Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been injured while riding their bike in Tampa, you are likely entitled to recover compensation. While Tampa has increasingly become more bicycle-friendly over the past several years, cyclists still face several hazards on the roadways. Whether you are riding your bike in MacFarlane Park or along Channelside Drive, if you are hit by a motorist, you need to hire an experienced Tampa bicycle accident lawyer who can protect your rights.

Protect Your Right to Compensation With Ronald Bone, P.A.

For over 30 years, the team at Ronald Bone, P.A., has been helping clients secure compensation in a wide range of injury claims. We understand the devastation wrought by a bicycle accident and are here to help you navigate the legal system associated with these cases. While past results are never able to guarantee a future outcome, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for past clients and strive to do the same for all who place their trust in us.

We are an active trial practice and aren’t afraid of bringing your case all the way to trial should the need arise. We are AV-rated, the highest rating possible from Martindale-Hubbell, and also have a Client Champion Silver designation. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we are client-focused and are ready to get the results you deserve. However, recognition is not a guarantee of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

Types of Bicycle Accident Common in Tampa

The unfortunate reality is that, in Florida, bicycle accidents are all too common. In a single year, the country can suffer over 340,000 non-fatal bicycle injuries and over 1,110 fatal bicycle accidents. Florida is actually considered the most dangerous state when it comes to bicycle fatalities, and people suffered 2,738 fatal crashes in a single year. There are several types of bicycle accidents that can take place in Tampa, including the following:

• Riding against traffic. Many bicycle accidents happen when a cyclist is traveling against the oncoming flow of traffic and a vehicle in the oncoming lane turns in front of the rider onto another street or into a driveway or parking lot. Cyclists can be difficult to see for some drivers, and motorists might not expect a bicycle riding against the flow of traffic. 
• Right hook wrecks. These wrecks take place when a cyclist is riding on the right side of the road, and a car passes them on the left, but then quickly turns into the cyclist’s path. The driver often neglects to recognize the rider as being in their blind spot and believes they have sufficient time and space to make their turn. 
• Right cross collisions. Cyclists are supposed to be treated just like any other vehicle on the road. This means that a motorist needs to yield to individuals who are riding their bikes within the flow of traffic. When a bicycle on the far right side of the road is traveling with the flow of traffic and a vehicle exits from an adjoining road or driveway, they could collide with the cyclist and cause devastating injuries or even death. 
• Left cross collisions. When a cyclist is within the flow of traffic, and a motorist near them makes a left turn and cuts in front of the bicycle in oncoming traffic, this kind of accident is likely to occur. 
• Rear-end collisions. When a bicycle does not adequately stop in time when approaching a vehicle behind at either a stop light or a stop sign, it can cause a rear-end collision to occur. In these situations, the cyclist may be held liable for the accident and property damage caused to the rear-ended vehicle. 
• Pedestrian accidents. Another common form of bicycle accident happens when a cyclist collides or sideswipes a pedestrian. These accidents can occur most often when a cyclist uses the sidewalk to ride on rather than the roadway. 

Many of these accidents occur due to the motorist’s inattention or error. This can typically occur in situations of speeding, reckless driving, texting and driving, eating or drinking and driving, and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we are here to help determine the cause and type of accident so that we can better understand which party, or parties, are to be held liable for your damages. 

How to File Your Bicycle Claim

Finding yourself in the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Tampa is overwhelming. You will probably feel uncertain regarding your next actions, and it is only natural to feel panicked. The steps you take following a bicycle accident can make or break your future claim. In order to offer your claim its highest chance at success, before you file, do the following:

• Check yourself for injury. The first step you need to take is to protect your own safety. Check yourself over for injuries. If you are unable to move or have struck your head, you need to call 911 as soon as possible. If a head injury is possible, do not take your helmet off and lie as still as possible as you wait for help. If you cannot call 911 on your own, ask a nearby witness to do so for you. 
• Collect information. If you are physically capable of doing so, you will want to collect information from any pedestrians or drivers that were involved, as well as information from potential eyewitnesses who may be able to support your future claim. This information can include names, phone numbers, insurance information, driver’s license information, and license plate information. 
• Gather evidence. Again, if it is physically possible for you to do so safely, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any of the vehicles that were involved. These photos and videos can be used as a strong form of evidence in your future case. You should also document details such as date, time, location, weather, and road conditions. 
• Seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel physically injured at the site of the accident, it is smart to go to your nearest walk-in to get checked over for any possible invisible injuries. Seeking follow-up care with your primary care doctor can also help lend an extra layer of credibility to your claim.
• Contact a lawyer. If you have suffered any kind of injuries or damage in a Tampa bicycle accident, it is essential that you consult with an attorney. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we are here to help you secure the settlement you deserve or take your case all the way to trial. 

Damages You May Be Able to Recover

In a bicycle accident case in Tampa, depending on the nature of your accident and the severity of your injuries, there are multiple damages you may be able to recover. At Ronald Bone, P.A., we can review your case and help calculate the fair and full amount of compensation you are entitled to. This compensation can help you recover from damages such as:

• All related medical expenses
• Lost income or the loss of future earning capacity
• Lost employment benefits
• Damage to your personal property, including your bicycle and personal belongings 
• Emotional and physical pain
• Scarring, disfigurement, or disability
• Possible punitive damages in rare cases, in order to punish the liable party for grossly negligent behavior

FAQs

Q: What Injuries Are Common in a Bicycle Accident?

A: There are a multitude of injuries common in bicycle accidents. These injuries include broken bones and fractures, spinal cord damage, which may result in paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, nerve damage, or organ damage, amputations, road rash, head, neck, shoulder, or back injuries, strains or sprains, and even death. 

Q: How Can a Lawyer Take Action in My Case?

A: A personal injury lawyer can take several actions in your case. Your attorney is there to keep you up-to-date on all the deadlines and requirements of your claim, can work to identify the liable parties in your accident, help gather the evidence needed to prove your case, communicate with all the involved parties, negotiate for a fair and full settlement, and take your case to court when necessary. 

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Bicycle Accidents?

A: In Florida, the statute of limitations on bicycle accidents is two years following the date the injuries occurred. This means that you have two years from the day your injuries are sustained to file your claim for compensation. If you fail to meet this required deadline, then you will likely lose your chance at damage recovery, and your case will be dismissed. 

Q: Are Bicycles Considered Vehicles in Florida?

A: Yes, in Florida, bicycles are considered vehicles when operating on the roadway. Cyclists are therefore afforded the same rights and duties as a motorized vehicle and are held to all of the same rules and laws of the road. This can include stopping at stop signs, obeying posted speed limits, and riding the right way on a one-way street. 

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Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured while out riding your bike in Tampa due to a negligent or reckless motorist, you need to hire a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. You are likely eligible to recover some form of compensation, and the team at Ronald Bone, P.A., is here to help you do just that.

We have the experience and commitment to justice you deserve on your side. Contact our St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay-based offices to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.