From Bayshore Boulevard to the streets of Davis Islands or along the Pinellas Trail extension, bicyclists have every right to travel safely throughout Tampa. But when drivers fail to share the road, cyclists can suffer serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. After a crash, you may face a long recovery, time away from work, and lost moments with loved ones.
If a negligent driver caused your bicycle accident, a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can help. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine will investigate your crash and work to secure fair compensation, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and protect your rights. Our Tampa personal injury lawyers are here for you. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
How Our Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorneys Build Your Case
Many forms of evidence can help build your bicycle crash case against the defendant to prove their negligence. Our legal team thoroughly investigates the accident to gather key evidence for your personal injury claim. We may use:
- Photographs of multiple aspects of the crash are one of the most useful forms of evidence when filing a personal injury claim or dealing with the insurance adjuster.
- A report from the Tampa Police Department is also valuable evidence in almost every type of injury claim. Police reports are important because they typically list officer’s analysis of fault, which can help support your compensation claim.
- Other forms of evidence include eyewitness testimony and surveillance video.
- Expert testimony, such as from an accident reconstructionist, can also help support your claim.
What Negligent Actions Can Lead To Bicycle Accidents?
A negligent driver is one of the most common parties responsible for bike collisions. Some forms of a driver’s negligence that may have caused your accident include, but are not limited to:
- Motorists driving in bicycle lanes
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Reckless driving
- Fatigued driving
Additional causes could be conditions on the road, such as potholes, barricades, construction equipment, and traffic hazards.
If you or a loved one in Tampa has been injured during a bicycle accident, a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can fight for justice and fair compensation on your behalf.
Filing A Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Lawsuit In Tampa
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally must submit a personal injury lawsuit within two years from the accident date.
Our Tampa personal injury attorneys can help you know whether any exceptions apply to your case. We can also tell you if you qualify for an extension and help you with the paperwork. As soon as you partner with us, we’ll get to work on your case to ensure it meets all legal deadlines. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to get started.
Common Injuries In Bike Crashes
Depending on the weight and speed of the vehicle that hit you, you could sustain severe and catastrophic injuries. Bike-collision injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Chest injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Eye injuries
- Joint injuries
After suffering bicycle crash injuries, seek medical attention immediately. You’ll be able to get a diagnosis to give you the best chances at a full recovery.
Recovering Financial Compensation For Your Bicycle Collision in Tampa
Before your Tampa bicycle accident attorney can negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, we must first gather strong evidence to demonstrate the full extent of your losses.
This includes documenting out-of-pocket expenses, medical bills, lost income, and other hardships you’ve experienced because of the bicycle accident. Our role is to collect and present clear proof of these losses, through records, receipts, expert opinions, and other supporting evidence, to build a solid foundation for your claim. With this evidence in hand, we can advocate for fair compensation that reflects the impact the crash has had on your life.
Some recoverable losses your case may include are, but are not limited to:
- Emergency transportation and medical treatment
- Current and ongoing medical expenses
- Hospital stay expenses
- Transportation to doctor’s appointments
- Expenses for prescription medication
- Lost wages (current and future)
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical and psychological rehabilitation expenses
- Property damages
- Mental anguish and pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Loss of enjoyment
Every bicycle collision case is different; no set or predetermined financial figure can encompass your potential settlement. Depending on your unique bicycle crash and circumstances, we will advocate for the maximum compensation you are eligible for.
What Happens If You Share A Portion Of The Fault In Your Bike Accident?
Something to also consider is your amount of fault, if any, in causing the accident. If there is evidence against you that proves your shared fault, the defendant may only be obligated to compensate you for their percentage of fault, per Florida Statutes § 768.81.
For example, if you were 20% responsible for the accident, the negligent party would only have to pay you 80% of the damages. This could significantly decrease your settlement amount depending on its value.
However, you may share little to no fault for the collision, but the other party and their insurer may try to unfairly blame you in order to reduce or deny your payout. Our Tampa accident attorneys will fight these tactics and seek full and fair compensation.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a loved one in Tampa, FL, lost their life in a bicycle collision, your family can pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. According to Florida Statutes § 768.20, a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the lawsuit to recover a financial award for their premature passing.
Recoverable damages from a wrongful death lawsuit may include, but are not limited to:
- Funeral expenses
- Cremation
- Loss of a parental figure
- Lost financial protection
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
To file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida, you must do so within the statute of limitations. A family representative has up to two years to file the lawsuit following their loved one’s death.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Tampa
A bicycle accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Your safety and well-being come first, but taking the right steps afterward can also help protect your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Getting prompt treatment is the most important thing you can do for your recovery.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to law enforcement. An official police report can be an important piece of evidence for your case.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take photos of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, your injuries, road conditions, and anything else that may be relevant.
- Get Contact Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details from the driver, as well as contact information for any witnesses.
- Avoid Discussing Fault: It’s best not to discuss blame at the scene or with insurance adjusters before speaking to a lawyer.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep damaged equipment, clothing, receipts, and any communications related to the accident.
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney: A Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process.
Contact Our Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
The sooner you act, the sooner a Tampa, FL, bicycle accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can begin to build your legal case for compensation. If you or a loved one is struggling financially or physically after a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s action or inaction, you deserve justice.
Contact us to schedule a free case consultation.
We Can Help.
