Tampa’s growing bike lanes and trails have made cycling a popular way to commute and stay active — but sharing the road with cars still puts cyclists at serious risk. With little more than a helmet between them and a two-ton vehicle, cyclists involved in a collision often suffer injuries far more severe than the drivers who hit them.
At Medina Law Firm, we represent injured cyclists throughout the Tampa Bay area. We understand how quickly insurance companies try to shift blame onto the cyclist, and we know how to build a case that holds the responsible driver accountable.
Most bicycle accidents are the result of driver negligence, including:
Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, and defective bicycle equipment can also contribute to serious crashes.
Without the protection of a vehicle, cyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injury, including:
In Florida, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles when riding on the road, and drivers are required to give cyclists a safe distance when passing. Even when a cyclist is riding lawfully, insurance companies sometimes try to argue the cyclist was partly at fault. An attorney can help evaluate the specific facts of your accident and how Florida’s comparative negligence rules may apply.
If you’re able to safely do so after a crash:
Injured cyclists may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, damage to their bicycle and equipment, and pain and suffering. If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, surviving family members may also be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Bicycle accident claims often hinge on details that are easy to overlook — how close the driver was passing, whether the cyclist had the right of way, or what a witness actually saw. Medina Law Firm brings decades of trial experience to investigating these details thoroughly, with clients working directly with their attorney throughout the case.
The driver says I swerved into traffic. What should I do? Don’t accept the driver’s version of events as final. Insurance companies and drivers often shift blame early on, before all the facts are known. Speak with an attorney before making any statements.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
In many cases, yes. Not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering compensation from a negligent driver, though it may be raised by the insurance company. An attorney can explain how it may affect your specific case.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Florida?
Deadlines vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Because these time limits can be strict, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
If you or a loved one was injured while cycling, don’t let the insurance company’s version of events go unchallenged. Contact Medina Law Firm today for a consultation.
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