Clearwater Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as any other vehicle operator. Despite these rights, victims of bicycle accidents are often overlooked or dismissed by car drivers. Sharing the road requires mutual respect, and drivers should exercise caution and attentiveness to prevent accidents with cyclists. If you’ve been injured due to a driver’s negligence, you deserve maximum financial compensation for your injuries and damages. Our Florida bike accident attorneys at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC, can help you through every step of your claim.

If you have been injured in a bike crash in the Clearwater, Tampa or St. Petersburg area, contact us at 727-222-1570 for a FREE consultation. We have over 35 years of combined experience as litigators and are ready to fight for you.

What Injuries Do Bike Riders Most Commonly Suffer?

Similar to motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, including visible and hidden ones. While some injuries, such as broken bones or severe scarring, are apparent, others, like internal injuries or mental health issues, may not be immediately visible. Some of the most catastrophic injuries include head injuries and spinal cord injuries. Seeking medical treatment from qualified professionals is crucial for identifying and addressing common injuries and ensuring a proper recovery.

Where Are Bicycle Accidents Most Likely To Occur?

Bicycle crashes tend to occur more frequently in certain areas where various factors contribute to heightened risk. These areas include:

• Intersections: Intersections are common sites for bicycle accident injuries due to the convergence of different traffic streams and the potential for conflicts between cyclists, motor vehicles and pedestrians. Turning vehicles, red-light violations and failure to yield right-of-way are the primary causes of intersection collisions involving bicycles.
• Areas with heavy traffic: Locations with heavy vehicular traffic, such as busy urban streets, highways or arterial roads, pose increased risks for cyclists. High traffic volumes can lead to congestion, reduced visibility and higher speeds, creating hazardous conditions for bicycle riders.
• Narrow or congested roads: Narrow roads or lanes, especially those lacking designated bike lanes or shoulders, can leave cyclists vulnerable to collisions with passing vehicles. Congested roads with limited space for maneuvering also increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly during peak travel times.
• Roadway infrastructure: Poorly designed or maintained roadway infrastructure, including inadequate signage, unclear lane markings, potholes and uneven pavement, can contribute to bicycle accidents. These hazards can impede cyclists’ ability to safely navigate their surroundings and increase the risk of crashes.
• Intersection design: Certain intersection designs, such as complex or unconventional layouts, roundabouts or multilane intersections, may present challenges for cyclists in terms of visibility, predictability and right-of-way determination. Lack of cyclist-friendly infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes or signals, can further exacerbate safety concerns at intersections.

Awareness of these high-risk areas is essential for cyclists to adopt proactive measures to mitigate the likelihood of accidents and enhance their safety on the road. By exercising caution, adhering to traffic laws and remaining vigilant when navigating potentially hazardous environments, cyclists can help reduce the incidence of bicycle accidents and minimize the associated risks.

Can You Receive Compensation For Your Bike Accident If You Weren’t Wearing A Helmet?

In Florida, helmet use is not mandatory for adult cyclists. However, not wearing a helmet does not diminish your right to seek compensation if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident. Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you may still be eligible for compensation even if you were not wearing a helmet. However, consulting with experienced Clearwater bicycle accident attorneys is crucial to understanding your situation.

Do You Need A License For Riding An E-Bike In Florida?

Florida does not require that drivers of e-bikes have a license to operate them legally. Previously, Florida required that all e-cyclists be at least 16 years old to safely operate them; however, this restriction was removed in 2023. The lack of a license, registration or insurance requirement makes e-bikes a far more accessible option for most people. There are also local ordinances that need to be checked as well, as some communities have imposed restrictions or bans on the operation of e-bikes in public areas. For example, in Pinellas County, e-bikes cannot be ridden on the sand at Pinellas Beach due to local riding restrictions. At the same time, some cities like St. Pete have adopted e-bikes by allowing companies like Lime to offer e-bike rentals throughout the city.

What Rights Do You Have When Operating An Electric Bike In Florida?

As an e-cyclist, you have the exact same rights on an electric bike as a regular cyclist under Florida law. That means that they are considered street legal and that you can operate them on all bike lanes, roads and sidewalks where you can ride a normal bike. Certain bike trails are restricted to specific classes of bikes, but that is mostly due to whether they can handle the terrain.

Seek Justice After A Bicycle Accident. Call Today For A Free Consultation!

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury attorneys at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC, by calling 727-222-1570 or completing our online form. Our dedicated team of Clearwater bike crash lawyers will assess your case, gather essential evidence and guide you through the legal process to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. We prioritize your well-being, offering care, compassion and thorough preparation in handling your bicycle accident claim. From our Clearwater, Florida, office location, we can assist injured bicyclists in Tampa, St. Petersburg and throughout the state.