Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bicycle in the Tampa area comes with many benefits. It can be an excellent form of exercise, it saves money over driving a car, and can even be a way to unwind after a long day at work. However, riding on public roads and streets leaves you vulnerable to the poor decisions of others. Far too often, these choices result in collisions that leave you with serious injuries. Tampa is notorious for not being a bicycle-friendly state, and when you’ve been hit by a car or other vehicle, we’re here to help you get appropriately compensated.

If someone else’s actions caused a crash resulting in your injuries, you deserve fair compensation for your losses. Our dedicated Tampa bicycle accident lawyer is here to establish fault, demonstrate the impact on your life, and hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable. With 80 years of combined experience in bicycle accident cases and our fee guarantee, meaning we don’t get paid unless you do, you can trust us to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The Obligation to Protect Bike Riders

Any person who gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle on a public road assumes a duty of care. This duty says that they must take all appropriate actions to protect those around them. As a result, drivers must obey all local traffic laws, as well as drive in an overall cautious manner to reduce the risk to others. This obligation extends not just to other drivers, but to everyone that a driver may encounter, even bike riders.

Because of this, evaluating collisions between bicyclists and drivers is similar to that of a crash between two motor vehicles. This includes identifying fault for the incident by examining the actions of all involved parties. Florida Statute § 768.81 says that courts must assign blame for a crash based upon a person’s actions. If a court assigns a percentage fault to a bike rider, their ultimate award of damages may be reduced by that percentage.

A Tampa bicyclist accident lawyer looks to prove that a driver was entirely to blame for a crash. This can involve obtaining a police report, talking with witnesses, evaluating dashcam footage, and even working to commission accident reconstruction reports. Our aim is always to place full responsibility for a crash on a negligent driver.

Seeking Full Compensation for Injured Bicyclists

Proving fault for a collision is only one part of a successful case after a bike crash. It is just as crucial to be able to show how that event has impacted you and demand that at-fault drivers and their insurance companies provide appropriate compensation. In short, a driver who causes an accident must provide compensation to cover the full extent of your losses. These can include:

• Medical bills for all necessary past, present, and future care
• In-home care if the collision resulted in a TBI or paralysis
• Payments for financial losses, such as lost wages due to being unable to return to work
• Compensation for lost quality of life that may result from pain, flashbacks, emotional traumas, and missed time with loved ones

Driver negligence is the primary cause of bicycle accidents, and bills from the accident can quickly amount to a very large burden. When the driver was negligent, that burden shouldn’t fall on you or your insurance company. The goal of a Tampa bike accident lawyer is to obtain these payments on your behalf, often by demanding fair payments through insurance settlements or seeking appropriate compensation through civil lawsuits. We are prepared to take every needed step to show that another party’s negligence was the source of your losses.

Consult with a Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorney for Guidance

Collisions between bike riders and motor vehicles can result in life-changing injuries. Not only could these incidents force you to seek out extensive and costly medical treatment, but they could also devastate your overall quality of life and ability to support yourself. To collect the compensation that you need to set things right, you will need to show that it was another driver’s negligence that led to the collision.

A Tampa bicycle accident lawyer gets results. Not only could we gather evidence that proves fault for an accident, but we construct a solid case for how these injuries have altered your life. There is a limited time under state law to pursue a case, so reach out to a Tampa bike accident lawyer now to get started.

Help After A Catastrophic Bike Injury

Our Tampa, FL bicycle accident lawyer knows that bicycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries that have long-lasting effects on victims and their families. When a collision involves a motor vehicle or hazardous road conditions, the injuries sustained can be severe, leaving the victim with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. In these cases, it’s important to pursue compensation to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the ongoing cost of care. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we are committed to helping those who have suffered life-altering injuries in bicycle accidents fight for the compensation they deserve. We offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to call us.

Common Catastrophic Injuries From Bicycle Accidents

Catastrophic injuries from bicycle accidents can vary in severity, but they often involve damage to critical parts of the body. Some of the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures. These injuries can result in permanent disability, requiring lifelong care and rehabilitation. In some cases, victims may lose the ability to work or enjoy activities they once loved, leading to further emotional and financial strain.

The impact of these injuries extends far beyond the initial recovery period. Long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and modifications to living spaces may be necessary to accommodate new physical limitations. For those with spinal cord injuries or brain damage, the need for specialized equipment or assistance can be overwhelming. This is why seeking compensation is crucial to managing the long-term effects of a catastrophic injury.

Establishing Fault In Bicycle Accidents

Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyer knows that in many bicycle accidents, the driver of the motor vehicle is at fault. Whether due to distracted driving, failure to yield, or not seeing the cyclist, driver negligence plays a major role in causing these accidents. Proving fault is essential to securing compensation, and this often requires a thorough investigation. This includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining any available video footage of the incident.

In some cases, hazardous road conditions or faulty equipment may be to blame. If a city or municipality fails to maintain safe roadways, or if a bicycle part is defective, other parties may be liable for the accident. It’s important to explore all potential causes in order to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the maximum compensation possible.

Compensation For Catastrophic Injuries

The compensation available to victims of catastrophic bicycle injuries typically covers a wide range of damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, pain and suffering, and the costs associated with long-term care. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or harmful.

Because catastrophic injuries can require years of medical treatment and care, the compensation awarded must reflect these future needs. The long-term nature of these injuries can result in overwhelming costs, so it’s crucial that we fight for an amount that will provide financial security and help you move forward with your life.

Tampa Bicycle Accident Infographic

Moving Forward After A Catastrophic Bicycle Accident

If you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to face the fight for compensation alone. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we are here to support you through this challenging time and work to secure the compensation you deserve. We have offices in multiple locations to help out as many people as possible. Speak with our bicycle accident lawyer in Tampa today to discuss your case and take the first steps toward rebuilding your life after a serious accident.

Common Bike Accident Injuries And Their Long-Term Impacts

Cycling can be a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but when accidents happen, the consequences can be severe. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and lead to lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Our Tampa attorneys have outlined five of the most common injuries cyclists face after an accident and the long-term impact they may have:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

One of the most serious injuries that can result from a bicycle accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet, the force of a collision can cause significant damage to the brain.

TBIs range in severity from mild concussions to life-threatening injuries. In some cases, the impact can lead to permanent cognitive impairments, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes. Long-term care may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and ongoing medical management to address the emotional and cognitive effects.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are another common result of automobile collisions. These injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage.

Victims of spinal cord injuries often face lifelong challenges, including the need for specialized medical care, mobility aids, and long-term rehabilitation. The financial burden can be overwhelming, as ongoing treatment, in-home care, and modifications to living spaces may be necessary. Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover these long-term expenses.

Fractures And Broken Bones

Cyclists are at a high risk of fractures and broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbones. In many cases, these injuries require surgery and a long period of recovery. Even after the bones heal, there may be lasting complications, such as reduced mobility or chronic pain.

For severe fractures, you may need physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion. If your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, it’s important to work with an attorney with a proven track record of helping injury victims to seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears, are also common in bicycle accidents. While these injuries might not be as immediately noticeable as broken bones or head injuries, they can be just as debilitating in the long term.

Soft tissue damage often results in chronic pain and limited mobility. In some cases, these injuries require ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy or even surgery to repair damaged ligaments or muscles. The impact on your ability to work or engage in daily activities can be significant, and compensation may be necessary to help you recover.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately obvious. Blunt force trauma from a bicycle accident can damage internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, leading to serious complications. Internal bleeding is another concern, as it can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed.

If you’ve suffered internal injuries, you may require emergency surgery and long-term care to manage the effects. Recovery can be slow, and in some cases, permanent damage may occur. Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue the maximum settlement you need for the medical expenses associated with these serious injuries.

Let Us Fight For You While You Recover

If you’ve been injured due to another person’s negligence, it’s important to consult with our Tampa bicycle accident lawyer. We can help you pursue fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injury.

Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward rebuilding your life.

Tampa Bicycle Accident Glossary

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash, our Tampa, FL bicycle accident lawyer can help you move forward. With 80 years of combined experience, our attorneys have the knowledge necessary to help you with your case. Contact Mickey Keenan P.A. today to schedule a consultation.

Percentage Fault

When a bike crash happens, more than one person may have contributed to it. In Florida, we follow a pure comparative fault system. This means a person’s compensation can be reduced based on their share of fault in the incident. For example, if someone is found to be 20% at fault for a bicycle collision, they can still recover 80% of the total compensation. This percentage is often debated between the parties involved and may impact how we approach negotiations or trial strategy. Our Tampa bicycle accident attorney will fight hard against any bad-faith claims that erroneously attempt to place some of the fault on your shoulders.

Police Report

After most bike crashes, law enforcement is called to the scene to document what happened. A police report contains basic facts such as the names of those involved, contact information, witness statements, and a description of the scene. It may also include the officer’s opinion about what caused the crash or if any citations were issued. While not final or conclusive, this report provides a starting point for us when reviewing the facts of the case. We often use it to gather initial details and identify who may have witnessed the event.

Accident Reconstruction Report

In some cases, our Florida bicycle accident lawyer may need to work with professionals who prepare a detailed reconstruction of how the incident occurred. An accident reconstruction report uses physical evidence—such as skid marks, point of impact, speed estimates, and debris location—to build a picture of what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. This type of report can be particularly useful when the parties disagree about how the collision took place or when the available evidence is limited. These findings can support your version of events and strengthen your case if it goes to court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Bike crashes can lead to serious head injuries, even when a helmet is worn. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result from a sudden blow or jolt to the head, often occurring during a fall or direct impact with a vehicle or object. TBIs vary in severity and may cause symptoms such as confusion, headaches, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating. These injuries often require ongoing medical care, and the effects may last for months or become permanent. When a TBI is involved in a bicycle crash case, we work closely with medical providers to understand how the injury has affected our client’s daily life and long-term health. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, our team will help you pursue compensation for the costs of your recovery.

Physical Therapy

Recovery after a bicycle collision often includes physical therapy. This treatment helps injured individuals rebuild strength, restore movement, and reduce pain after trauma. Common reasons for physical therapy include broken bones, back or neck injuries, or muscle damage. We consider your therapy records carefully, as they show your progress, the challenges you’ve faced, and how long your recovery has taken. These records also help support the need for ongoing treatment and can provide evidence of the effort you’ve made to heal.

If you were injured in a bike crash, we’re ready to listen and help you figure out your next steps as you pursue the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve. Contact Mickey Keenan P.A. today to schedule a consultation. We don’t get paid unless you do, and our team is ready to fight for you.