Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cycling is one of the most popular forms of transportation in Florida. Many residents in Tampa use it to commute to their place of work, and for many, it is a much-loved hobby and favored form of exercise. But unfortunately, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Dashboard, Hillsborough County reported 602 bicycle crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities and 567 injuries.

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Tampa, FL, contact a Tampa personal injury lawyer at The Law Place to discuss your options. Our law firm has over 75 years of combined experience, so call us today on (941) 444-4444 for a no-obligation, free case review. Our bicycle accident lawyers are ready to fight for your compensation.

Insights Into Bicycle Accidents in Hillsborough County and Surrounding Areas

Bicycle accidents in Hillsborough County have seen a significant increase in 2023, with 602 reported crashes – substantially higher than previous years like 2022 (476) and 2021 (467). This rise marks a concerning trend, underscoring the growing dangers faced by cyclists on Tampa’s busy roads. Hillsborough County now ranks as one of the highest in the region for bicycle crashes, second only to Pinellas County (652) among nearby counties.

Seasonal Trends in Bicycle Crashes

Bicycle accidents are not evenly distributed throughout the year. March (65 crashes), October (63 crashes), and November (60 crashes) recorded the highest numbers in 2023, suggesting that factors such as increased tourism, seasonal events, and favorable weather might contribute to these peaks. Conversely, summer months like June (40 crashes) and July (36 crashes) show lower incidents, possibly due to fewer cyclists on the road during extreme heat.

Hillsborough’s Increasing Accident Rate

Over the past six years, Hillsborough County has seen an overall increase in bicycle accidents, jumping from 519 in 2018 to 602 in 2023. This 16% rise indicates that despite efforts to promote bike safety, conditions for cyclists have not improved proportionally to the growth of urban traffic. Contributing factors could include increased road congestion, urban development, and the lack of adequate cycling infrastructure in many parts of the county.

Cyclist Fatalities Highlight Risk

Cyclists accounted for 6.8% of all crash fatalities in Florida in 2023. This is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of bicycle riders compared to other road users. With many accidents involving injuries or fatalities, this statistic emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and greater awareness among both drivers and cyclists.

What This Means for Cyclists

For cyclists injured in accidents, these numbers highlight the importance of seeking legal representation to navigate the complexities of insurance claims and compensation. With Hillsborough County experiencing a troubling rise in bicycle accidents, it’s crucial to advocate for safer roads and proper accountability.

Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers at The Law Place

At The Law Place, our team of attorneys brings decades of combined experience to help clients navigate the complexities of bicycle accident cases in Tampa and across Florida. Our firm understands the unique challenges that bicycle accident victims face, including dealing with insurance companies, obtaining fair compensation, and holding negligent parties accountable.

Our Tampa bicycle accident attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that clients receive the legal representation they deserve. For example:

• Attorney Stephen C. Higgins – With a strong background in personal injury law, Stephen is a fierce advocate for accident victims. His attention to detail and negotiation skills ensure clients get the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Attorney AnneMarie Rizzo – A former Assistant State Attorney, AnneMarie’s extensive trial experience provides clients with a strategic edge in the courtroom. Her focus on building compelling cases ensures that bicycle accident victims are well-represented.

Our attorneys collaborate on each case, leveraging their expertise to build strong claims for maximum recovery. Whether through settlement negotiations or aggressive courtroom representation, The Law Place is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

Several factors influence the number of bicycle accidents in Tampa, FL, some of them include:

• The Number of Cyclists – With more bicycles on the road, there are more accidents than in areas with fewer bikers.
• Tourists – Not only can the warm weather in Florida attract tourists who may increase the number of bicycles on the road. Tourists who don’t typically use bicycles as their primary source of transportation can also contribute to accidents due to inexperience.
• Operator Errors – Errors made by both cyclists and automobile drivers cause most bicycle accidents. When either the bicyclist or driver fails to yield at a traffic light or doesn’t give the right of way, collisions happen, resulting in injury.
• Environment – In some cases, inclement weather can affect visibility. Cyclists who fail to wear bright, reflective clothing at night are difficult to see, further contributing to collisions at night.
• Distracted Driving – Drivers who are texting or otherwise distracted are a significant danger to cyclists. Other common causes of bicycle collisions include drunk driving, speeding, road rage, and drowsy driving.

If you are in a cycling collision caused by a negligent driver, they may be held liable for the damages you suffer as a result of the collision. An experienced attorney can help you build your case to prove driver negligence and get you the compensation you deserve for your injury.

Who Pays for My Injuries?

Tampa’s residents are subject to Florida Statute 627.7407, Florida’s no-fault insurance law. This states that regardless of who’s at fault, each driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist who suffers injuries in an accident must file a claim under their own auto insurance policy to recover the following expenses and losses following the incident.

Under your insurance policy you can claim for:

• 80% of reasonable medical expenses, including doctor visits, surgery, X-rays, dental, rehabilitative services, and medically necessary ambulance, hospital, and nursing services.
• 60% of lost wages under their own policy.
• Replacement services like babysitting or lawn care.

However, protection from insurance companies may not cover all of your medical bills or lost income, especially if your pain and suffering are severe. Therefore, you may choose to take legal action to gain compensation for your injuries. The best thing to do in the case of personal injury as a result of an accident involving a bike is to speak to an experienced accident lawyer as soon as possible.

The Florida Bicycle Accident Law

In the event that the bicycle rider doesn’t have auto insurance, Florida bicycle accident law allows the cyclist to file a claim under the responsible driver’s auto insurance policy. In these cases, the injured bicyclist may be able to recover from the at-fault driver’s property damage liability (PDL) benefits, bodily injury coverage, or other policy coverage.

In order for an injured cyclist to file a case against the at-fault driver to recover damages outside the domain of no-fault insurance law, the injured victim must have suffered a serious injury, like:

• Significant scarring.
• Disfigurement.
• Loss of a bodily function.

Due to the fact that cyclists are exposed and don’t have seatbelts or a shield to protect them like passengers in a car accident, often accidents involving bicyclists result in serious injuries or even death to the cyclist. In the event where a loved one died as a result of the accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit.

What to Do if You Are Injured in a Tampa Bicycle Accident

If you are in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, call 911 to request emergency help right away. Even if you do not believe you were seriously injured, you should report the accident to the local Tampa police department and get examined by a medical professional in a reputable Tampa hospital. If you do not seek medical attention within two weeks following an accident, you could lose any compensation you might receive.

Contact a lawyer in Tampa as soon as possible after the accident. Seeking legal advice from the start will strengthen your chances of securing compensation in the future.

After the incident, you will need to document all of the expenses you incur. You should also make paper copies or scan a digital copy for safekeeping. These documents will be crucial in calculating and recovering your damages during the legal process. You should provide these as early as possible during the free consultation. This will allow your chosen law firm to seek compensation as quickly and effectively as possible.

It is also a good idea to keep a journal documenting your pain and suffering. Keep detailed notes of how the incident has affected your life. These notes can include your pain levels, any challenges you face performing routine tasks, difficulty moving or traveling, and even any strain it may have placed on relationships in your life.

Resources for Bicycle Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Florida, accessing the right resources can help you navigate the aftermath and secure the support you need. Below is a list of key resources available to bicycle accident victims in the Tampa Bay area and across Florida:

Emergency Medical Care

• Tampa General Hospital
  • Location: 1 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL 33606
  • Phone: (813) 844-7000
  • Website: Tampa General Hospital
  • Services: Level I Trauma Center offering comprehensive emergency care and rehabilitation services for accident victims.
• St. Joseph’s Hospital
  • Location: 3001 W Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
  • Phone: (813) 870-4000
  • Website: St. Joseph’s Hospital
  • Services: Specialized trauma care and emergency services for accident injuries.

Local Law Enforcement

• Tampa Police Department
  • Contact: (813) 276-3200
  • Website: Tampa Police Department
  • Services: Assistance with filing accident reports and accessing crash documentation.
• Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
  • Contact: (813) 247-8000
  • Website: HCSO
  • Services: Provides accident reports and additional support for victims.

Legal Assistance

• The Law Place
  • Contact: (941) 444-4444
  • Website: The Law Place
  • Services: A team of experienced Tampa bicycle accident lawyers dedicated to helping bicycle accident victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Free consultations available 24/7.

Rehabilitation Services

• Florida Orthopaedic Institute
  • Location: Multiple locations in Tampa Bay
  • Website: Florida Orthopaedic Institute
  • Services: Offers rehabilitation and physical therapy for accident-related injuries.
• Therapy & Sports Center
  • Location: 13907 Carrollwood Village Run, Tampa, FL 33618
  • Phone: (813) 963-6725
  • Website: Therapy & Sports Center
  • Services: Physical therapy and pain management for recovery after bike accidents.

Support and Advocacy Groups

• Bike/Walk Tampa Bay
  • Website: Bike/Walk Tampa Bay
  • Services: Advocacy for bicycle safety and resources for cyclists in the Tampa Bay area.
• Florida Bicycle Association
  • Website: Florida Bicycle Association
  • Services: Promotes cycling safety and provides educational resources for accident prevention.

These resources can provide the medical, legal, and advocacy support you need to navigate the challenges following a bicycle accident. Reach out to the appropriate organizations and professionals to ensure your rights and recovery are protected.

Tampa Bicycle Accident FAQ

Who is usually at fault if a bicycle is involved in an accident?

Fault in a bicycle accident depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. Drivers often bear responsibility when they fail to follow traffic laws, such as yielding to a bicycle rider pn a crosswalk or bike lane. However, injured cyclists may also share some fault if they violate traffic rules. An experienced attorney can help determine liability in your bicycle accident case.

What are common bicycle accident injuries?

Common bicycle accident injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to severe or catastrophic injuries. These may include broken bones, road rash, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injury. Prompt medical attention is essential after any bicycle crash to document injuries and begin treatment.

What should I do after a bicycle crash?

After a bicycle crash, ensure your safety and seek medical attention immediately. Collect evidence, including photos of the scene and contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to law enforcement and consult with an attorney to evaluate your case and file a personal injury claim.

How can a personal injury claim help after a Tampa bicycle accident?

A personal injury claim can help injured cyclists recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses. This is especially important for victims of catastrophic injuries or those involved in fatal bicycle accidents, as the financial impact can be significant.

What role does the insurance company play in a bicycle accident case?

The insurance company for the at-fault party typically handles compensation for bicycle accident cases. However, insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, making it crucial for injured cyclists to have experienced legal representation to negotiate for fair compensation.

How common are Tampa bicycle accidents?

Tampa bicycle accidents are unfortunately frequent due to high traffic volumes and limited infrastructure. Many bicycle accidents occur in urban areas, where the risks to bicycle riders are heightened by distracted drivers and poor road conditions.

How can a lawyer help in a bicycle accident case?

A lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong bicycle accident case. They can negotiate with the insurance company and represent you in court if necessary, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What steps can bicycle riders take to avoid accidents?

To reduce the likelihood of accidents, bicycle riders should follow traffic laws, wear helmets, and use reflective gear. Riding in bike lanes where available and staying alert to potential hazards can also improve safety.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a bike accident in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Contact a Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

The aftermath of a bicycle accident is expensive and difficult to navigate alone. An experienced personal injury attorney in Tampa can provide the assistance you need throughout the legal process.

A Tampa bicycle accident lawyer at The Law Place will be dedicated to your case. They will fight for your right to justice and getting you the compensation you deserve after a collision.

Our practice areas cover Tampa, St Petersburg, and the rest of Florida.

Our accident lawyers will work on your case as a team so that you can benefit from our combined experience and skills. So, if you have been injured in a Florida bicycle accident, contact The Law Place today on (941) 444-4444 and schedule a free consultation with a Tampa bicycle accident attorney.