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Car and Motorcycle Accidents

9/3/2009
Jeffrey Meldon
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Marion County Bicyclist Survives Wrong Way Crash-Avoid This Common Collision Scenario

A Marion County bicyclist, who last week survived a head-on car accident while riding against the flow of traffic, is a reminder that cyclists must - "drive their bikes" and ride with the flow of traffic.

According to the Ocala Star Banner report, Miguel A. Almedia, 46, was riding his bicycle eastbound on the westbound lane of S.R. 200.  After making a complete stop at a four-way stop sign, Michael L. Rogers, 56, a motorist of Ocala, completed a right turn onto S.R. 200, failing to see Almedia.

Roger's car crashed head-on into Almedia's front bike tire.  Almedia was thrown onto the roadway and suffered non-fatal head injuries.

It appears the bicyclist, committed a potentially lethal cycling error-the "Wrong Way Wallop" (Wallop).  The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) refers to the Wallop as a common collision caused by preventable, illegal cycling.

The Wallop occurs when a cyclist is riding against the flow of traffic and gets hit by a crossing or turning motorist. Basically-the cyclist is riding the wrong way on the street.

One California study shows that cyclists riding against the flow of traffic are 3.6 times more likely to get in a car accident. The risk increases by 6.6 times for cyclists under the age of 17.

To cycle safer, the FBA recommends riding with the flow of traffic.  Motorists normally scan for traffic trav­eling in the lawful direction. Wrong-way traffic is easily overlooked. Not only is this smart advice-it's the law.

As an accident lawyer, I can say, while cyclists have a right of way on the road, they must obey Florida's motor traffic laws.  Although no "bike license" is required, cyclists must "drive their bike" and follow the rules of the road.

Interestingly, although Almedia violated the law by riding in the wrong direction, Florida Highway Patrol issued a citation to Rogers for failing to yield the right of way.  Likely, this is a case of comparative negligence.  

For More Information:   

Avoid a Bicycle Accident--Adult Safety Tips

Bicyclists-know the Law and Stay Alive

For other common crash scenarios visit, Florida Bicycle Associaton's, Understanding common crash types and how to prevent them  

 

 



Labels: accident attorney bicycle marion county Ocala wallop wrong way


We at the Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon and Associates strongly believe that public education is the first step in the prevention of an accident or in the recovery from one.  

We are experienced personal injury attorneys, trial lawyers, negotiators, litigators and staff that have been proudly working to get accident victims the justice they deserve for over 30 years in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Inverness, and the rest of North Central Florida and North Florida. Accidents involving a car crash, truck wreck, and motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents, dog bites, slip and falls and medical malpractice are all included in our practice.

Based on Jeffrey Meldon's, founder of The Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon & Associates, over 30 years of helping accident victims get justice and a fair shake from the insurance companies he has written the consumer guide book, Seven Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case.  You can request your free, no obligation copy right now, or contact our office for your complimentary copy sent to you today.

Contact the Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon at (800) 373-8000 or (352) 373-8000 immediately if you have been involved in a serious auto, truck or motorcycle accident.  We are in your community, have the experience and resources required to work towards obtaining a fair settlement for you - we are here to help you.

We proudly handle accidents that occur on all roads and in the areas including: I-75, I-10, I-95, U.S. Route 301, U.S. Route 441, State Road 40, State Road 26, State Road 24, Archer Road, Main St, and University Avenue.  Our law firm has  been representing accident victims in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Inverness, Palatka, Crystal River, Daytona Beach, Interlachen, Spring Hill, Dunnellon, Bunnell, Live Oak, Starke, Jasper, Cross City, Perry, Trenton,  Leesberg,  Lake Butler,  Tavares, Chiefland, Bronson, Brooksville, The Villages and the counties of Alachua, Marion, Columbia, Citrus, Volusia, Sumter, Levy, Lake, Bradford, Flagler, Hamilton, Dixie, Gilchrist, Union, Hernando, Suwannee, Union, and Putnam since 1971!

 




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