Florida Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Helping Bicycle Accident Victims Seek Justice

In 2011 alone, more than 4,600 people were injured in bicycle accidents throughout the state of Florida, and more than 120 others were killed. Sadly, most of these accidents could have been prevented. If you or someone you love was hit by a negligent motorist while riding your bike, you may have grounds to seek financial compensation. Contact the Florida personal injury attorneys at The Florida Law Group to learn more about your rights! We can put more than 100 years of collective legal experience to work for you as soon as you call us.

Florida has unique traffic laws that protect cyclists and promote road safety. Understanding these laws and how they apply can significantly impact the outcome of any legal proceedings following an accident. Bicyclists in Florida have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers, meaning adherence to traffic signals, lane usage, and crossing rules is crucial for safer coexistence on the roads.

Were you injured in a bicycle accident in Florida? Call The Florida Law Group today at (833) 899-0310 or contact us online for a free consultation!

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Florida

When a negligent motorist decides to drive above the speed limit, talk on their phone while driving, driving under the influence, or engage in reckless behavior while behind the wheel, they put everyone else at risk—including the bicyclists who share the road.

Motorists often overlook bicycles due to their smaller size and quiet operation. This makes it essential for drivers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Education campaigns and stricter law enforcement are vital in reducing accidents caused by these common oversights.

In many cases, bicycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists who:

• Fail To Yield to bicyclists at intersections
• Fail To Stop at red lights or stop signs
• Drive In Designated Bike Lanes
• Turn Directly in Front of a Bicyclist
• Engage In Distracted Driving Behavior—read more
• Drive While Under the Influence—learn more
• Open Their Door in the path of a bicyclist
• Don’t Leave Enough Room for a bicyclist

Florida Bicycle Laws: Stay Informed to Stay Safe

Florida's bicycle laws are designed to keep cyclists safe and ensure they coexist peacefully with motor vehicles. As a cyclist in Florida, it's essential to know and understand these regulations to stay within the law and ensure your safety. For example, Florida law requires cyclists under sixteen to wear a helmet. Moreover, bikes must be equipped with a white front light and a red rear light when ridden at night. Adhering to these rules can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

A crucial aspect of Florida bicycle laws is the mandate that cyclists ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway when not traveling at the same speed as traffic unless making a left turn or overtaking another vehicle. Understanding these nuances helps advocate for your rights on the road and when resolving disputes post-accident. At The Florida Law Group, we prioritize educating our clients on such laws to empower them and enhance their road safety.

Safety Tips for Cyclists: Enhance Your Ride

Riding a bicycle in Florida can be a delightful way to explore the state's beauty, but it comes with risks. Cyclists can significantly improve their safety and enjoyment by following essential safety tips. Firstly, always wear a helmet. Although only required for cyclists under sixteen, helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in accidents for cyclists of all ages.

Another prudent safety measure is to maintain clear visibility. This can include wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially during early morning or evening rides. Being seen by motorists is half the battle won. Additionally, always stay alert and avoid distractions, such as using headphones or mobile devices while riding. Knowing your surroundings and potential hazards will help you respond quickly to sudden events, preventing accidents.

What You Should Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you were hit by a motor vehicle while riding your bike, the first thing you should do is contact an attorney. Drivers and their insurance companies often try to blame the bicyclist for causing an accident—especially if the accident was serious. You shouldn’t let the insurance company intimidate you into thinking the accident was your fault. Instead, you should avoid stating the accident until you have had the chance to consult a lawyer from The Florida Law Group. We can ensure your rights are protected!

Here are the steps you should take after a bicycle accident:

• Call the police if the accident is serious
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Take pictures of the scene of the accident
• Get contact information from any witnesses
• Keep your bike unrepaired to use as evidence
• Contact our Tampa personal injury lawyers

How We Assist Florida Cyclists

At The Florida Law Group, we are deeply committed to offering personalized legal support to cyclists across Florida. We aim to provide expert insight with every interaction, helping you understand your rights and options following a bicycle accident. Our attorneys meticulously analyze the details of your incident, identifying the responsible parties and assessing the accident's full impact on your life, from physical injuries to financial burdens.

We stand by our clients through every step of the legal process. This includes negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. We understand the tactics insurers often employ to minimize payouts, and we are here to advocate strongly for your rightful interests. Partner with us to take control of your recovery journey with confidence.

Contact Our Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney Today 

After an accident, there is no time to waste – contact the Tampa injury attorneys at The Florida Law Group today to get started on your case. Initial consultations are free and confidential, so you would have nothing to lose by calling us. We have already recovered millions of dollars on behalf of past clients, and now, we are ready to do the same for you. Having been named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers and listed among the Best Lawyers in America®, our firm knows what it takes to win. Call now to find out how we can help you!

Don't wait to seek justice. Call our Florida bicycle accident lawyer now and fight for the compensation you deserve!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Florida

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After an Accident?

After a bicycle accident in Florida, you may be eligible to seek several types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your incident. Compensation often covers medical expenses resulting from the accident, including hospital bills, ongoing treatment costs, and physical therapy. If the accident has impacted your ability to work, you might also claim lost wages.

Pain and suffering compensation is also crucial, addressing the physical and emotional trauma you have experienced. In cases where negligence is gross and evident, punitive damages may be awarded as a deterrent against similar future conduct by the offending party. As a prominent bicycle accident lawyer in Florida, The Florida Law Group offers comprehensive guidance, ensuring you explore all possible avenues for recovery and maximize your potential compensation.

Can I Still Make a Claim if I Was Partly at Fault?

Yes, Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows you to make a claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. The percentage of your fault will reduce your compensation. For instance, if you were deemed 30% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 30%. At The Florida Law Group, we work to minimize your assigned fault and advocate for the maximum possible recovery, leveraging our experience and understanding of Florida’s negligence laws to benefit your claim.

Our attorneys carefully examine accident details and counter opposing parties' attempts to inflate your level of fault. This scrutiny ensures a fair allocation of responsibility, optimizing your compensation prospects even in complex, partial-fault situations.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Bicycle Accident in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, such as those resulting from a bicycle accident, is generally four years from the accident date. This period allows you to seek legal recourse for damages incurred, but acting sooner rather than later can be beneficial. As time passes, evidence may become harder to collect, witness memories may fade, and the opportunity to gather critical information can be lost.

We encourage you to contact The Florida Law Group promptly after your accident. Early engagement preserves your rights and enhances our ability to build a robust claim by securing timely evidence and testimonies. Our dedicated team will ensure that all legal filings and documentation are managed efficiently within the applicable timeframe.