An Experienced Attorney Can Assist Cyclists in Obtaining Compensation After Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling has grown increasingly popular for commuters and recreational riders across the Tampa Bay area. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, a meaningful share of American workers live within practical cycling distance of their workplaces. Tampa’s warm year-round climate makes cycling a viable option for many residents in Hillsborough County and surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, some cyclists will inevitably encounter collisions with the motor vehicles they share the road with. According to the Dangerous by Design 2024 report by Smart Growth America and Transportation for America, Tampa-St. Petersburg ranks among the 10 most dangerous large metro areas in the United States for people walking and cycling, with an average of 3.75 deaths per 100,000 people annually. It is one of four Florida metro areas to appear on the national danger list. The reasons that Tampa, along with other metropolitan areas in Florida, are so dangerous for cyclists are varied, but can be traced to some basic facts.
Where and how most bicycle accidents happen
Most bicycle accidents happen at intersections or nearby, when drivers fail to obey right-of-way rules and collide with cyclists who are following traffic laws. Several common scenarios lead to bicycle crashes in Tampa, FL:
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way to a bicycle rider at intersections, which is the primary cause of cyclist injuries in Florida
- Cyclists colliding with cars while emerging from spaces between parked or stationary vehicles
- Accidents occurring in parking lots or on smaller side streets
- A cyclist being struck in a very narrow or completely nonexistent bike lane, where the bicycle rider must share space with motor vehicles traveling at much higher speeds
- Distracted driving, where a driver fails to notice a cyclist due to phone use, GPS navigation, or other distractions. Learn more about distracted driving accidents.
- Dooring incidents, where a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist
While accidents do happen because of cyclists not following traffic regulations, they are less common. Statistics indicate that the primary cause of cyclist injuries in Florida, including Tampa, is drivers’ failure to yield the right of way to cyclists.
Florida bicycle laws: cyclist rights and duties
Under Fla. Stat. § 316.2065 (2025), cyclists in Florida have all the same rights, and all the same duties, as drivers of motor vehicles. Although cyclists are responsible for adhering to traffic laws just like motorists, data shows that drivers are most often the parties disregarding these laws, leading to injuries for cyclists. In many cases, drivers don’t realize they must treat cyclists as they would other motor vehicles, resulting in collisions.
Florida law requires cyclists to ride with the flow of traffic, as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. Riding against traffic is not permitted under Florida law, and data shows it significantly increases the likelihood of injury or death.
Common bicycle accident injuries
These injuries can be severe. According to NHTSA’s 2023 Traffic Safety Facts, 1,166 bicyclists were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2023, with 81% of those deaths occurring in urban areas like Tampa. An estimated 46,000 additional cyclists were injured that year. Because cyclists lack the protective shell a vehicle provides, even seemingly minor accidents can lead to life-altering injuries.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
|
Injury type |
Details |
|
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) |
One of the most serious bicycle accident injuries. Even with a helmet, a hard impact can cause concussions, skull fractures, or long-term cognitive damage. See our Tampa traumatic brain injury lawyer page for more information. |
|
Spinal cord injuries |
A bicycle crash can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These are among the most catastrophic injuries a cyclist can suffer. Our Tampa spinal cord injury lawyers handle these complex cases. |
|
Broken bones |
Fractures of the arms, legs, wrists, collarbone, and ribs are common in bike accidents, often requiring surgery and extended recovery. |
|
Soft tissue injuries |
Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and deep bruising can cause lasting pain and limit mobility for weeks or months after the accident. |
|
Head injuries |
Beyond TBI, cyclists can suffer lacerations, contusions, and facial fractures that require reconstructive procedures. |
|
Road rash and abrasions |
Sliding across pavement can cause deep abrasions that risk infection, scarring, and in severe cases, skin grafting. |
|
Internal organ damage |
Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause internal bleeding or organ damage that may not be immediately apparent. |
In extreme non-fatal cases, a bicycle accident victim might end up paralyzed. The long-term medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with these serious injuries can be overwhelming for accident victims and their families.
Bicycle accidents caused by poor road conditions in Tampa
There are instances where cyclists sustain injuries not due to vehicle collisions, but rather because of poor road conditions. Florida is consistently among the most dangerous states for cyclists. The FLHSMV 2023 Annual Traffic Crash Facts report documents thousands of bicycle-related crashes statewide each year, with Hillsborough County (Tampa’s home county) among the most dangerous areas for bike riders.
The road edges designated for cyclists to stay out of traffic may be poorly maintained, causing accidents due to potholes and other surface issues. Even in these situations where no motor vehicles are directly involved, injured cyclists have options to seek compensation for their injuries. A premises liability claim or a claim against the responsible government entity may apply in these cases.
Wrongful death in Tampa bicycle accidents
If a cyclist has been killed in an accident with a motor vehicle, the family needs experienced representation to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the at fault party that caused the accident. Florida law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss of a loved one, including funeral expenses, lost financial support, and pain and suffering. An attorney who handles wrongful death cases caused by bicycle-car collisions can guide the family through the process of receiving compensation for the loss of a loved one.
What to do if you are injured in a bicycle accident in Tampa, Florida
Right after a bicycle accident occurs, if possible, the cyclist should follow the same steps they would after a car accident. Taking the right steps immediately after the crash can make a significant difference in a personal injury claim.
Steps to take after a bicycle accident
- Call 911 and contact the police to file an accident report. Police reports are a critical piece of evidence in bicycle accident cases.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries, including traumatic brain injury and internal damage, may not show symptoms right away.
- Obtain statements and contact information from witnesses at the accident scene.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
- Do not repair your bicycle. It should remain in its damaged condition to serve as evidence in an investigation or trial.
- Gather evidence carefully. Learn more about how to collect evidence after an accident.
- Contact a Tampa bicycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift fault to you.
How a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can help
When a bicyclist sustains injuries in a car-related accident, one of the first steps they or their family should take is to consult an attorney experienced in bicycle accident cases. Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to assess the cyclist’s case and determine if it is worth pursuing.
A bicycle accident attorney can assist injured cyclists in several ways:
- Obtaining fair compensation to cover medical expenses and medical bills resulting from the accident
- Recovering lost wages during the recovery period
- Evaluating medical insurance coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) benefits to secure the funds needed for treatment
- Negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of bicycle accident victims to pursue full and fair compensation
- Calculating pain and suffering damages and other non-economic losses
- Determining how much your personal injury case is worth
Recovery from a bicycle collision with a car often takes longer and requires more medical attention than recovering from a severe car accident. Our Tampa personal injury attorneys at Bernstein Injury Law work to make sure injured bicyclists receive the compensation they need to cover all costs, both current and future.
Bicycle safety tips for Tampa riders
While not every bicycle accident can be prevented, following these bicycle safety practices can help reduce the risk of a crash:
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and head injuries in a bicycle crash.
- Use front and rear lights when riding at dawn, dusk, or at night. Florida law requires a front lamp visible from 500 feet and a rear reflector visible from 600 feet.
- Ride with the flow of traffic and use designated bike lanes where available.
- Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops to drivers of motor vehicles.
- Stay alert for car doors opening in your path, especially in areas with on-street parking.
- Avoid riding while distracted. Keep headphones off or at low volume so you can hear traffic.
- Make yourself visible with bright or reflective clothing, especially during low-light conditions.
Types of compensation available to bicycle accident victims in Tampa, FL
Injured bicyclists in Tampa may be entitled to seek compensation for a range of damages. The specific amount depends on the severity of injuries sustained, the circumstances of the accident, and the negligent driver’s level of fault.
Bicycle accident victims can typically pursue compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Property damage, including bicycle repair or replacement
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to life-changing injuries
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident
Understanding Florida personal injury laws and the state’s comparative negligence rules is important for bicycle accident victims pursuing an insurance claim or personal injury claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate these rules and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why choose Bernstein Injury Law for your Tampa bicycle accident case
Cycling is a pleasant means of transportation in Tampa and its surroundings. If you are one of the many cyclists injured yearly due to accidents, reach out to an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our legal team at Bernstein Injury Law has over three decades of experience handling bicycle accident cases, personal injury claims, and a wide range of practice areas across Tampa Bay.
Free Consultations With Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Tampa
If you’ve sustained injuries in a bicycle accident in Tampa, FL, Jack Bernstein and his team possess over three decades of experience handling bicycle accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll assist you in pursuing the rightful compensation. Remember, you won’t incur any fees unless you win.
About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein has protected the rights of individuals who have been injured in a variety of circumstances. Throughout his career, Bernstein has been a strategist thoroughly dedicated to the idea of protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Bernstein is a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association and the Clearwater Bar Association.
Mr. Bernstein has the experience and expertise to handle a wide range of injury cases. Among the types of plaintiffs Mr. Bernstein represents are individuals involved in car accidents caused by drunk drivers or other exhibiting negligence, medical complications resulting from carelessness caused by a physician or a medical facility, including brain injury, bicycle, motorcycle, moped and truck accidents, admiralty law and cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, all types of wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury, catastrophic occurrences and legal malpractice issues.
Our firm handles every type of personal injury and accident case, using negotiation and litigation tactics effectively. We handle cases throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, we have the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
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