When 65-year-old Thomas Babb got on his bicycle on October 16th and began to peddle down Airport-Pulling Road, he never imagined the night would end in sirens and tragedy. Neither did the driver of the Kia Forte.
Nevertheless, the unexpected occurred.
The Naples Daily News reports that when Babb changed lanes around 11 p.m., the car traveling behind him struck the back of his bicycle and sent him flying. The driver of the car was uninjured and the car’s passenger suffered only minor injuries, but Babb’s injuries were much more serious. The bicyclist was rushed to Lee Memorial Hospital.
While this type of accident always comes as a surprise to the people involved, it is certainly not uncommon. Quite the opposite, in fact. The U.S. Department of Transportation points out that in 2012, Florida had the second highest rate of fatal bicycle accidents in the country.
Florida also boasts a particularly high proportion of retirees. While a car-bicycle collision can seriously injure someone of any age, older adults often take far longer to heal.
A broken hip bone that would knit easily for a 20-year-old, for instance, can lead to catastrophic consequences for a senior citizen. It can also lead to a lengthy hospital stay, surgery, physical therapy and a wide range of other medical expenses – all of which can severely strain the limited financial resources of many retirees.
All of these factors must be taken into account when pursuing personal injury compensation after an accident. The final settlement or verdict should fully compensate for past and future medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages.
A local attorney who is knowledgeable about motor vehicle accidents and Florida’s unique laws can provide invaluable counsel and assistance in these matters. Entrusting the case to a legal professional can also reduce your stress and give you a chance to focus more fully on recovering from your injuries.