The very first automobile accident fatality in the United States, New York City in 1896, killed a bicyclist. Since that day, cars and bikes have been involved in a war in which the bike rider rarely comes out on top. In fact, about 800 bicyclists died throughout the US in 2005. Four states―New York, Florida, Texas and California―account for nearly half of all bike fatalities in the country.

Because of our weather, Florida has many, many bicycle riders. And because of that, we have many, many car- bike accidents, most of which are the fault of the driver of the car.

Florida, in fact, has laws specifically written about automobile- bicycle interactions. For safety, all bicycles rider should wear helmets, have reflectors and lights, wear reflective or very bright clothing, and keep the bike maintained.

But all of that matters very little if a car jumps out of a driveway at you.

Many car- bike collisions occur because the driver of the car is distracted or just not paying attention. The collisions take place when a driver runs a red light or stop sign, turns into the bicycle, drives out into a street from a parking place or driveway, or is driving while intoxicated.

The injuries can be severe to catastrophic―from broken bones, to severe, permanent brain damage (even with a helmet on) to death.

At- fault drivers who collide with bicycles can be held liable for negligence, and for all of the medical costs associated with the accident.

And while most bike injuries and deaths occur because of collisions, there also may be issues of bicycle manufacturing and design defects causing injury. In those cases, the manufacturer may be held liable for those injuries.

Rafael Gonzalez has many years of litigation experience with accident cases, including cases involving bicycles. He will determine all of the facts of your case, and he will guide you along the right legal path.