St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyers

More people are choosing to ride bicycles instead of driving cars for health and environmental reasons, especially in places with great weather such as St. Petersburg. But even as cities become more bicycle-friendly, the combination of bikes and vehicles can often lead to accidents. For a cyclist with little protection other than a helmet, a minor crash can cause severe injury or even death.

The laws in Florida about bicycle accidents can be confusing. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you should talk with an attorney who knows these laws. The bicycle accident attorneys at Bulluck Law Group in St. Petersburg have won multiple national awards because of their skills and successes in this area.

As society realizes the damage cars and great traffic cause to the environment and how hard it is to move our bodies in this modern age, it is becoming more common for people to choose to ride a bicycle over driving a car – especially in areas of consistently good weather like St. Petersburg. Cities are adapting to become friendlier to bicyclists. In 2014, there were more than 64 million bicyclists in the United States alone. The number continues to grow each year.

What Do I Do If I Was Hit by a Car on My Bicycle?

If a car hits your bicycle, the first thing you must do is try to stay calm. You should limit your range of motion in case you suffered a serious injury. You need to call the police—if you can—to get a report for your insurance and potential claim. You can check to see if others are okay, but you shouldn’t put yourself at risk.

If you have the ability, you must document the accident. You need to take photos of the scene, vehicle, and any other details that may be relevant. Pictures can be important pieces of evidence in accident claims. If your phone was damaged in the crash, you can ask witnesses to take photos for you. You should also get contact information from witnesses in case you need statements from them later.

If the driver who hit you left the scene before speaking with you or the police, you should attempt to get the make, model, and license plate of their vehicle. If you can’t come up with those details, you should ask witnesses for any information they can provide about the vehicle. Punishment is more severe when it comes to a hit-and-run case.

After you’ve documented the bicycle accident scene and sought medical attention, you should contact a lawyer. They can advise you on the next steps and determine whether you’re eligible to file a claim. Your lawyer may also talk with investigators, specialists, and insurance representatives on your behalf.

If you choose to communicate with the insurance company, you should not sign any paperwork, give a recorded statement, or admit blame. The adjuster’s goal is to settle your claim with as little money as possible, and they’ll use any detail they can to avoid paying fair compensation. A Bulluck Law Group attorney can help you get a better outcome.

Types of Bicycle Accident Claims

Any accident, including a bicycle collision, can have two types of claims; property damage and bodily injury. A property damage claim in a bicycle crash generally requires reimbursement for repairs or replacement. This includes the bicycle as well as anything the cyclist may have been carrying such as a smartphone or a laptop in a backpack. A bodily injury claim involves physical harm.

Potential Bicycle Accident Damages

The court could award various damages in a bicycle accident claim. Primary compensation would be medical expenses. If you were hospitalized, had surgery, or needed other medical attention, the defendant may have to pay your bills. The court could also award damages for lost wages and loss in salary earning potential.

The defendant may be ordered to compensate you for pain and suffering as a result of the bicycle accident. This includes any mental, emotional, and physical trauma you experienced after the crash.

What Do I Do If My Accident Was Caused by a Street or Road Defect?

Cars are not the only perpetrators of bicycle wrecks; uneven and unstable streets can be dangerous, too. If a person or organization was negligent and caused a defect in the road, you may be able to hold them accountable for your injuries.

Business and private property owners are obligated to keep their property safe. If a dangerous condition existed for a long time and led to your accident, the property or business owner failed their obligation and could be held legally responsible.

You may be eligible to file a bicycle accident claim against the city or a municipality if you were hurt on a public road that was not safe. There could be a shorter statute of limitations, and these cases are tough to win, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Bicycle Accidents & Auto Insurance

Although you were riding a bicycle at the time of the accident, the driver’s insurance should cover you if their vehicle caused the crash. However, you should get an attorney before talking to their provider. If the driver doesn’t have insurance, you could file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim if you carry such a policy.

Bicycle Accidents Caused by Dogs

If a dog prompted your bicycle wreck, you could file a claim against the pet’s owner. However, there are certain stipulations when it comes to dog attack liability. The court must rule the dog was vicious or dangerous for you to get reimbursed by the owners.

St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a bicycle crash in St. Petersburg, and someone else was responsible, contact Bulluck Law Group immediately. Our experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge when it comes to bicycle accident laws in Florida. You can get a free consultation to talk about your case. If you decide to hire us, we will work relentlessly to get fair compensation for your ordeal.