Polk County
Bicycle Accident

Attorney

Polk County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycling is an excellent way to get around Polk County, whether you’re commuting through downtown Lakeland, riding along Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, or enjoying the trails near Bartow. However, cyclists are at risk of serious injury when drivers fail to share the road. Polk County sees far too many bicycle accidents caused by distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield.

At Kemp Injury Law, we represent injured cyclists who have been hit by negligent drivers. A bicycle accident can leave you with significant medical expenses, lost income, and a long road to recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured while riding in Polk County, our firm is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Where Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Polk County?

Polk County’s roadways are not always designed with cyclists in mind, creating hazardous conditions not only for bicyclists but also for any nearby pedestrian. Many bicycle accidents occur on high-traffic roads where there is little space for cyclists to ride safely, increasing the risk for both riders and pedestrians alike. Some of the most dangerous areas include:

Memorial Boulevard and Florida Avenue in Lakeland, where heavy congestion and fast-moving traffic put cyclists at risk.
U.S. Highway 27, which lacks proper bike lanes and is heavily traveled by commercial trucks.
Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, where drivers often fail to notice cyclists at intersections.
Kathleen Road in Lakeland, a narrow roadway with frequent reports of bike-related collisions.

Even when cyclists follow the rules of the road, careless drivers put them in danger. Many drivers fail to check their blind spots, make unsafe lane changes, or open their car doors without looking, leading to avoidable and often severe injuries.

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Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Polk County

Bicycle accidents often occur due to driver negligence. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Drivers who are distracted by phones, navigation systems, or conversations.
Motorists failing to yield at intersections or when making turns.
Speeding and aggressive driving, which reduce reaction times.
Drunk or impaired driving, increasing the likelihood of serious crashes.
Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or unmarked bike lanes.

Even when cyclists wear helmets and protective gear, they are vulnerable to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. In the most tragic cases, these accidents can lead to wrongful death, leaving families to cope with an unimaginable loss.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Taking the right steps after a bicycle accident can protect your legal rights and help strengthen your claim:

Call 911 and report the accident to local authorities, such as the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or city police.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries are not immediately visible.
Take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, and any visible injuries.
Gather contact information from witnesses who saw the accident happen.
Avoid discussing the accident with the driver’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
Contact a Polk County bicycle accident attorney to discuss your options.

Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Kemp Injury Law provides legal representation in a variety of personal injury cases throughout Polk County, including:

Car accidents, including rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and highway wrecks.
Motorcycle accidents, which often result in catastrophic injuries due to lack of protection.
Truck accidents, particularly those involving commercial vehicles on major roadways.
Boating accidents, where negligence on the water leads to serious injuries.
Bus accidents, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist.
Slip and fall accidents, which can happen at businesses, public areas, or rental properties.

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our team is ready to provide experienced legal representation and fight for fair compensation.

Contact Kemp Injury Law to Speak With a Polk County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Polk County, you should not have to handle the legal process alone. Kemp Injury Law is committed to advocating for cyclists and ensuring they receive the compensation they need to recover.

Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward financial recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a bicycle accident attorney help with my case in Florida?

A bicycle accident attorney can be crucial in navigating Florida’s legal system, especially in Polk County where traffic patterns and accident rates vary. Attorneys can help determine liability, gather supporting evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. Since Florida is a no-fault state, knowing how to get full compensation without being misled by insurers is essential. Your attorney can also represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached. With specialized experience in bicycle accident cases, Kemp Law Group works to secure the compensation you deserve. Having legal support also allows you to focus on recovery rather than paperwork and procedures.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim—including a bicycle accident—is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, this time frame can vary depending on specific circumstances, such as whether a government entity is involved. Missing this window means you might forfeit your right to compensation entirely. That’s why it’s essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your bicycle accident in Polk County. We ensure that all claims are filed promptly and correctly. Don’t let deadlines get in the way of your recovery.

Can I claim compensation for injuries caused by poor road infrastructure like missing bike lanes?

Yes. If inadequate road design—such as absent bike lanes, poor signage, or uneven pavement—contributed to your injury, you may have a claim against the municipality. Proving design or maintenance negligence often requires gathering government planning documents, maintenance records, and expert evaluations. Cities have a duty to reasonably accommodate cyclists under local traffic safety policies. Municipal liability claims have unique procedural requirements, including shorter notice deadlines. A bicycle accident attorney familiar with Polk County can navigate these complexities and build cases against public entities when infrastructure fails.

How does being partially at fault affect my compensation (e.g., not using lights at night)?

Florida’s comparative fault rule applies—your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, like riding without visibility equipment. For example, not using lights at night may be deemed partial fault, but you can still recover damages proportional to the other party’s responsibility. Evidence like street lighting conditions, road context, and accident reconstruction helps determine fault apportionment. Your lawyer can argue mitigating factors, such as poor lighting or unreasonable visibility expectations. Courts balance fault considerations carefully, and proper legal advocacy ensures fair evaluation. Compensation reflects true responsibility, not complete denial due to shared error.

Is there compensation available if my bike frame was ruined and replacement isn't straightforward?

Yes. Damaged property—including your bicycle—counts as tangible loss recoverable in a claim. Significant damage to a specialty or custom bike may warrant compensation beyond simple replacement cost, factoring in sentimental or unique value. To substantiate this, collect repair estimates, receipts, or appraisals for comparable models. If repairs are infeasible—making the bike a total loss—you can claim for fair market value. Attorneys include property damage alongside medical and emotional losses in the compensation package. A holistic approach ensures both physical and material losses are addressed.

What makes Kemp Injury Law the right choice for bicycle accident cases in Polk County?

At Kemp Injury Law, we have deep experience handling bicycle accident cases specifically within Polk County and across Florida. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges cyclists face on the road and the complexity of proving liability when car drivers are involved. We’re known for our aggressive representation, meticulous case preparation, and compassionate client care. Whether negotiating with insurance or presenting your case in court, we aim to maximize your settlement. If you've been injured, don’t wait—reach out to us today to start building your case.

Additional Information in Polk County, Florida

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Bicycle Safety: Emphasizes that bicycle injuries and fatalities are preventable and underscores the importance of helmet use. It cites data showing helmets can reduce head injury risk by 60% and brain injury risk by 58%. The site recommends proven safety interventions like helmet laws, bike lanes, and community safety programs. It highlights that children, adolescents, and adults should wear helmets consistently. For a bicycle accident case, this source can support claims regarding safety best practices and the consequences of not following them. It’s particularly useful for showing how preventive measures, or lack thereof, may have contributed to injury severity.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles - Bicycle Safety Awareness: Outlines key safety tips and responsibilities for both cyclists and motorists. It reinforces that bicycles are legally considered vehicles in Florida and must follow traffic rules. It emphasizes driver awareness, including the “3 feet” law requiring motorists to maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists. The page also encourages use of reflective gear and proper signaling by cyclists. In a legal case, this source can help establish the legal obligations of both parties involved in a bicycle accident. It may support arguments of negligence or adherence to road-sharing laws.

Florida Bicycle Association - Bicycle Traffic Law: Comprehensive resource explains Florida bicycle laws in detail, including lane positioning, equipment requirements, and cyclist rights. It clarifies that cyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers, with some specific rules for safety. The site covers topics like riding two abreast, use of bike lanes, and when cyclists can leave a designated lane. It also explains legal terms like “dooring” and intersection rules that may affect liability. In a bicycle accident case, this can serve as a foundational legal reference to assess fault, determine whether traffic laws were followed, and argue for or against liability. It strengthens the legal argument with jurisdiction-specific statutes and interpretations.

Polk County
Bicycle Accident

Attorney