Free Consultation
Bicycle Accident Lawyers in St. Petersburg
Representing victims of serious bike accidents in St. Petersburg, FL
Although many cities have improved infrastructure for cyclists over recent years, bicycling still often requires that individuals share the road with cars, trucks, and other automobiles. When it comes to collisions between cars and bikes, cyclists are at a clear disadvantage, often leading to devastating injuries. At MattLaw, our St. Petersburg Bicycle accident lawyers offer support and legal representation for cyclists who sustain severe injuries because of driver negligence. If you or a family member experienced injuries in one of these incidents, reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Free Consultation
Why choose MattLaw
When looking for a bicycle accident lawyer, you need someone with dedication, experience, and a strong record of success. MattLaw has stood up for bike accident victims for over 35 years. Founder Matt Powell is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Civil Trial Law. Board certification is a rigorous process that is a trusted benchmark for those seeking an attorney. To become certified in Civil Trial Law, lawyers must:
- Have at least five years of legal experience
- Dedicate 50% or more of their practice to civil trial law for the past three years
- Act as lead counsel in 15 or more contested cases
- Complete 50 or more hours of continuing legal education in civil trial law within three years
- Undergo peer review by other attorneys
- Pass a comprehensive written exam
Contact us to schedule a consultation for more information on Matt Powell and the other experienced attorneys at MattLawm.
Frequently asked questions about bicycle accidents in St. Petersburg
Should I file a police report after a bicycle accident?
If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you should make sure that you file a police report. The law actually requires a report if an accident involves:
- An injury
- Loss of life
- A hit-and-run
- $500 or more worth of damage
You have just ten days to file the report. A police report can also help your attorney find some key information about the case, such as the crash's location and the witnesses' identity.
Can I be found at fault for causing my bicycle accident?
Regardless of who is at fault in a bike accident, the cyclist is the most likely person to suffer serious injuries. However, your role in the accident may prevent or reduce your damages. Fortunately, as long as a court does not find you more than 50% at fault, you can still recover from a driver. If a court finds you 40% at fault, you can still collect 60% of the damages from a driver who it finds more liable.
If the driver who hit me was working, can I file a suit against the company?
In some cases, you can file a claim against the company. For instance, if the driver who struck you was working for Uber or Lyft at the time, the company insurance policies would apply. Similarly, if a commercial truck driver strikes you, you may have a claim against the company. If you believe that the driver was operating a vehicle for the purposes of this job, speak to your attorney to determine whether this might allow you to file a claim that includes the business as a defendant.
How long do I have to take legal action after a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg?
In St. Petersburg and throughout Florida, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including bike accidents, is two years. Failure to file within the time limit can result in the court refusing to hear your case, even if you have a valid argument that the driver was negligent. In the tragic case of a fatal bike accident, family members have just two years to file a wrongful death claim against the liable parties. In any of these cases, reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible is important to preserve evidence and start the process.
Proving negligence when a driver injures a cyclist
It can be challenging to prove negligence when a driver is involved in a crash with a cyclist. However, there is often evidence to support a claim of negligence. To prove negligence, the injured cyclist must show that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care, and their failure led to the cyclist’s injuries. Some signs of negligent driving include:
- Speeding or traveling too fast for road or weather conditions
- Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving, either in the form of texting or other behaviors
Police may test for intoxication, and phone records or witness statements could indicate the person was on their phone when they caused the crash. There are many ways to build a claim showing that the driver was at fault, but injury victims will need to discuss their claims with their attorneys to determine what evidence they might collect in their individual cases.
Collecting damages in a bicycle accident claim
Damages in a bike accident case can be extensive because the injuries are often severe. The law allows victims injured by another person's negligence to collect economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages compensate people for their financial losses, including medical bills, rehabilitation and physical therapy, and lost income. In the case of severe injuries that will have lasting impacts, victims can recover for their future anticipated care and lost income.
Noneconomic damages offer compensation for losses that are impossible to calculate, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In rare cases, the bicycle accident victim can also recover punitive damages. Punitive damages, which punish the negligent person for particularly egregious conduct, may apply if the driver who caused the accident was drunk driving or otherwise incredibly reckless.
Do you have a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer near me?
At MattLaw, we maintain offices in St. Petersburg and Tampa. If you cannot make it to our offices, our team is happy to work with you to find an alternative location to connect or to schedule a phone or video conference.
St. Petersburg Office Address:
8351 Blind Pass Rd Unit C, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Contact Mattlaw for a consultation
At MattLaw, our team is dedicated to protecting the future of bicycle accident victims. We know that these incidents often lead to serious injuries that can impact a person and their family for life. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced St. Petersburg bicycle accident attorneys today.