Tampa bicycle accident attorneys are seeing more cases than ever as the number of cyclists on Florida roads continues to rise. In Tampa and across the state, more people are riding bikes for recreation, health, and environmental reasons. Unfortunately, this increase has also led to a rise in serious accidents involving cyclists. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that in 2018 alone, there were 519 bicycle crashes in Hillsborough County. In 2019, there were 544 crashes and 12 fatalities related to bicycle accidents.
Many bicycle accident injuries are very serious, even fatal. The accident victims suffer from injuries such as broken or fractured bones, head and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries and other internal injuries, which can cause long-lasting pain and suffering. Sadly, accident victims and their families often also face multiple difficult life changes and problems, such as the need for long-term medical treatment and problems paying all the bills.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you do not have to face all of these problems alone. The trusted Florida bicycle accident attorneys of Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys have helped hundreds of accident victims throughout Florida and want to help you hold the negligent party accountable and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.
Bicycle Accident Injuries and Fatalities
Cyclists are extremely vulnerable when travelling on the roadway. The road itself has hidden dangers that can cause a cyclist to fall, and distracted motorists are a constant threat. Unfortunately, except for a helmet and protective clothing (if worn), cyclists have no real physical protection in a collision. A collision with a car or truck can easily throw a bicyclist from the bike, causing life-threatening injuries. These may include spinal damage, internal organ injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.
Bicycle accident injuries can also be fatal. Across the U.S., more than 850 people are killed each year in these accidents, while many more are injured. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports:
- The proportion of people killed “inside the vehicle” (occupants of passenger cars, light trucks, large trucks, buses, and other vehicles) has declined from a high of 80 percent in 1996 to 66 percent in 2019.
- The proportion of people killed “outside the vehicle” (motorcyclists, pedestrians, pedalcyclists, and other nonoccupants) has increased from a low of 20 percent in 1996 to a high of 34 percent in 2019.
- In 2019, the number of pedalcyclists fatally injured in accidents on U.S. roadways decreased from 871 in 2018 to 846 (-2.9%).
- During the same time period, the number of pedalcyclist Injuries increased from 47,000 to 49,000 (+4.3%).
What to Expect from Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we will work toward getting compensation for your medical bills, for lost wages, future earnings, property damage and any emotional pain and suffering you’ve been through. When you work with us, we will:
- Collect all the evidence of your accident, including police reports, surveillance video and eyewitness accounts
- Make sense of insurance and legal documents
- Handle all interactions with the insurance companies
- Find you a reputable doctor to take care of your injuries and assess your condition
- Negotiate with medical care providers to reduce your bills so that you take home more money
Bicycle Accidents Data
In Florida alone, between 160 and 170 people die each year because of bicycle accident-related injuries. In fact, according to NHTSA data, Florida has the highest per capita fatality rate in the U.S., with 5.96 bicycle accident fatalities per million residents. Unfortunately, Hillsborough County is one of the top five Florida counties for bicycle crash fatalities.
If you have lost a loved one due to bicycle accident-related injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages and collect compensation from the negligent party with a wrongful death suit. An experienced Florida bicycle accident attorney at Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys can help you determine your best course of action, given the circumstances of your case.
Why is Florida So Dangerous For Cyclists?
Statistically, cyclists in Florida have a higher chance of being killed while riding than in any other state. Per capita, the rate is close to 60 percent higher than the next highest state. Year-round warm weather means that cyclists are out on the road more than in some other states, but other reasons include:
- Negligent or distracted motorists
- More elderly drivers on the road
- More tourists on the road
- High population
- Defects in major roadways
Florida Bicycle Laws
It is up to each state to determine what laws and restrictions apply to cyclists traveling the state’s roadways. In Florida, the law treats bicycles like motor vehicles. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on the road.
Under Florida law, cyclists have to follow the same traffic laws as when driving a car. Like motorists, they must stop at stop signs and red lights, ride with the flow of traffic, yield to vehicles when entering a roadway and to pedestrians in crosswalks, and use lights from dusk to dawn.
People driving motor vehicles are also required to share the road safely with cyclists. Too often, however, motorists ignore or forget the obligation to treat bicycles on the road as vehicles, and they recklessly pull out in front of bicyclists, change lanes in front of them, and back up into them.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Tampa?
Government agencies and cycling advocacy groups have made bicycle safety a priority through education and outreach. Still, driver negligence remains a leading cause of bicycle crashes. Too often, drivers fail to see cyclists or refuse to yield when the law requires it.
According to national data from NHSTA, bicycle fatalities show that:
- Most bicyclist deaths happen in urban areas (75%), compared to rural areas (25%).
- In every season, bicyclist deaths occur most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Fatal bicycle crashes involve eight times as many males as females.
- Light trucks are the vehicle most often involved in crashes that kill a bicyclist.
- Alcohol plays a role in 37% of fatal bicyclist crashes.
Accident data also points to these common causes of bicycle crashes:
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving or speeding
- Poor visibility
Avoiding Bicycle Crashes
Staying clear of distracted, drowsy, aggressive or impaired drivers when on the road would be good advice for cyclists, but it’s impractical, since, cyclists don’t know what the motorists around them will be doing or feeling. The best advice, then is to understand the risks of cycling and how to avoid them as much as possible.
Using safety tips developed by Cycling Savvy, the Florida Biking Association recommends the following guidelines:
- Obey Florida traffic laws. When cycling on Florida roadways, you have to follow Florida traffic laws: ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic, yield to traffic before entering a roadway, yield to overtaking traffic when changing lanes, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and obey all traffic signs and lights.
- Stay with the traffic at intersections. If you are turning right, stay in the right lane. If you are turning left, use the left turn lane. If you are not turning, stay out of the turn lanes.
- Take your place in traffic lanes. Bicyclists often try to stay to the far right in traffic lanes, thinking they are safer there. However, being to the far right of traffic is often dangerous because vehicles are unaware of them. You are actually safer riding toward the middle of a lane where you are more visible.
- Be very cautious when passing. Passing stopped traffic on the right is very dangerous because vehicles can pull out without seeing you and traffic can start moving. Passing parked cars is also dangerous because of the potential of a vehicle door opening directly in your path.
- Signal turns and lane changes. Using appropriate signals is important for making motorists aware of you so they can take the necessary precautions to avoid hitting you.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Tampa Bicycle Accident
Hit-and-run crashes are all too common in bicycle accidents. A careless driver may hit a cyclist and drive away. If you were involved in a hit-and-run, try to gather any available information at the scene, such as the driver’s contact details, license plate number, vehicle description, and witness contact information.
Report the crash to the police as soon as possible so there is an official record, even if the driver fled. Seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine. A prompt, thorough evaluation can document your injuries and identify hidden problems, such as internal injuries or a traumatic brain injury. Symptoms may take hours or days to appear, so getting checked quickly helps ensure you receive the treatment you need.
As soon as you’re able, contact an experienced Tampa bicycle accident attorney to discuss your case and legal options. A qualified attorney will review the details of the accident and assess your injuries. They will help you decide whether filing a bicycle accident injury claim is in your best interest. This can help you hold the negligent party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
With a bicycle accident injury claim, you may be able to obtain compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses already incurred as well as potential future medical expenses
- Income lost due to time off work
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Diminished capacity to enjoy life
- Other damages recoverable under Florida law
Contact Trusted, Experienced Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorneys
The Dennis Hernandez bicycle accident attorneys are ready to hear your story and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll guide you through every step, act quickly to preserve key evidence, and handle the details so you can focus on healing. Our team negotiates directly, and firmly, with insurance companies on your behalf. We build a strong case that clearly shows the full impact of your crash, including your physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses.
Many Tampa personal injury lawyers push for quick settlements because they don’t want to go to trial. We’re different. We don’t accept less than you deserve, and we don’t back down. We’ll stand with you and fight for you from start to finish.
Call us at 813.250.0000 or fill in the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website to get started on your case.
