Port Salerno Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cycling is one of the best modes of transportation because it benefits not only those who do it but also society as a whole. Pedaling at a rigorous pace is a great cardiovascular workout, and if you replace driving with riding as often as possible, you’re doing your part for the environment by reducing carbon emissions. Riding a bike also happens to be a lot more affordable than driving a car.

These are just a few of the reasons why cycling is becoming increasingly popular in cities around the country. And local municipalities are happy to encourage bikers because riding reduces congestion, thereby minimizing wear and tear on bridges and roads. Despite their best efforts to accommodate cyclists by widening streets and adding bike lanes, though, accidents are still fairly common.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a bicycle accident, your family may be entitled to compensation for all resulting damages. To determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, contact the bicycle accident attorneys at Donaldson & Weston.

We have helped hundreds of injured parties recover the compensation they needed to put their lives back together. Call 772-266-5555 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Port Salerno.

When Might Punitive Damages Be Recoverable in Port Salerno Bicycle Accident Cases?

Every successful bicycle accident claim results in a compensatory damages award, which are funds that aim to make the plaintiff “whole” again. Compensatory damages reimburse the claimant for everything from medical expenses and lost income to property damage and home care. They also compensate the victim for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Typically, recovering compensatory damages in the form of a sizable settlement or verdict is the ideal way to resolve a claim. On rare occasions, though, the plaintiff should also pursue punitive damages.

Unlike compensatory damages, punitive awards do not make up for any losses that the claimant incurred. Instead, they aim to punish the defendant for gross negligence or intentional malice.

When it comes to bicycle accidents in particular, there are few scenarios in which victims can pursue punitive damages. For example, they might be able to recover a punitive award if the liable motorist was drunk or if he or she struck them on purpose.

It’s important to remember that since punitive awards can increase the total value of a claim significantly, Florida has imposed a cap to prevent frivolous lawsuits. Typically, such damages cannot exceed $500,000 or three times the total compensatory damages, but there are exceptions to this limit.