Have you been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Tampa, FL? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more. Contact an expert Tampa bicycle accident lawyer today to see if you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party for your injuries and accident expenses.
Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers has fought for accident victims and their families for more than 28 years. Call us at (813) 222-8656 or contact our Tampa law office online to schedule a free consultation with a bike accident attorney who will fight for you. You pay nothing out of pocket for the representation you deserve.
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How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident in Tampa, 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 small law firm delivers the personal attention your case needs for success. Your Tampa bicycle accident lawyer will be dedicated to your physical and financial well-being.
When you choose Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers to represent you in Tampa, 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 today for a free consultation with a compassionate Tampa personal injury lawyer ready to help you.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Tampa, FL
Bicycle accidents are on the rise across the United States. A growing number of people are turning to cycling to commute, stay healthy, and reduce their impact on the environment. More cyclists on the road means a higher risk of bicycle accidents.
Based on a recent report, Tampa Bay is one of the country’s most dangerous places to walk or ride a bicycle. AAA has named Florida the most dangerous state for bicyclists and singled out Tampa Bay as the most dangerous metro area in the state.
In 2022, Florida reported a total of 7,132 bicycle crashes and 212 cyclists killed from these accidents. Florida leads the nation in fatal bicycle accidents. In fact, Florida’s rate of cyclist deaths is 60% higher than the next closest state. Of the 783 cyclists killed in an accident in the U.S. in 2017, 16% were in Florida.
Tampa Bicycle and Traffic Accident Statistics
According to the FLHSMV, Hillsborough County, including Tampa, witnessed an alarming increase in bicycle accidents in 2022. By year’s end, there were 476 reported bicycle crashes, a rise from the start of the year. Tragically, these accidents resulted in 18 fatalities and left 435 individuals injured.
The statistics only emphasize the clear dangers bicyclists face in our area – nearly every reported incident involved minor to severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been affected by a bicycle crash, Catania & Catania are here to help. Our dedicated team understands the severity of these incidents and is committed to fighting for your rights.
The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Tampa Area Bicyclists
Safety on the road is paramount, especially for vulnerable groups like bicyclists. In Tampa, specific locations are notorious for their heightened cyclist risk factors. Unpredictable weather, heavy traffic, and improper road infrastructure collectively make these areas hazardous.
Most Dangerous Roads in Tampa, FL
A valuable resource for identifying dangerous roads and intersections is the crash map provided by the FLHSMV. It sheds light on the most accident-prone areas in the Tampa Bay region.
Common accident types in these areas include rear-end and sideswipe collisions, primarily due to close following and distracted driving. In 2022, more than 28,000 accidents were recorded in the county, hundreds of which were bicycle-related incidents.
Notable Accident Hotspots
Based on accident data, Big Bend Road was home to three of the most dangerous intersections in the area. The intersection of US-301 and Big Bend Road, in particular, is a hub of heavy traffic due to the confluence of two busy roads and the presence of shopping centers and a hospital.
Additionally, Highway 301 features prominently on the list of dangerous roads. It hosts four of Tampa Bay’s most perilous intersections and provides a major north-south route across the county. As per the sheriff’s department crash map, the most hazardous intersection on this highway is at Gibsonton Drive/Boyette Road, with over 350 crashes in 2021.
Further south, near Sun City Center, a retirement community, several factors combine to heighten the risk for senior drivers, including slower reflexes, dementia, reduced strength and flexibility, poor eyesight, hearing, and prescription drug use.
Finally, the Bill Tucker Road intersection with US-301 is historically known as one of the country’s most dangerous, though not very busy. A single stop sign and a tempting broad, flat, six-lane highway often result in drivers exceeding the speed limit, escalating the risk of accidents.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. As Tampa residents, let’s strive for increased awareness, patience, and adherence to traffic rules to make our roads safer for everyone, including our bicyclists.
What Makes Certain Roads and Intersections More Dangerous?
Various elements factor into the risk level of certain roads. Environmental conditions such as sandy roads near beaches or insufficient lighting at intersections can increase the risk of accidents. Road and intersection design flaws like blind spots, sharp turns, and poor signage may further exacerbate the situation.
Nevertheless, human error remains the leading cause of accidents, contributing to approximately 94% of all collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They categorize driver errors into:
- Recognition errors
- Decision errors
- Performance errors
- Non-performance errors
Interestingly, despite most accidents being attributed to driver errors, these incidents often cluster around particular roads and intersections due to high traffic, schools or businesses, high-speed limits, and impatient drivers.
What is My Tampa 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
The best way to understand how much your case may be worth is through a free consultation with an injury lawyer. Contact Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers today to discuss what your case may be worth.
We’re here to help, 24/7
What Damages Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Tampa?
Bicycle 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 Tampa 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.
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 Tampa bicycle accident lawyer will fight back against unfair insurance company tactics.
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.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Tampa, 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 Tampa Bay 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 had multiple car lanes, but only two have dedicated bike lanes.
Motorists have a duty to share the road with cyclists. Sadly, many bicycle accidents happen because a driver simply failed to see the cyclist. Drivers often do not pay attention to cyclists due to vehicles and road features obstructing their vision.
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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa bicycle accident lawyers. Your lawyer will begin preserving and documenting evidence and building your case while you focus on your recovery.
Contact a Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A bicycle accident can change your life forever. When you are struggling with a long and painful recovery and mounting medical bills, you should not be worried about insurance companies undervaluing your claim or blaming you for your accident.
Contact Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers today at (813) 222-8656 to schedule a free consultation with a Tampa 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.
