Have you been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Bradenton, FL? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more. Call us at (941) 300-0716 or contact our personal injury office online to schedule a free consultation with a Bradenton bicycle accident lawyer who will fight for you.
Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers has fought for accident victims and their families for more than 28 years. You pay nothing out of pocket for the representation you deserve.
Table of Contents
How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident in Bradenton, FL
If another driver caused your bicycle accident, you may be facing painful injuries and steep financial losses. Moreover, insurance companies may be reluctant to give you the compensation you deserve, adding insult to injury.
At Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers, we believe you should be focused on recovery and your future, not fighting a profit-driven insurance company for fair compensation. Our law firm delivers the personal attention your case needs for success. Your Bradenton bicycle accident injury attorney will be dedicated to your physical and financial well-being.
When you choose Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers to represent you in Bradenton, Florida, you can count on us to:
- Give you the personal attention, legal advice, and guidance you need at every stage
- Conduct an investigation into your accident to identify all avenues of compensation
- Build an evidence-based negligence case with the help of experts
- Accurately value your current and future damages
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company
- Take your case before a jury if a fair settlement offer is not reached
Don’t go through the injury claims process alone. Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers is on your side. Contact us at (941) 300-0716 today for a free consultation with a compassionate Bradenton personal injury lawyer ready to help you.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Bradenton, FL (2023)
Although Manatee County (where Bradenton is located) is only the state’s 16th largest county, data shows that a staggering number of accidents occur on its roadways. In 2023, there were nearly 6,300 crashes reported in Manatee County, with more than 4,500 of those resulting in injury. Dozens of fatalities occur every year throughout the county, and well over 150 bicycle-related crashes. More than 1,500 accidents were categorized as hit-and-run crashes, with hundreds of hit-and-run victims facing lengthy legal proceedings as a result of unfair circumstances.
It’s no secret that bicycle accidents can be particularly dangerous, as bicyclists can easily be severely injured by even a small motor vehicle. And in Manatee County, where many of the residents are short-term winter visitors that may be unfamiliar with local roadways and rules, the risk may be even greater.
What is My Bradenton Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury case is dependent on highly personal factors. Every case is unique; there is no formula or calculator that can estimate the value of your case.
Important factors that influence your claim include:
- Available insurance coverage
- Whether you contributed to the crash
- The circumstances of the accident
- The value of your economic damages like lost wages and medical care
- The severity and type of injuries you sustained
- How your injuries will impact your future quality of life, health, relationships, and ability to work
If you are in search of a Bradenton bicycle accident lawyer, you can turn to Catania & Catania. Our expert legal team has extensive experience advocating for victims’ rights, and fighting for fair outcomes in even the most complex of cases. When you are recovering from an accident, you deserve the best bicycle accident injury attorney Bradenton has to offer – you need the lawyers at Catania & Catania. Contact us today to discuss what your case may be worth.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Bradenton?
Accident victims are entitled to economic and non-economic damages for losses caused by another’s negligence. You might receive compensation for:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
An experienced Bradenton personal injury lawyer will carefully assess your case and accurately value the damages you have sustained. At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we have almost three decades of experience helping accident victims recover life-changing settlements and awards.
We Will Fight for Full Compensation for All Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
A bicycle accident can result in life-changing injuries. Cyclists have virtually no protection in a car accident. Nearly 60% of cyclist fatalities and catastrophic injuries are caused by head injuries.
At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we represent injured cyclists who have suffered:
- Joint injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Nerve damage
Do not let the insurance company minimize the severity of your injuries or offer you a low settlement when you need money the most. Contact Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers today to discuss how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
We’re here to help, 24/7
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Bradenton, FL?
Bicycle accidents are usually caused by human error and negligence. Bicyclists and drivers of motor vehicles can both be responsible for an accident.
Bicycle accidents often occur due to the following:
- Distracted driving
- Inattention
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Left-hand turns
Road and intersection design can also play a big role in bike accidents. Common road features associated with a higher risk of bicycle crashes include:
- Poorly lit streets
- Lack of dedicated bike lanes
- Multiple lanes of traffic
- High-speed limits
An analysis by the Tampa Bay Times identified 11 intersections with the highest rate of bicycle crashes. Over seven years, these intersections accounted for 158 bicycle accidents, 157 injuries, and two fatalities. Each of these intersections has multiple car lanes, but only two have dedicated bike lanes.
The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Bradenton Bicyclists
With its sunny skies and scenic routes, Bradenton might seem like a cyclist’s paradise – and in so many ways, it is. However, navigating its streets on two wheels comes with its share of dangers, especially in certain high-risk areas. Understanding the most dangerous intersections and roads in Bradenton is crucial for local bicyclists to stay safe.
- A notable hotspot for bicyclists is the intersection of Cortez Road and 14th Street W. This busy junction, brimming with both local and through traffic, poses significant risks due to its heavy traffic flow and complex turning patterns. The convergence of multiple lanes and the frequent presence of distracted drivers escalate the likelihood of accidents.
- Another area of concern is the stretch along Manatee Avenue. As one of the primary thoroughfares in Bradenton, Manatee Avenue sees a mix of fast-moving vehicles and pedestrian traffic, creating a challenging environment for bicyclists. The intersections along this road, particularly where it crosses with 15th Street W and 1st Street, have been sites of several bicycle accidents.
- State Road 64 is also a cause for concern. Despite its beautiful views, it is known for high-speed traffic, which can be perilous for cyclists, especially near the I-75 interchange. The limited cycling lanes and the road’s design contribute to the dangers.
- The intersection of 53rd Avenue W and 34th Street W is another area where cyclists need to be particularly cautious. The high volume of vehicles, combined with the speed at which they travel, makes it a challenging spot for those on bicycles.
For bicyclists in Bradenton, staying vigilant and aware of these high-risk areas is vital. However, accidents can still happen, even to the most cautious riders. In such unfortunate events, having an experienced bicycle accident injury lawyer in Bradenton can make a significant difference.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Partially to Blame for a Bicycle Accident in Florida?
You are still entitled to compensation even if you are 99% at fault for your crash. Florida uses a pure comparative negligence doctrine in accidents involving shared blame. Under this rule, your recovery is reduced to account for your share of fault for your injuries.
For instance, if you suffered $50,000 in damages but were 35% to blame, your recovery will be reduced by 35% ($17,500) to $32,500.
Do not let the insurance company unfairly blame you for your accident. For every bit of fault they shift to you, they reduce the amount they need to pay. An experienced Bradenton bicycle accident lawyer will fight back against unfair insurance company tactics.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Bicycle Accident in Florida?
To recover compensation after your accident, you must prove the other party was negligent.
There are four elements to negligence:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They violated this duty
- They caused your accident
- You suffered damages
Your Bradenton bicycle accident attorney will carefully investigate your accident to gather and analyze evidence.
A strong negligence case may be built on evidence such as:
- Accident reports
- Statements from witnesses
- Traffic camera and dashcam footage
- Citations issued by law enforcement
- Photos of the damage to your bicycle and the scene of the crash
- Cell phone records of the driver
Depending on the complexity of your case, we may work with specialists who can provide expert testimony on the factors that influenced the crash.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Bradenton Bicycle Accident?
You have a lot to deal with after your accident, including getting medical care and recovering. However, we highly recommend not delaying your injury claim. The Florida statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. This deadline includes bike and auto accidents.
This time limit may seem like a long time, but delays can make it easy for critical evidence to be lost. This may ultimately weaken your case.
After seeking medical attention, your next step should be consulting with experienced Bradenton bicycle accident lawyers. Your lawyer will begin preserving and documenting evidence and building your case while you focus on your recovery.
Contact a Bradenton Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A bicycle accident can change your life forever. At Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges faced by bicyclists involved in accidents. Our team of skilled attorneys has the expertise and dedication to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Bradenton, don’t hesitate to reach out. With the right bicycle accident injury lawyer in Bradenton by your side, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and focus on your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Bradenton bicycle accident lawyer. We will focus on building your case and pursuing the compensation you need. We work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing out of pocket for skilled legal representation.
Contact our law office online or call us at (941) 300-0716 today for a free case review with a Bradenton bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your case.
