Have you been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg, FL? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more.

Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers has fought for accident victims and their families for more than 28 years. Call us at (727) 263-3189 or contact our personal injury office online to schedule a free consultation with a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer who will fight for you. You pay nothing out of pocket for the representation you deserve.

How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident in St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer ready to help you. 

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida

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. 

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. 

According to the FLHSMV, in 2022, there were 177 cyclists killed in bicycle accidents in Florida. Of these, 12 were in Pinellas County. Pinellas County alone had 521 bicycle accidents and 12 fatalities.

St. Petersburg Bicycle and Traffic Accident Statistics

The city of St. Petersburg located here in Pinellas County, reported a staggering 15,682 crashes in 2022. Of these thousands of accidents, more than 9,000 resulted in injuries and about 126 ended in tragic fatalities. Nearly 600 accidents involved one or more bicyclists, and more than a dozen bicyclists were sadly killed in these incidents.

The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections for St. Pete Bicyclists

Navigating the bustling streets of St. Petersburg can be risky for bicyclists, with certain areas posing a greater threat than others. But exactly which intersections are the most dangerous in St. Petersburg?

An experienced St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer would typically highlight the perilous nature of routes like 4th St. N./US-92, a notorious hotspot for car accidents. This stretch of road is particularly dangerous, with the intersections at 9th Ave. N. and the area from 1st Ave. N. to Pinellas Trail/1st Ave. S. being especially hazardous.

Similarly, 34th St./US-19 serves as a major north-south route through the city, yet it’s another area riddled with accidents, particularly between 9th Ave. N. and 26th Ave. S. Additionally, 5th Ave. N. hosts several dangerous intersections, including those at 49th St., 34th St., 20th St., 16th St., Dr. MLK Jr. St., and 4th St.

Bicyclists traversing these areas must exercise utmost caution, and in the event of an accident, a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance.

Bicycle Crash Injuries and Fatalities

Bicyclists are, unfortunately, very vulnerable on the road, and when accidents occur, the consequences can be severe. Common injuries include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and more. In the worst cases, these incidents can prove fatal.

The physical, emotional, and financial toll of such accidents can be overwhelming, making the role of a bicycle accident injury attorney in St. Petersburg crucial. These professionals advocate for the rights of injured bicyclists, ensuring they receive the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What is My St. Petersburg 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.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident in St. Petersburg?

Accident victims are entitled to economic and non-economic damages for losses caused by another’s negligence. 

You might receive compensation for:

An experienced St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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:

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 St. Petersburg, 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:

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 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.

What to Do After a St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident

When involved in a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg, it’s crucial to stay calm and take specific steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights – 

1. Prioritize Your Safety: First and foremost, assess your physical condition. If possible, move yourself to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further harm.

2. Call for Help: Dial 911 immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to have a medical professional evaluate you. Additionally, police documentation of the accident scene can serve as valuable evidence later on.

3. Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved in the accident. If there are any witnesses, request their contact details as well.

4. Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photographs of the accident site, including any road hazards, traffic signals, damage to your bicycle, and your injuries. This visual evidence can play a critical role in your case.

5. Do Not Admit Fault: Be careful with your words at the scene. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability.

6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not manifest immediately. Visit a healthcare professional to get a thorough check-up.

7. Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about providing a statement before speaking to an attorney.

8. Keep a Record: Maintain a detailed account of any medical treatments, repairs, and other accident-related expenses. This record will be vital when seeking compensation.

9. Consult with an Attorney: Contact a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your case. An experienced attorney can provide valuable legal advice, helping you navigate the complexities of personal injury law.

10. Follow Your Attorney’s Advice: Once you have legal representation, follow your attorney’s guidance diligently. They will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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:

Your St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyers. Your lawyer will begin preserving and documenting evidence and building your case while you focus on your recovery.

Contact a St. Petersburg 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 (727) 263-3189 or online to schedule a free consultation with a St. Petersburg 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.