Free Consultation
Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Dedicated legal advocacy after you’re injured in a Florida bike accident
Bicycling in any urban area places riders at risk of collisions with larger vehicles. Cars, trucks, and even motorcycles can present severe risks for cyclists on Tampa’s roads. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in one of these serious cases, you need to speak to an attorney to find out whether you might be eligible to receive compensation. At MattLaw, our Tampa bicycle accident attorneys have been helping people like you for over 35 years. We help you seek the compensation to which you’re entitled after someone else’s negligence causes you injury.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
Free Consultation
How we can help you
- How often do bicycle accidents happen in Florida?
- What types of injuries happen from Tampa bicycle accidents?
- What should I do after a Tampa bicycle accident?
- What causes Tampa bicycle accidents?
- What is the value of my Tampa bicycle accident claim?
- How can your Tampa bicycle accident attorneys help my case?
- Do you have a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer near me?
How often do bicycle accidents happen in Florida?
Bike crashes happen all too often in Florida. According to the number of reported accidents in 2024:
- 6,271 total bicycle crashes
- 124 fatalities
- 5,978 injuries
There are a number of causes for the high rate of bicycle accidents here in Tampa. Some contributing factors specific to the area include:
- Heavy traffic. Florida's population is continuing to grow. Between the rising number of new residents and frequent tourists, there are more vehicles on the road and a rise in cyclists.
- Lack of bike lanes. Many parts of Florida still lack dedicated bike lanes. Forcing cyclists to share the road with cars and trucks puts them at risk.
- Distracted driving. Drivers distracted by phones or other factors can contribute to accidents involving cyclists.
Although cyclists can improve their safety by taking steps like wearing a helmet, any time they must travel close to cars, they are at the mercy of drivers, who are all too often distracted or otherwise irresponsible.
What types of injuries happen from Tampa bicycle accidents?
Bike accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, from serious physical trauma to severe and life-altering conditions. Following are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in these accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries. The head is vulnerable, so injuries like concussions and other traumatic brain injuries or skull fractures are particularly common in bicycle accidents.
- Broken bones. Collisions with vehicles or other objects can result in fractures of the arms, legs, pelvis, or spine.
- Soft tissue injuries. Other common injuries include cuts, bruises, strains, and sprains caused by the impact of the accident.
- Internal injuries. In severe accidents, the bicycle rider might experience internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Spinal cord injuries. Collisions with other objects can cause damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis or other neurological impairments.
It’s important to remember that the severity of these injuries can vary greatly, depending on factors like the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and the protective gear worn by the cyclist. If you or someone you know has been involved in a Tampa bicycle accident, seek medical attention promptly.
What should I do after a Tampa bicycle accident?
If you've been involved in a bicycle accident in Tampa, here are some steps to take:
- Get checked for injuries: Even if your injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention. Injuries sometimes don’t appear right away, even when they later prove to be serious.
- Call the police: Contacting the police might be required if the accident is serious enough. Even if it’s not mandatory, a police report will help document important information about the location, events and witnesses.
- Gather information: If you are able to, note the driver's name, license plate number, and insurance information. If you see any witnesses present, ask them for their information as well.
- Take photos: You could document the accident scene by taking photos of your damaged bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. However, you should only do this if it’s possible to safely take pictures without entering traffic and creating a risk of another accident.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but stick to the basic facts. Don’t admit fault – even with your own insurer.
- Consult a lawyer: Consider consulting with a Tampa personal injury At MattLaw, we can help you understand your legal rights and work through the claims process.
The personal injury attorneys at MattLaw provide support and counsel for bike accident victims seeking fair compensation for injuries and damages. Our team can answer your questions about what to do after an accident, and help you communicate with insurance companies.
What causes Tampa bicycle accidents?
Tampa bicycle accidents are often caused by a combination of factors, many of which involve negligence. Here are some common causes:
- Distracted driving: Today, distracted driving makes people think about drivers who text while behind the wheel. Texting is a leading cause of distractions, but talking on the phone, eating, or even daydreaming can lead to a driver failing to see a cyclist, leading to an accident.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists at intersections or when turning can cause collisions. The risk is especially high when a driver is turning right and looking for traffic to the left. In those cases, it’s likely they will not see a cyclist approaching on their right.
- Speeding: High speeds can make it difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid cyclists. The risk increases when there is low visibility or bad weather conditions.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of accidents and can impair a driver's judgment and reflexes.
- Poor road quality. Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can contribute to bike accidents, especially when they cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes. Also, if drivers swerve to avoid these hazards, they can potentially strike or cut off a cyclist.
- Lack of bike lanes. The absence of dedicated bike lanes can increase the risk of accidents, as cyclists are forced to share the road with vehicles.
- Inadequate lighting. Poor lighting, especially at night, can make it difficult for drivers to see bicyclists, which increases the risk of a collision.
If you've been involved in a bicycle accident in Tampa, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney. At MattLaw, we can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to obtain fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
What is the value of my Tampa bicycle accident claim?
The value of your bicycle accident claim depends on a variety of factors. These include:
- The nature of your injuries. More severe injuries typically lead to higher settlements or verdicts. This includes catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or amputations.
- Medical expenses. These expenses include past and future medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages. If the injuries from your accident prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income. The total number should include income you already lost and anticipated future losses if your injuries will impact your ability to work and earn in the future.
- Pain and suffering. These damages include the physical and emotional pain caused by your injuries.
- Property damage. If your bicycle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
Remember, everyone’s case is different, so the value of a claim varies greatly from case to case. The Tampa bike accident attorneys at MattLaw can help you determine the value of your claim.
How can your Tampa bicycle accident attorneys help my case?
Here at MattLaw, our dedicated personal injury lawyers provide valuable assistance throughout the legal process, including:
- Initial consultation. When we meet, we review the details of your case, gather information, and assess your potential legal options.
- Investigation. Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence for your case, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
- Legal representation. We represent our clients in all legal proceedings, from negotiations with insurance companies to court appearances, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Claim evaluation. We help calculate the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Negotiations. Our lawyers will negotiate with the insurance companies to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Litigation. If necessary, our attorneys are not afraid to take your case to trial and represent you in a court of law.
By working with our experienced team, you can benefit from:
- Legal guidance. Our attorneys have the knowledge and resources you need to work through the sometimes complicated legal process.
- Strong representation. We aggressively advocate for your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible in your case.
- Personalized attention: You can count on personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.
- Reduced stress. By allowing us to handle the legal aspects of your case, you can relax and focus on your health.
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Tampa, don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at MattLaw for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your legal rights and explore your options for securing compensation.
Do you have a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer near me?
MattLaw is located at 304 S Plant Avenue in Tampa, Florida. Contact us for a free consultation. If you are too injured to come to us, we can come to you. Videoconferencing may also be an option if you are unable to come to our offices.
Contact our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers today
If you've been injured in a Tampa bicycle accident, the experienced attorneys at MattLaw are here to help. Our team fights tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us handle the legal complexities while you heal. Simply call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a meeting with a dedicated lawyer today.