Bicycle Accident Attorney in Tampa

Riding a bicycle is a fun recreational activity that can also be a healthy way to navigate around town. Unfortunately, this activity can also be a very dangerous one, exposing you to the dangers of the road without the added protection of a motor vehicle.

Bicycle riders are particularly vulnerable to accidents because they generally share the road with much larger motorized vehicles. They also face a higher risk of injury or death when involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, because their body is so exposed. If you or a loved one is involved in a Tampa bicycle accident, you need the experienced bicycle accident lawyers of Zervos & Calta, PLLC on your side.

Why Are There So Many Bicycle Injuries in Tampa?

There are thousands of bicyclists in the state of Florida, and particularly in the Tampa Bay area. People love to be out in the open and they ride bicycles not only for transportation but also for exercise and for leisure. Many drivers have little patience for a bicycle blocking the road, which can lead to a bike accident when they try to get around them with no room.

The Tampa Bay Times reviewed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and for the years 2012 – 2016, Florida bicycle accident statistics show that Florida was the deadliest state for bicyclists, with Florida bicycle accidents at more than twice the national rate.

Bicycles typically have the same right-of-way as a car or truck, but because they are slower and can slow drivers down, they sometimes aren’t given that right.

What Are Some Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries In Tampa?

These are just a few of the possible injuries resulting from Tampa bicycle accidents. Some are life-altering injuries:

• Brain Injury – A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when a rider falls from their bicycle. The fall can result in anything from a mild concussion to severe brain damage.
• Head Injury – When a bicycle rider is thrown from their bike, they can be thrown to the side, or even go over the handlebars. When this happens, they can incur a head injuries…even if they were wearing a helmet.
• Neck Injuries – The connective tissues, tendons, muscles, plus bones in the vertebrae could be injured in a bicycle crash.
• Bone Fractures – If the bicycle rider lands hard enough, they may incur broken bones. Broken bones will result in possible surgery to correct, and additional rehabilitation time.
• Road Rash – Road rash occurs when skin and the rough, abrasive surface of the road meet. The road always wins.
• Joint dislocation – When a rider is trying to break their fall, a joint dislocation may occur. Such dislocations may be in areas such as the wrist and hands.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – An accident resulting in damage to the rider’s spinal cord instantly changes their life. They will most likely not be able to do the activities they previously participated in.
• Fatalities – Should the worst occur, and the bicycle rider is killed in the bicycle accident, the accident victim’s surviving family may be in line to file a wrongful death claim.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Tampa?

Bicycle safety means following the rules of the road. When riding your bicycle it is imperative you abide by all traffic laws and warnings, just as you would if you were operating a car or truck. There are several ways a Tampa bicycle accident can happen. They can hit another vehicle or person, or they can hit an obstacle. However, even when taking measures towards bicycle safety it is still possible to suffer bicycle accident injuries.

By knowing what the most common types of bicycle accidents are, you are better able to protect yourself and those you care about when on the road.  These are some of the most common bike accidents to take precautions against.

• Bicyclist is hit by a car or other motor vehicle
• Unexpected car door openings
• Distracted driver of a motor vehicle
• Bicyclist collides with another bicyclist
• Colliding with pedestrians
• Bicyclist hits a hole or other obstacle in the road, causing them to crash
• Collisions with branches or other objects
• Being run off the road
• Motorist runs red light or stop sign
• Mechanical malfunction

Any of these accidents can cause serious injuries and property damage, resulting in pain and suffering, and great financial burden. They could, in the worst case, even result in fatal bicycle accidents.

What Steps Should I Take after a Tampa Bicycle Accident?

Anyone who is involved in an accident while on a bicycle, no matter how minor, should take the following steps.

• Get medical help, even if you think you aren’t hurt.
• File a police and incident report. This should be done immediately after the accident.
• Get the other person’s contact information, including driver’s license and insurance, the same as you would for a car accident.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, including the wrecked bicycle and the other vehicle involved.

If you or someone you care about has been the victim of a bicycle accident influenced by the negligence of someone else, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your losses.

Contact a Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Contact our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers at the law firm of Zervos & Calta, PLLC by filling out the form on the right or call 727-937-3171 to schedule a free phone consultation and learn more about your legal options.

Visit our personal injury attorneys in one of our four convenient office locations in Spring Hill, Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. If you are unable to come to us, we will come to you.

Our personal injury attorneys also work with clients in Trinity, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Westchase, Hudson, Elfers, Holiday, Bayonet Point, Palm Harbor, Wesley Chapel and New Port Richey.

Visit Our Tampa Bicycle Accident Law Offices