Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Call our trusted Tampa-based law firm today to speak to an attorney at our firm. We have extensive experience helping injured victims in Florida, and we have a proven history of securing favorable outcomes. Call today to let us know about your situation. Your initial consultation is confidential and completely free.

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How Do I Know if I Have a Bicycle Accident Case After Being Hit by a Car in Tampa?

Four essential elements form the foundation of personal injury claims in Florida, including cases involving cyclists who have been hit by a car. As the victim, or injured plaintiff, you must be able to prove the driver of that vehicle was negligent in some way.

At Suli & Martinez, our knowledgeable legal team can determine negligence on your behalf. We will assess the circumstances of your bicycle crash utilizing these four legal elements to determine if you may have a case:

• Establishing Duty of Care: In bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles in Tampa, all motorists must maintain a safe 3-foot passing distance from cyclists as required by Florida law. When drivers fail to provide this minimum clearance or disregard bicycle lanes on roads like Dale Mabry Highway, they breach their duty of care toward vulnerable road users.
• Breach of Duty Through Negligence: This occurs when a driver violates traffic laws that protect Tampa cyclists. Examples include vehicles making right turns without checking bike lanes near downtown Tampa, drivers operating while distracted on Tampa’s busy I-275 corridor, or cars speeding through residential areas where families ride bicycles.
• Direct Causation Between Breach and Injuries: It is not enough to say that the driver was negligent. You must also be able to prove that driver’s negligence and how it directly caused your injuries. For instance, if a car illegally parked in a Tampa bike lane forced you to swerve into traffic, resulting in a collision, this establishes the crucial link between violation and harm.
• Documented Damages from the Accident: Bicycle collisions with motor vehicles typically result in significant physical injuries requiring medical treatment. The medical records and ongoing documentation strengthens your case. Other key evidence includes proof of missed work days, bicycle replacement costs, and the impact on your daily activities due to your injuries.

At Suli & Martinez, we are committed to guiding cyclists injured by negligence recover the compensation they need to move forward. Our knowledgeable legal team is prepared to fully manage your case and guide you through every step of the legal process. More importantly, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and best interests so you can focus on your health and getting back to your life.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Bicycle Accident in Florida?

Florida law entitles bicycle accident victims to seek compensation that fully addresses their specific losses. The amount you may recover, however, depends on the unique circumstances of your Tampa bicycle accident case. Factors considered include the type and severity of your injuries, how these injuries have impacted your life, and available insurance coverage.

Our trusted personal injury law firm helps Tampa cyclists secure fair compensation that considers both immediate needs and long-term consequences of your accident.

• Medical Expenses Coverage: Your compensation may include payment for all accident-related healthcare costs. This includes transportation by ambulance after the accident, followed by emergency treatment. Your follow-up appointments with specialists, physical therapy sessions, prescription medications, and any necessary adaptive equipment or home modifications may be covered as well.
• Lost Income Reimbursement: Bicycle accidents often force Tampa residents to miss work during recovery. Your claim can account for your lost wages, diminished earning capacity, missed career advancement opportunities, and even potential future income losses if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation.
• Property Damage Recovery: Beyond medical and income considerations, your compensation may cover the replacement or repair of your damaged bicycle and cycling equipment. It may also compensate you for your personal belongings, including your protective gear, that was damaged in the crash.
• Pain and Suffering Consideration: Florida law recognizes the non-economic impact of bicycle accidents. Your Tampa attorney can help quantify fair compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and loss of enjoyment in activities like cycling along popular Tampa routes such as the Upper Tampa Bay Trail or Flatwoods Park.

How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Tampa?

Bicycle accidents often happen due to a mix of factors that could easily be avoided with better awareness and infrastructure. While overall Tampa is considered a bike-friendly city, especially since it has invested time and resources into improving bicycle infrastructure, some areas are still dangerous for cyclists. Some of the higher-risk areas include busier roads where there is a lack of clear signage or bike-friendly lanes.

Common causes of bicycle vs motor vehicle crashes include:

• Distracted drivers
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Impaired driving
• Ignoring red lights or stop signs
• Sun glare or low light
• Cyclist violations
• Drunk or impaired driving
• Drivers drifting into a road shoulder or bike lane
• Dooring accidents
• Blind spot crashes due to driver or cyclist negligence
• Cyclists wearing dark clothing while cycling at night
• Failing to adjust driving to bad weather

It is important to recognize that both drivers and cyclists have a legal duty to take reasonable measures to avoid causing harm to anyone.

How Do Florida Bicycle Riding Laws Affect My Case?

Florida’s bicycle riding laws play a significant role in determining the outcome of a bicycle accident case. Cyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists, including stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and riding in the same direction as traffic. Failure to follow these laws can affect a case, potentially reducing the amount of compensation a victim may recover if they are found partially at fault for the accident.

However, even if a cyclist is partially at fault, Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation can still be awarded based on the percentage of fault. Understanding Florida’s laws ensures that both drivers and cyclists know their responsibilities and rights, which can be helpful when pursuing a claim after a bicycle accident.

Common Injuries Caused by Bike vs. Car Accidents

The severity of a bicycle injury depends on a lot of factors, including the angle the cyclist was hit at, how they fell, how fast the driver was going, and the size of the vehicle.

Cycling is great for exercise and getting some fresh air, but when someone gets hit by a car while riding a bike, there is little to protect that person from serious physical harm.

Severe injuries that may result from a cyclist vs motor vehicle accident includes:

Broken Bones

Fractures, especially in the arms, legs and collarbone, are extremely common bicycle accidents involving a car, due to the impact of the crash.

Head Injuries

A helmet helps to reduce the risk of severe head injuries, but sometimes even with a helmet, a cyclist can be injured, especially if the helmet did not meet proper safety standards, was the wrong size, or not worn properly. Cyclists who do not wear a helmet are at serious risk of suffering severe head injuries, including concussions or traumatic brain injuries.

Spinal Injuries

Bicycle crashes can result in spinal injuries, including herniated discs and, in some cases, partial or full paralysis.

Road Rash

When thrown from the bike, cyclists often experience painful abrasions, called road rash, from scraping against the pavement.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains and torn ligaments are common, often leading to long recovery periods and physical therapy. Some individuals may also suffer from chronic pain syndrome as a result.

Internal Injuries

Severe accidents can cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, which require immediate medical attention.

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, it is important to take immediate action to protect your health and your legal rights. Knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Seek Medical Attention

Get checked by a doctor, even if you initially feel fine. Getting a medical evaluation right away protects your health by detecting any internal injuries you may have sustained and getting you the treatment you need more quickly. Like any visit to your doctor, going to the emergency room also creates a medical record that helps your claim by linking the injuries you sustained to the accident that caused them.

Report the Accident

Call the police right away to observe and document the accident. Once an official report is filed for your case, be sure to get a copy as soon as possible.

Document the Scene

If you can do so safely be sure to take photos of the accident scene, your injuries and any property damage to help support your claim.

Gather Witness Information

Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Be sure to collect their names and contact details in case you need them to validate details of your case.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Never apologize, as insurance companies may interpret this as an admission of fault. Do not admit fault, even if you think you may have contributed to the accident. The only party you should admit fault to is your attorney. You may be wrong in some cases. Do not make any other statements that could be used against you later, such as saying you feel fine. Let the authorities and your attorney handle the details.

What if The Other Driver Does Not Have Enough Insurance?

If the other driver does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, you may still have options for compensation. Florida law requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which can help cover medical expenses, regardless of fault. However, if your injuries exceed your PIP coverage, you can pursue additional compensation through your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, if you have it.

If you do not have UIM coverage, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for the remaining damages. In some cases, other sources of compensation, such as health insurance or a third-party claim, may also be available. A skilled attorney can help you understand these options and ensure you pursue every avenue for compensation.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Bicycle Accident in Tampa?

A lawyer can provide valuable support after a bicycle accident by handling the legal aspects of your case and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. With their guidance, you can focus on healing while they take care of the details. A skilled attorney may handle the following:

• Investigating the accident and gathering important evidence
• Researching to determine all potentially liable parties
• Exhausting all possible sources of compensation
• Going up against insurance companies to ensure a fair settlement
• Representing you in court if necessary
• Explaining your legal options and walking you through each step
• Protecting your rights throughout the entire process

Injured in a Tampa Bicycle Accident? Contact Suli & Martinez Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. At Suli & Martinez, we are committed to providing the support and guidance you need to move forward. Our team understands the challenges you are facing, and we will work hard to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Reach out to us today to set up a free consultation. We will take the time to learn about your situation, address any questions you have and let you know how we can assist you throughout the legal process. Let us take care of the legal matters while you concentrate on getting better.

Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. Call: (813) 592-0000