make room while passing when they rear-end them, and when they even open their doors.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 846 cyclists were killed and approximately 49,000 were injured in auto accidents in 2019 alone. In most cases involving fatal collisions, the most serious injuries involve the head.

The following are five safety tips for bicyclists when sharing the road with motor vehicles:

1. Wear a helmet – Adults and children must wear a helmet while biking. According to a 2016 study from researchers at the University of South Wales, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a serious head injury by almost 70 percent. Ensure the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The helmet is most effective when it is properly fitted to your head.
2. Check your equipment – Before you ride, always inspect your bike. Make sure the seat is adjusted to the proper height and locked in place, all bicycle parts are in working order and secured, and the tires are properly inflated. If your bike does not have these items already, equip it with rear, front, pedal, and spoke reflectors, as well as a bell or horn, a rear-view mirror, and a bright headlight.
3. Be visible to others – To ensure drivers and others on the road see you, you can wear bright, fluorescent, or neon clothing. If you can, try to ride during the day. If you need to bike at night, wear reflective attire and use flashing lights to catch the attention and eye of drivers in the dark.
4. Follow the traffic laws – In general, cyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as motorists. Ride single file in the direction of traffic. Use hand signals when turning. Stay alert and keep your head on a swivel to watch out for potential road hazards. Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, and then once again left and over your shoulder.
5. Limit distractions – While distracted driving has now become one of the most common causes of car accidents in the U.S., biking while distracted is just as dangerous. Avoid listening to extremely loud music while driving, using a water bottle that is difficult to open with one hand, and especially texting while riding.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Bonita Springs or within the surrounding area, call Pittman Law Firm, P.L. at (239) 603-6913 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation. With more than 30 years of legal experience, our legal team has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients!

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.

From roller coasters and spinning rides to bumper cars and water slides, amusement parks have plenty of rides and attractions for the whole family. There are dozens of amusement parks in South Florida that attract thrill-seekers all year round.

However, thousands of people suffer injuries from amusement park rides annually. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken and fractured bones, torn ligaments and muscles, cuts and bruises, and even heart attacks and stroke from the traumatic experience.

According to the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the following are the most common causes of amusement park accidents, injuries, and fatalities in the United States:

• Mechanical issues with the ride – Amusement park operators are responsible for ensuring that their rides and attractions are safe for visitors and properly maintained. If a ride is not properly inspected and maintained, a malfunction could occur and lead to a devastating accident. Mechanical problems are also caused by a manufacturing defect. Common examples of mechanical issues include when a roller coaster car detaches when a lap bar detaches, or a structural component malfunctions.
• Improper ride operation – Improper operation of a ride occurs when a ride operator stops the ride at the wrong time, incorrectly latching lap bars or seatbelts, fails to check if a rider is properly secured, fails to conduct pre-ride inspections, or otherwise fails to correctly perform his/her job duties.
• Passenger negligence – When a passenger misuses the ride or fails to adhere to the safety instructions, passengers can injure or even kill themselves and perhaps others. Common examples of passenger negligence include standing up during the middle of the ride, intentionally rocking a car, or sitting improperly.
• Inherent nature of the ride – Some amusement park rides cause injuries because they are simply dangerous by design or nature. Riders must always read the ride warnings and avoid rides that may likely cause injury based on the person’s age and health conditions.

If a park operator or employee causes an accident due to carelessness or inattention, then the injured party may file a personal injury lawsuit based on negligence. Amusement parks are responsible for their employees’ actions, so they can be held liable for failing to properly train ride operators, failing to maintain equipment in a safe condition, or any other negligent actions from their employees.

On the other hand, if an amusement park accident was caused by a defective ride or component, the injured party may file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the ride or component. The injured party must prove that the part or structure was defective and that the defect directly caused the injury or death.

If you have been injured in an amusement park accident in or near Fort Myers, Naples, or Bonita Springs, FL, call Pittman Law Firm, P.L. at (239) 603-6913 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation. With more than 30 years of legal experience, our legal team has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients!

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.