Cycling around St. Petersburg is about sun and ease, healthier living and environmentally friendly commuting — but it comes with a risk. Blind spot e-bike accidents and bicycle crashes are more common in Florida than you might think. Knowing how these accidents occur and what to do following an accident is important if you have been injured and are thinking about Florida bike accident claims.
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we have recovered millions and millions for those injured in bike accidents, including cyclists hit by inattentive or careless drivers. We fight to get you paid!
What Makes Blind Spot Crashes So Dangerous For Cyclists?
Blind spots are the zones around a vehicle that drivers cannot see with their mirrors. For a cyclist in St. Petersburg, these blind spots can be lethal — particularly around larger vehicles such as trucks, vans or SUVs.
When a bicyclist enters what is known as blind spot, a driver may take turns or change lanes without ever knowing there’s someone riding alongside. In St. Petersburg, the following blind spot accidents most frequently occur during:
- Right turns at intersections, where cyclists get hit by drivers who see riders going straight.
- Lane changes in traffic, particularly when drivers only check for cars
- Leaving parking spaces, as cars reverse without looking for bikes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 1,000 people on bicycles are killed and that over 130,000 are injured in motor vehicle collisions each year. Many of these are because motorists simply did not see the cyclist in time.
What Should You Do Immediately After A Bicycle Accident?
Here’s what you should do when you get in a wreck so that your health — and your right to compensation — are protected:
- Get to safety. Get yourself out of traffic and dial 911.
- Seek medical care. Even if you feel fine, injuries such as concussions or internal bleeding may take some time to reveal themselves.
- Document the scene. Snap photos of the damage, road conditions, position of vehicles and your injuries.
- Exchange information. Obtain the driver’s name, license and insurance information, and talk with any witnesses.
- File a police report. This official documentation can be critical when rendering a claim.
Immediate action lays the groundwork for a Florida bicycle accident claim. Your lawyer will later use this paper trail as evidence for fault and recovery of complete damages.
How Does Florida Law Treat Bicycle And E-Bike Accidents?
The state of Florida has legally recognized cyclists as full-fledged road users and asserts that they possess all of the same rights and duties as a typical vehicle driver. Per to Florida Statutes § 316.2065, bicycles are subject to traffic laws and drivers must yield the right-of-way to them.
Florida’s no-fault insurance law (PIP) can provide for initial medical coverage if you’re injured in an accident. PIP benefits unfortunately are capped and do not cover pain, suffering or long-term treatment. And that’s where a personal injury claim comes into play.
If your injuries have crossed the line from moderate to serious, permanent, or disfiguring (as defined in Florida Statutes § 627.737), you may be able to receive additional damages through a personal injury case.
Who Is Legally Responsible In A Blind Spot Bicycle Crash?
There are a variety of potential defendants in blind spot bicycle accidents:
- Drivers, if they failed to check their surroundings or showed poor judgment.
- Employers, if the vehicle involved was a company truck and the driver was working.
- Local governments, if the crash was a result of poor road design or signage
- Bike manufacturers, if defective parts played a role in the accident
A skilled St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer can help you investigate who was at fault, gather evidence and lawsuits against all parties who may be responsible for your injuries to secure the most compensation possible.
What Compensation Can You Recover After A Bicycle Or E-Bike Crash?
With the aid of a Florida e-bike accident lawyer, you can seek damages for:
- Immediate medical attention and future medical costs.
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy.
- Lost wages and diminished ability to earn in the future.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage (bike repairs or replacement).
- Psychological suffering and diminished well-being.
Victims can also seek punitive damages in the event the driver was particularly reckless or intentional.
What Role Does Cycling Safety Gear Play In Claims?
When you wear cycling safety gear in St. Pete, it not only protects you physically but supports your legal case. Insurance adjusters and juries tend to look kindly upon cyclists in helmets, or with bright clothing and lighting.
Essential gear includes:
- Certified helmets
- Reflective vests or jackets
- Front and rear lights
- Bells or horns
- Mirrors for added awareness
Adults are not mandated by Florida law to wear helmets, but if you do not take ordinary care for your well-being in a significant way, it may impact how much damages you can recover under the state’s comparative fault rule, Florida Statutes § 768.81.
Why Do You Need A Lawyer For A Bicycle Accident Claim?
Insurance corporations are notorious for insulting settlements to cyclist claims. Without legal assistance, victims may settle for amounts that are multiples of what is needed for long-term medical needs or lost wages.
An experienced St. Petersburg bike accident attorney can:
- Handle negotiations with insurers
- Collect traffic camera recordings or black box data
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Use of Subpoena for police reports and medical records
- Bring a trial, if you must
You’re not in this alone, with the legal system. Our team has the knowledge and resources to push back on large insurance companies—and we’ve proven that time and again for many of our clients.
We fight to get you paid!
How Long Do You Have To File A Bike Accident Claim In Florida?
Most personal injury cases in Florida are subject to a two-year statute of limitations calculated from the time of the car crash — see Florida Statutes § 95.11 (2023 update). If you wait too long, it may be impossible to collect damages at any time — even if your case is strong.
Rapides Parish Wrongful Death Attorney If you lose a loved one due to the negligence of another, it is critical that steps be taken immediately to preserve evidence, investigate the accident and/or event and to file a lawsuit before the deadline imposed by the statute of limitations. The more quickly you get in touch with a Florida e-bike accident lawyer, the more likely you are to obtain full compensation.
How Can You Prevent Future Bicycle And E-Bike Accidents?
You can’t control the reckless drivers out there, but you can decrease your level of risk by:
- Stay out of blind spots: Do not drive directly behind vehicles, particularly trucks or buses; or substantially far ahead.
- Making eye contact: Don’t assume that a driver can see you, make sure they do before crossing intersections or lanes.
- Using hand signals: Make other road users quickly understand what your are about to do on the road.
- Riding defensively: Keep an eye out, anticipate the unexpected and don’t stop scanning your environment.
By following local safety requirements and using the proper equipment, you can both enhance your protection and ensure a stronger legal standing in the event of an accident.
What Should You Look For In A St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Select a lawyer who specializes in:
- Representing victims in complex bicycle and e-bike injury claims
- Knowledge of the traffic and injury laws in Florida
- Handling lawsuits related to personal injuries stemming from blind- spot accidents
- Haggling on behalf of fair settlements and suing when necessary
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we offer this and so much more. Our firm provides customized legal solutions, complimentary case reviews and we never charge you fees unless we resolve your claim. We are here to defend you from the moment you pick up the phone.
When Should You Contact A Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Right away. Early legal representation ensures:
- No evidence is lost
- Your rights are protected
- The insurer doesn’t exploit you
And the sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can begin building your defense.
Final Thoughts: Ride Safer And Know Your Rights
There are many rewards for cycling in St. Petersburg, but there is a cost too. Blind spot crashes in St. Petersburg are a real threat – and learning what steps to take before and after an accident can save lives, as well as safeguard the future of victims.
If you or a loved one has been hurt, contact our team today. At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we know how difficult it can be to heal after experiencing a bicycle accident.
We fight to get you paid!
