Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly, and popular way to travel around Tampa. However, when drivers fail to share the road responsibly, bicycle riders often suffer serious and life-changing injuries. If you were struck by a negligent driver, you deserve justice and fair compensation for your losses.
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced Tampa bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured cyclists. We understand how devastating a bike crash can be—physically, emotionally, and financially—and we fight tirelessly to help victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Tampa bicycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
Florida Bicycle Laws
Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles, giving cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means that both motorists and bicyclists must follow the rules of the road to ensure everyone’s safety.
Here are a few key bicycle laws in Florida that all riders and drivers should understand:
- Road Positioning: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards.
- Bike Lanes: When bike lanes are provided, bicyclists are generally required to use them unless it is unsafe to do so.
- Passing Distance: Under Florida Statute §316.083, drivers must leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist.
- Helmet Laws: Riders under 16 years old must wear an approved helmet. Although not legally required for adults, wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injury.
- Lighting Requirements: Between sunset and sunrise, bicycles must be equipped with a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear light or reflector visible from 600 feet.
When drivers ignore these safety requirements—by passing too closely, speeding, or driving distracted—they can cause devastating collisions. Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers work to hold negligent drivers accountable under Florida’s personal injury laws.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Tampa can happen anywhere—on busy downtown streets, neighborhood roads, or scenic coastal trails. In most cases, they occur because a driver was careless or reckless behind the wheel. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, or talking on the phone diverts a driver’s attention away from cyclists on the road.
- Failure to Yield: Many crashes happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections or while making turns.
- Dooring Accidents: A parked driver or passenger opening a car door into a cyclist’s path can cause serious injuries.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of impact.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who merge or turn without checking blind spots can easily collide with a cyclist.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment remains a leading cause of severe and fatal bicycle crashes.
Regardless of how your accident happened, our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation—collecting police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage—to build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Unlike motorists, bicyclists have no protective barrier other than a helmet and sometimes reflective gear. As a result, even low-speed collisions can cause significant injuries. Common injuries include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most serious outcomes.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A severe impact can cause paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, collarbone, or ribs often require surgery and long rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Sprains, strains, and deep bruising are common in falls or collisions.
- Road Rash: When a cyclist slides on pavement, it can cause painful abrasions and scarring.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we work closely with medical professionals to document your injuries, estimate long-term care needs, and calculate fair compensation to cover your current and future medical expenses.
Compensation from a Bike Accident Claim
After a bicycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Florida operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Typical compensation includes:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, and medication.
- Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and loss of future earning potential.
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement for your damaged bicycle and gear.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Damages for long-term physical impairment or scarring.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a bicycle crash, eligible family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs and loss of support.
Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers will negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to maximize your compensation. If insurers refuse to make a fair offer, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Florida?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, per Florida’s statute of limitations. However, certain factors—such as government liability—may affect this deadline.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
You can still pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other available insurance options. Our firm can help identify potential sources of recovery.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. While helmet use can impact the severity of injuries, not wearing one does not automatically bar you from recovery. However, it may affect the amount of compensation if the defense argues comparative negligence.
Should I speak to the insurance company after the accident?
It’s best to consult an attorney first. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or get you to make statements that could harm your claim.
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
The value of your claim depends on factors such as injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and the degree of the driver’s negligence. Our attorneys can provide an accurate estimate after reviewing your case.
Speak with a Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, don’t face the legal process alone. Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you seek justice and full compensation for your losses.
Call (727) 591-3354 to get answers about your options and learn how our legal team can support every stage of your recovery.
