Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorney

Many people choose bicycles as their primary transportation method in sunny Tampa, Florida. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to share the road with cyclists, and accidents may occur. Being involved in a bicycle accident can not only cause injury, but it can be traumatic. Therefore, you should consider hiring a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer if you are involved in an accident.

At The Frank Santini Law Firm, we are knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyers who are capable of litigating bicycle accident claims. We recognize that accidents happen; however, victims are entitled to compensation if the other party was negligent.

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813-750-0422

7269 Bucks Ford Dr.
Riverview, FL 33578

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Bicycle Accidents in Tampa, Florida

In 2024, there were 9,303 bicycle crashes and 197 fatalities in Florida. While this number is less than other transportation accidents, no one expects to be injured or lose their lives while riding their bike.

Bicycles are considered vehicles, and bicyclists must follow regular traffic laws as well as bicycle laws to keep them safe; however, even with all precautions, the negligence of other drivers may lead to accidents.

In March 2025, a bicyclist collided with a motorized scooter operator on the busy Dale Mabry highway. The scooter crashed into the bicyclist while trying to merge into the same lane. The bicyclist was traveling in the outer lane, which is legal in the state of Florida. Unfortunately, the cyclist lost their life in the accident, which proves how dangerous a bicycle accident can be.

Some common causes of bike accidents include the following:

• Distracted driving – Distracted driving includes using a smartphone or device while driving as well as engaging in other tasks that distract drivers while operating a vehicle.
• Driving under the influence – Tampa Bay is considered one of the most dangerous places for bicyclists, and one of the primary reasons is because of drunk drivers. Tampa attracts many tourists who may choose to drive under the influence, which can be particularly damaging and even deadly for many cyclists.
• Speeding – Speeding is the cause of many accidents, including bicycle accidents. A bicycle is no match for a collision with a speeding vehicle, which can cause serious injuries.
• Violation of traffic laws – Sometimes, accidents occur because drivers fail to follow traffic laws. This may include refusing to stop at a stop sign or red light or making illegal turns. Unfortunately, one person’s refusal to follow traffic laws can lead to another person’s injuries or damages.
• Dangerous road conditions – In some bicycle accidents, no other vehicles are involved, and instead, the road conditions are to blame. Dangerous road conditions can be particularly damaging for bicycles that typically do not have the physical structure to handle them.
• Passing bicycles too closely – In Florida, drivers are required to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of passing distance. This distance prevents a vehicle from hitting a passing bicycle.

These are just some of the causes of bicycle accidents. If evidence confirms that the other driver or entity responsible for keeping the roads safe was negligent, an injured bicyclist may be entitled to compensation.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

If you are under 16 in Florida, you are required to wear a helmet while operating a bicycle. However, there is not much other physical protection you can utilize if you are hit by a moving vehicle while riding a bike. This makes bicycle accident injuries distinctly severe. Below is a list of injuries a cyclist may sustain in an accident that requires medical attention:

• Head injuries. Head injuries are one of the most common injuries a cyclist may sustain after an accident. This is especially true if they were not wearing a helmet. Florida statute 316.2065 requires riders under 16 years old to wear a helmet. Those over 16 may choose not to do so. This can result in head injuries such as brain bleeds, skull fractures, and lasting neurological damage.
• Skeletal injuries. Other common injuries include skeletal injuries such as broken bones. Examples include broken arm bones, wrists, legs, shoulder bones, knees, and feet. Broken bones can require lengthy hospital stays and years of physical therapy.
• Fractures. Fractures can occur in the upper and lower extremities, though upper extremity fractures are more common in bicycle accidents. Examples include collarbone, arm, hand, and wrist fractures.
• Internal injuries. Some accident victims may suffer internal injuries because of the impact of the collision. For example, a person may suffer organ damage, have internal bleeding, or fracture a rib.
• Road rash. Road rash is a common injury from bicycle accidents, which can result in a painful wound depending on the severity of the accident. Many cyclists wear light or limited clothing, so direct exposure to the road following an accident is common.

Possible Damage Recovery for Bicycle Accident Claims in Tampa

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover a range of damages. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means drivers bear the responsibility for making claims against their insurance no matter who is at fault in an accident. However, many bicyclists do not have insurance to cover their expenses, which is why hiring a lawyer is critical after an accident to help avoid paying costly damages out of pocket.

While most damages are physical, accidents of any kind may cause lasting emotional trauma and may even impact day-to-day living. At The Frank Santini Law Firm, we have helped hundreds of clients collect economic and other damages, including:

• Property loss and damage. While many people ride bicycles as a form of recreation or exercise, some people depend on their bicycle as a primary mode of transportation, so being involved in a bicycle accident can present a significant loss.
• Medical expenses. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you will likely have several medical expenses, from ER visits to specialist visits. If you do not have insurance, this can be economically devastating, so reaching a settlement that helps pay for these expenses is paramount.
• Lost wages. If your injuries are particularly severe after being involved in a bicycle accident, you may need to miss work to heal and recover. This can be financially devastating, especially if your employer does not offer benefits.
• Pain and suffering. Not all damages are economic. Sometimes, damages following accidents are emotional or mental. If your accident was psychologically traumatic or your injuries were so severe that you experience lasting pain, you may be able to file a claim for pain and suffering.

Determining Fault in a Bicycle Accident

In Florida, it is recognized that both parties can assume some fault following an accident. Florida’s comparative negligence law states that if a person is more than 50% at fault for an accident, they may not recover damages. Further, their settlement is reduced by the amount of fault they assume for the accident.

A jury decides the amount or percentage of fault each party assumes. This is why having clear evidence that proves the motorists’ negligence is essential. If the driver was under the influence, was driving recklessly, or broke a traffic law, their fault may be more obvious. However, if you yielded instead of stopping at a stop sign, there may be some grey area.

Hiring a lawyer is helpful in either situation to help you recover some, if not all, of the damages in your accident.

FAQs About Tampa, FL Bicycle Accident Laws

Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

Florida operates under the comparative negligence law, which means that anyone more than 50 percent at fault for their accident and related injuries may not recover damages. With that said, in most bicycle accidents, motorists are responsible because of negligent behavior like DUI, breaking traffic laws, distracted driving, or driving too close to the bicyclists.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney?

Yes, it is worth it to hire a bicycle accident attorney, especially if your accident is severe. While bicycle accidents occur less frequently than other accidents, they can be particularly damaging because of the vulnerability and lack of physical protection bicycles have. Even if you are wearing a helmet, a speeding vehicle or reckless driver can cause an accident that results in serious, life-changing injuries.

What Happens if Someone Hits You on a Bike?

If someone hits you on a bike, you should first remove yourself from the road, if possible, seek medical attention, contact local authorities, and call a lawyer. Your safety should be your number one priority. Even if you do not have any obvious physical injuries, you may have internal injuries that require attention. Contacting a lawyer is important for protecting your rights as a bicyclist and helping you receive compensation for your injuries.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Bicycle Accident Case?

The settlement amount for a bicycle accident case is different for each person because each case involves unique details and circumstances. Your case may be similar to another, but you could receive a vastly different settlement based on the nature and severity of your injuries, any long-lasting effects of the accident, total property damage, and any other related damages.

Contact The Frank Santini Law Firm Today

Bicycle accidents can be particularly devastating because bikers do not have the added protection that other vehicles offer. At The Frank Santini Law Firm, we treat bicycle accident victims with the same compassion, diligence, and aggressive representation as any other accident victim. Our goal is to win your case and secure the settlement you deserve. If you are interested in learning more, contact us today.