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Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorney

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With cycling lanes, bike trails, and bike racks throughout our beachside communities and bustling downtown, Tampa city officials have made a concerted effort to encourage this mode of transportation; it leads the nation for bike-friendly businesses. However, it is also trending for more concerning statistics. Tampa Bay is the fourth deadliest region in the country for pedestrians and cyclists. Last year alone, there were nearly 500 bicycle crashes across Hillsborough County.

If you sustained serious injuries in a biking accident caused by a negligent driver, Kogan & DiSalvo can help. We know that it can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Our Tampa personal injury attorneys explore every legal remedy available to recover compensation for your losses. Schedule a free consultation today.

What Are the Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Helmet next to bike on crosswalk after a bike accident

While several cities across the Tampa Bay area have taken steps to make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, the American Automobile Association (AAA) still named the region as one of the most dangerous.

The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Tampa and across the region include the following:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drowsy driving  
  • Aggressive driving
  • Alcohol-related crashes
  • Low visibility in inclement weather makes it challenging to see bicyclists
  • Failure to yield to bicyclists and confusion with drivers over right of way
  • Dangerous road conditions, poorly-maintained surfaces, and construction zones

As a tourist destination, Tampa roads are flooded with motorists who are unfamiliar with the area. If they are distracted by their GPS navigation screens or looking for traffic signs and exits, they are often oblivious to bicyclists sharing the road beside them. If they turn without looking or signaling, bicyclists may not have time to react and avoid a collision.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclist woman with sportswear and sunglasses adjusting her bicycle helmet

Aside from a helmet and pads, nothing else can protect bicyclists from the impact of motor vehicles, structures, or road surfaces.

Bicycle accident injuries range in severity from superficial cuts and bruises to more severe conditions like road rash, strains, sprains, and broken bones. Facial injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, amputations, and damage to internal organs are examples of non-fatal catastrophic injuries resulting from bicycle crashes.

Physical rehabilitation after a bike crash can be a demanding, time-intensive process. Accident victims may require hospitalization, surgery, and physical therapy to restore mobility and function.  

Steps to Take After an Accident

A bicyclist riding down the side of the road at sunset

After an accident, the first step is to assessthe scene to determine if anyone is hurt. When there are injuries or property damage, everyone involved must remain at the scene and wait for police to arrive.

Exchange information with the driver. If there are witnesses, ask them to provide their name, phone number, or email.  Do not admit fault. Instead, allow the police, attorneys, and insurance companies to investigate and gather the facts.

If you can, take photos, including damage to your bicycle. Write down any details exactly as you recall them. For example, describe what happened, the road conditions, weather, and other bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists who were present.

It can be helpful to draw a map to illustrate the position and direction of everyone involved. Share these details with the police when they take your report. Be sure to note the number of the report so you can obtain a copy.

Even if you don’t have pain or signs of an injury, it is still essential to seekmedical attention. Bicycle accidents often result in delayed onset injuries, which usually don’t have immediate and obvious symptoms but can develop or worsen over time.

Hiring a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Tampa

Silhouette of cyclist riding at sunset with trees in the background

A consultation with a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer should be your next step. Representation from an experienced and skilled attorney is essential to protect your interests and pursue the maximum compensation possible based on your injuries and other losses.

These accidents happen quickly, so it is difficult to determine who or what caused them. Our team of Tampa injury lawyers has the resources to obtain critical evidence, such as CCTV video footage, and thoroughly investigate your case to determine if you have grounds to bring a personal injury claim.

We caution clients who have been hurt in bicycle accidents against negotiating with insurance companies without the guidance of an attorney. While they may offer you a quick settlement, it may not be fair or reasonable.

Our legal team can thoroughly assess your losses, including how the accident has impacted your physical and emotional health and well-being. We do this to calculate your damages, which could include past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage.

Determining Who is At Fault in a Bicycle Accident

A file folder tab labeled "Evidence"

In March 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 837 into law. The Civil Remedies Act directly impacts plaintiffs and their personal injury claims in key ways.

First, Florida is now a modified comparative negligence jurisdiction, barring claims in which the plaintiff is determined (by a judge or jury) to be more than 50 percent at fault. However, if the plaintiff is found 50 percent or less at fault, their recovery is reduced proportionally to their fault. For example, if you were deemed 10 percent at fault for your bicycle accident and received $100,000 in damages, your compensation would be reduced to $90,000.

It’s important to remember that everyone traveling on Florida roadways has a duty to act with care and follow traffic laws to help prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe. Bicyclists should wear helmets, bright clothing, reflectors, and lights at night. They should also know and obey traffic signs and laws, observing the right of way and using hand signals to alert drivers to their impending movements.

How Long Do I Have to File A Bike Accident Claim?

The Civil Remedies Act also lowered the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from four to two years. It’s worth noting because of the time and resources required to prove fault in Florida, where outcomes depend on the evidence and assignment of liability for each party. If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, contact a Tampa personal injury attorney to initiate the claim process as soon as possible.

Potential Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

Man rides a bike outdoors in the park on a sunny day at sunset

Florida is a no-fault state. Drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP). So, if you are a cyclist hurt in a motor vehicle collision, you can use your PIP insurance to cover your damages and losses. If you don’t carry PIP, you can apply for coverage under someone in your home or the driver who hit you.

However, PIP only covers up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages. For individuals with severe or catastrophic injuries, the costs of medical care can present a significant financial burden. You can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver in that case.

A successful bike accident claim can potentially result in the following types of compensation:

  • Economic damages: Compensation for actual financial losses, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages
  • Non-economic damages: Compensation for non-financial losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of the enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages are additional damages imposed on defendants who act with gross negligence, like intentionally running a cyclist off the road or driving while intoxicated.

Personal injury claims are resolved in two ways: negotiating a satisfactory settlement or litigating your case in court if you cannot resolve it. Our team is ready to take your case as far as necessary to reach a fair outcome. 

Schedule a Free Consultation to Find Out How Kogan & DiSalvo Can Help

Two people sitting at a desk with a computer reviewing a legal document

Bicycle accident claims are challenging. It takes a skilled and dedicated lawyer to build a compelling case. At Kogan & DiSalvo, we leverage our extensive resources to fight for your right to fair and reasonable compensation because bicycle accident injuries can be life-changing.

Having a compassionate Tampa personal injury lawyer on your side can make a big difference in reaching a favorable outcome. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation case review today. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.

Total reviews: 1043 |

Average rating: 4.9

5

The team, I must say are very knowledgeable and straightforward. I was well informed throughout the process and told me exactly what to expect;and communicated with me frequently with updates and made my experience an unforgettable one and appreciative…so thank you again eveyone..

5

10/10 law firm definitely recommending.

5

After my car accident, I was not sure where to turn, but the incredible team at Kogan & DiSalvo turned what felt like a nightmare into a smooth process. Each team member went above and beyond to make me feel supported, and confident that my case was in the best hands possible.

My paralegal Sam was an absolute superstar. She handled my case with precision and care. Any time I had a question, she was just a phone call away, ready to provide clear, detailed answers and updates. Her attention to detail and commitment to helping me was very reassuring.

Angelica was the friendly face and welcoming voice that made every interaction with the firm feel personal and comforting. From the first phone call, she treated me like a priority, always greeting me warmly and ensuring I was connected to the right person promptly. Her professionalism and genuine kindness made every visit to the office a positive experience, even during stressful times.

My amazing attorney Rachel took the time to explain every step, ensuring I understood my options. Her dedication to securing the best outcome for me was evident in every decision they made. Ultimately, their hard work resulted in a settlement that exceeded my expectations, giving me the support I needed to move forward.

I’m beyond grateful for their efforts and would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation.

5

I’m very glad I decided to go with Coogan and Salvo. They’re very professional and they’re ahead of the curve of other firms using apps to follow up on doctors visits and case progress which makes it easier to follow. I definitely recommend
Coogan & Salvo you’ll be glad you did.

5

After 4 years and 9 months, our case has finally been settled out of court thanks to Todd Baker and his team: Debra, Lesley, and Amahnia. Before Todd Baker took over our suit, we had almost given up on our case. Todd and his team came highly recommended. After meeting with Todd, we decided to put our trust in him to pursue our case. We are thankful that we did. Without Todd Baker, we know we wouldn’t have gotten the settlement we did. We would highly recommend only working with Todd Baker and his team.

5

Kogan & DiSavo did an excellent job in handing my personal injury case. I found their staff to be caring and knowledgeable and would definitely recommend

5

Outstanding Legal Services by Todd L. Baker, Esq., and Team

I had the pleasure of working with Todd L. Baker, Esq., and his exceptional team, including Debra Tejada and Leslie Hernandez, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very first consultation, Todd’s professionalism, deep legal expertise, and attention to detail were evident.

Debra Tejada, Todd’s assistant, was incredibly organized and always kept me informed throughout the process. Her communication skills and efficiency made a potentially stressful situation much easier to navigate.

Leslie Hernandez also stood out with her friendly demeanor and ability to handle complex tasks seamlessly. Her support and dedication were invaluable.

Together, they make a wonderful team, going above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for my case. If you’re looking for a lawyer who truly cares about their clients and a team that delivers top-notch service, Todd L. Baker, Esq., and his staff are the way to go.

5

My husband slipped and fell in a store due to a leaky ceiling. He immediately called Kogan & DiSalvo. He spoke to someone right away and they were on his case. He went to the doctor that they provided and was diagnosed. The attention that he received from the staff and lawyers was just amazing. All of his questions were answered, and we had complete satisfaction with the way this case was handled even though it was a very small case. We appreciate everything that was done for him, and I would definitely recommend Kogan & DiSalvo for anyone that has had a slip or fall. Thank you again!

5

Great Professional Team!

5

The number one injury attorneys in Florida!!
In September of 2024 , I was in an accident and hired a well known attorney in the state to which refused to return my calls and was very disappointed which ended in their representation of myself!
I then hired Kogan and DiSalvo,, and was VERY satisfied with them!
They returned EVERY call and answered my questions and concerns… to which ended in a settlement in 4 weeks!!
I would recommend Kogan and DiSalvo to those frustrated with misleading information… they are on top of their game!!
Thank you… Paul and team.
Joseph Z.

5

After my accident, Gisselle and Jay helped me immensely. They took care of everything I needed and were incredibly responsive to my questions and concerns. I feel incredibly well taken care of and cannot recommend them enough!! Thank you Jay and Gisselle for your hard work and effort with my case! 🙂

5

The best lawyers that I ever had to deal with they were right on point. They got their job done quick and fast. I didn’t have to wait that long and they got more than what I expected to get. They are good lawyers. They are very good lawyers. I would use them and I will recommend them to anybody

5

Tiffany, Maria and Michelle were easy to work with, knowledgeable and kind. It was a long process but I was kept informed along the way. Thank you for getting me what I deserved.

5

I was injured in a bicycle accident with an automobile in which I accumulated thousands of dollars in medical bills. I contacted Kogan & DiSalvo to see how to handle these bills, they explained the whole process and that I wouldn’t have to pay them any upfront money. I was assigned an attorney and a paralegal who explained every step of the process as it progressed. I dealt with Amanda who answered every question I had and I had a lot of them. They got all of my bills paid.I received payment for a new bicycle as well as a settlement from the accident. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of help.Lastly I would like to thank Amanda who was super helpful throughout this case.

5

They were absolutely phenomenal!

5

I am so happy I chose to come to Kogan & Disalvo they welcome me in like family when you go in ask for Jay London and Jess the best they keep me informed on everything excellent service I thank y’all so much keep up the amazing work.

5

I was injured while shopping at the largest corporate stores in the US. Numerous attorneys at Kogan and DiSalvo helped settle my case with a positive outcome. They set a new standard for case review of unusual elements involving the injuries I sustain ed. After continual delays by the defendants,Tiffani held fast and resolved the issues through mediation. Kogan and DiSalvo came highly recommended by friends in the business. I would also like to recommend this group for your litigation needs.

5

We were very impressed with the way Rachel and her team handled my mother’s case. They were not only very detailed and professional, but were always available to answer questions and concerns.

5

I had the pleasure of having Amanda as my paralegal over my case and she made my experience a lot smoother. She was attentive and compassionate when speaking with me and explained the legal jargon seamlessly. Now that my case has finally wrapped up I can say that I would recommend Kogan & DiSalvo to anyone in need of personal injury representation. Yes they are a giant of a legal team but with a great team that feels personal to you.

If you’re reading this, in search of representation, I wish you the best and hope you choose a team that will passionately represent you.

5

From the moment I googled injury lawyers, the first name that appeared was Kogan & DiSalvo. I’ve seeing them painted in the back of the cross many times instantly felt a sense of relief that all that right away. Boy am I glad I trusted my instincts. From the initial phone call that I made at the time of my injury I was guided over the phone what to do. It was almost like having a family and solo me through a rather traumatic situation. My attorney Ted DiSalvo has been amazing, however I did most of my correspondence with Amanda Hudson (she was like a big sister) guiding me and reassuring me an answering every question that I had throughout this long process.

Kogan and DiSalvo they treated me like family from day one. If you are ever in a position that you need a great injury firm that pays closer attention to you then your own family; Kogan & DiSalvo is who you need to call. They will make sure that you do not get shorchanged . They will get you the money that you deserve.

Lastly I know I sound like a broken record but Amanda Hudson was amazing “you rock Amanda” You made this a truly great experience..

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