St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Injured by a Negligent Driver While Riding Your Bike?

Were you or a loved one involved in a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg, Florida? You may be entitled to substantial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can fight to get the money you need and deserve. 

Our legal team has been handling complex injury claims since we opened our doors in 1955. We go above and beyond to secure the compensation our clients need–and we’ve already recovered over $675 million to help clients get back on their feet.

We offer a free initial consultation, so don’t hesitate to contact our law office today at (727) 591-3354 for the legal advice you deserve.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents?

By the numbers, Florida is the most dangerous state in the U.S. for bicyclists. Unfortunately, the Tampa Bay area tops the list as the most dangerous metropolitan area in Florida for bike riders.

Bicycle accidents are on the rise even though the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area now has 26 bike trails that cover more than 221 miles.

In 2020, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 5,948 bicycle crashes and 163 bike accident fatalities statewide. 518 accidents and eight fatalities occurred in Pinellas County.

Florida Bicycle Laws

Florida law classifies bicycles as vehicles, meaning bicyclists have many of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Under Florida Statutes § 316.2065, bicyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except in certain circumstances such as avoiding hazards, making a left turn, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a vehicle.

Key provisions of Florida bicycle laws include:

• Bicyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Motorists must maintain a minimum distance of three feet when passing a bicycle.
• Helmets are required for riders under 16 years old.
• Bicycles operated at night must have a front white light and rear red reflector or light visible from specified distances.

Despite these laws designed to promote safety, many drivers fail to respect cyclists' rights, leading to preventable accidents and severe injuries.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents in St. Petersburg often occur due to driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers using cell phones, adjusting navigation systems, or engaging in other distractions may fail to see cyclists sharing the road.
• Failing to Yield: Many accidents occur at intersections or when motorists make turns without checking for cyclists, especially when making right or left-hand turns.
• Dooring Accidents: This type of crash happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions with cyclists.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs pose a significant danger to bicyclists due to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who abruptly change lanes or crowd a cyclist’s space can cause serious collisions or force cyclists off the road.

Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

If you were injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. However, you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility. That’s why working with a skilled St. Petersburg bicycle accident attorney is critical—we can help build a strong case to minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery.

At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate each case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. If needed, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the justice you deserve.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

First, seek medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor. Then, call the police to file an accident report. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver involved, take photos of the scene and your injuries, and avoid discussing fault. Contact a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

How do I prove negligence after a bicycle accident? 

Most bike accidents are caused by simple negligence. Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable caution under the circumstances. 

Proving negligence means establishing:

• A legal duty of care
• A breach of duty
• The breach caused the accident
• The amount of damages you suffered

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (as of the 2023 tort reform law). However, certain exceptions may apply. Prompt legal action is important to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if applicable. Our attorneys can help explore every available option.

Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes. While Florida law only requires helmets for riders under 16, not wearing one doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering damages. However, the defense may argue that your injuries were worsened due to the lack of a helmet. An experienced attorney can help counter these claims.

How much is my bicycle accident case worth?

Each case is unique. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the degree of the driver’s negligence. We provide personalized case evaluations to help you understand what your claim may be worth.

How Our St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

Under normal circumstances, biking offers health benefits and an eco-friendly way to get around town. When a bicycle accident occurs, however, it can turn your life upside down. Bicyclists are simply no match for cars and other motor vehicles, even with a helmet and protective gear.

It’s not your fault that you got hurt. You shouldn’t have to pay the price. Unfortunately, you may find that dealing with the insurance company can be a nightmare—even if it’s your own car insurance carrier.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers are prepared to fight for you. We know how insurance companies operate—we’re the oldest personal injury firm in Tampa Bay. With our experienced team in your corner, you’ll greatly increase your chances of recovering the full compensation you need.

Our lawyers can help by:

• Launching a comprehensive investigation into the accident
• Hiring accident reconstruction specialists to offer insight into what happened
• Working with experts to assess the fair value of your personal injury claim
• Negotiating with the insurance company to recover the maximum compensation available

Our personal injury attorneys have more than 300 years of experience between us. We’ve handled thousands of complex injury claims over the years. You can trust that we’ll do everything possible to maximize your financial settlement.

Call (727) 591-3354 to speak to a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers and request a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.