In 2024, there were 196 crashes involving bicycles in Polk County, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). As a result of those collisions, 181 cyclists were injured and 3 suffered fatal injuries, a decline from the 14 cyclists who died in an accident the year before.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lakeland
While cycling offers a healthy, environmentally friendly way to get around Lakeland, it also comes with serious risks when motorists and city infrastructure fail to support safe biking practices. Bicycle accidents in the area often result in significant injuries or even fatalities, and understanding what causes these crashes can help cyclists and drivers alike take steps to prevent them.
Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Lakeland:
1. Driver Negligence
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is negligent driving. This includes a range of careless behaviors by motorists, such as:
- Failing to yield the right of way at intersections or when turning.
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using in-car infotainment systems.
- Speeding, which reduces a driver's reaction time and increases stopping distance.
- Driving under the influence, impairing judgment and motor skills.
- Opening car doors without checking for cyclists, commonly called "dooring."
Because cyclists are far less protected than vehicle occupants, even a momentary lapse in a driver’s attention can cause life-altering injuries to a bicyclist.
2. Poor Road Conditions and Infrastructure
Infrastructure issues are another major hazard. Although Lakeland has made some improvements to accommodate cyclists, many roads still lack dedicated bike lanes, clear signage, or smooth surfaces. Cyclists may encounter:
- Potholes and cracked pavement
- Faded or missing bike lane markings
- Debris or loose gravel on the road
- Inadequate or blocked shoulder space
These hazards can force cyclists into traffic lanes or cause them to lose control, leading to crashes with vehicles or other obstacles.
3. Low Visibility and Poor Lighting
A significant number of bike accidents in Lakeland occur during low-light conditions, particularly at dawn and dusk. According to local crash data, bicycle accidents peak between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., when visibility is poor and commuter traffic begins to rise. Contributing factors include:
- Insufficient street lighting in residential or rural areas
- Cyclists without proper reflective gear or bike lights
- Motorists failing to watch for cyclists in their blind spots
When drivers can't see cyclists clearly or when cyclists are not well-lit, it increases the chances of a collision.
4. Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Both motorists and bicyclists are required to follow Florida’s traffic laws. Accidents often happen when one or both parties:
- Run stop signs or red lights
- Ride against the flow of traffic
- Fail to signal when turning or changing lanes
- Do not yield at pedestrian crosswalks or marked bike crossings
When traffic rules are ignored, the likelihood of a serious accident increases dramatically.
5. Unsafe Lane Changes or Turns
Many bicycle accidents happen when a vehicle turns into or across a cyclist's path without warning. This is especially dangerous at intersections or in areas without designated bike lanes. Common scenarios include:
- Right hook accidents, where a car makes a right turn in front of a cyclist going straight
- Left turn collisions, when a driver fails to notice an oncoming cyclist and turns left across their path
- Changing lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots, particularly in congested areas
These maneuvers can be deadly when drivers fail to account for the speed and position of cyclists.
6. Impaired or Aggressive Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol remains a persistent problem in Florida, including Lakeland. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, increasing the risk of hitting cyclists. In addition, some drivers exhibit aggressive behavior toward cyclists, such as:
- Tailgating
- Honking or shouting
- Passing too closely
- Attempting to “teach a lesson” to cyclists by swerving or blocking their path
This kind of hostility not only increases the risk of accidents but also contributes to a hostile and unsafe environment for everyone on the road.
Bicycle accidents in Lakeland can happen in the blink of an eye in a number of different ways. When another motorist’s negligence causes you serious injury in a Lakeland bicycle accident, the team at Kemp Injury Law can help you claim the compensation you need to help you recover from your injuries. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
Florida Bicycle Laws
In Florida, bicycles are classified as vehicles under the law. This means cyclists are granted the same legal rights and are held to the same responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Understanding these laws is important for both cyclists and motorists in Lakeland to safely share the road and reduce the risk of accidents.
Below are key legal requirements and safety regulations all cyclists in Lakeland should be aware of:
Road Use and Lane Positioning
Cyclists have the legal right to use most public roads in Florida and are expected to obey all traffic signals, signs, and road markings. Cyclists should:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Use designated bike lanes when available and safe to do so.
- Ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as is practicable, except when:
- Passing another vehicle
- Preparing for a left turn
- Avoiding a hazard (e.g., debris, potholes)
- Traveling at the same speed as surrounding traffic
In narrow lanes where it’s unsafe for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel side by side, cyclists are legally allowed to “take the lane” by riding in the center to improve visibility and avoid being passed too closely.
Helmet Requirements
Florida law mandates that all bicyclists and passengers under the age of 16 must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. However, wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged for riders of all ages, especially given the high rate of traumatic brain injuries in bicycle crashes.
Helmets significantly reduce the severity of head injuries and may even be considered when assessing liability or damages in a personal injury case. At Kemp Injury Law, we encourage all cyclists in Lakeland and beyond to wear a helmet when riding.
Lighting and Visibility Laws
To enhance visibility during low-light conditions, Florida law requires the following for any bicycle used between sunset and sunrise:
- A white light on the front of the bicycle, visible from at least 500 feet.
- A red reflector and a red light on the rear, visible from at least 600 feet.
Cyclists may also benefit from wearing reflective clothing or attaching reflective tape to their bicycle, especially in areas like Lakeland, where early morning and evening traffic is heavy and street lighting may be inconsistent.
Sidewalk Riding
In Florida, cyclists are allowed to ride on sidewalks unless restricted by local ordinances. When on a sidewalk or crosswalk:
- Cyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and provide an audible signal (such as a bell or verbal warning) before passing.
- Cyclists have the same rights and duties as pedestrians under these circumstances.
Still, riding on the sidewalk can be dangerous at intersections and driveways, where motorists may not expect or see cyclists approaching quickly from a sidewalk.
Passing and Overtaking
When a motor vehicle overtakes a bicycle on the road, Florida law requires the driver to provide a minimum of 3 feet of clearance between the vehicle and the bicycle. This is especially important in areas with no designated bike lanes or narrow roadways.
Unfortunately, failure to maintain this buffer zone remains a frequent cause of sideswipe accidents.
Prohibited Behavior
Cyclists in Florida are prohibited from wearing headsets, headphones, or other listening devices while riding, unless they’re used for communication (e.g., hearing aids or Bluetooth devices in one ear). These devices can impair a cyclist’s ability to hear traffic or emergency signals, increasing accident risk.
Cyclists in Lakeland are also prohibited from carrying more passengers than their bicycle is designed to accommodate and must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
Common Injuries in a Lakeland Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can result in devastating injuries due to the lack of physical protection cyclists have compared to drivers and passengers in motor vehicles. In Lakeland, many bicycle accidents occur on roads not fully equipped with bike-friendly infrastructure, increasing the severity of injuries when crashes happen.
Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in Lakeland bicycle accidents:
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and skull fractures, are among the most serious outcomes of a bicycle crash. Even with a helmet, a hard impact can cause long-term cognitive issues, memory problems, or permanent disability. Without a helmet, the risk increases significantly.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a collision often throws cyclists onto hard pavement, leading to broken arms, wrists, shoulders, legs, ribs, or hips. These injuries can require surgery, immobilization, and lengthy rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Even when paralysis doesn't occur, back and neck injuries such as herniated discs or nerve damage can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries are often life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after the accident, making emergency medical evaluation critical.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscle strains, torn ligaments, and deep bruises are common in Lakeland bike crashes. While sometimes considered less severe, these injuries can still cause long-term pain, limit movement, and interfere with day-to-day activities.
Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma
If a cyclist lands face-first during an accident, the impact can result in broken teeth, jaw fractures, eye injuries, or severe facial lacerations. These injuries often require reconstructive procedures and can leave lasting physical and emotional scars.
How Kemp Injury Law Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Lakeland, Kemp Injury Law is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious injury can take, and we’re committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Our team can help by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, speaking with witnesses, and determining fault. Once liability is clear, we handle all communication and negotiation with Lakeland insurance companies, pursuing a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses and compensates you appropriately.
If a fair agreement cannot be reached outside of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our goal is to relieve your legal burdens and position your case for the best possible outcome.
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term treatment needs.
- Lost Wages: Covering income lost during recovery and possibly future earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to your bicycle, gear, and any other personal items affected in the crash.
- Emotional Trauma: Our team can also help you recover damages for your emotional suffering, including feelings of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a reduced quality of life caused by your accident and/or injuries.
Every case is unique, which is why we offer personalized legal support to each and every one of our Lakeland clients. At Kemp Injury Law, your recovery, both personal and financial, is our top priority.
Not only do we offer invaluable legal support to bicycle accident victims in Lakeland and throughout all of Polk County, we also handle a wide range of personal injury cases, such as:
If you have lost a loved one in a Lakeland bicycle accident, our team is here to discuss helping you pursue a
wrongful death claim.
Contact Kemp Injury Law After a Lakeland Bicycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Lakeland bicycle accident, you need a dedicated bicycle accident attorney by your side fighting on your behalf. Dealing with insurance adjusters, medical bills, and the uncertainty of a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. At Kemp Injury Law, we’re here to shoulder that burden.
Our Lakeland team has a deep understanding of Florida’s bicycle laws and a proven track record of helping accident victims recover the compensation they need to move forward. From your initial consultation to the final resolution of your case, we offer compassionate support, personalized legal strategies, and relentless advocacy.
What Steps Should I Take After a Lakeland Bicycle Accident?
After experiencing a bicycle accident in Lakeland, it is crucial to take specific steps to safeguard yourself and your right to seek compensation for any resulting injuries. Here is what you should do:
- Notify the authorities: Contact the police immediately and report the accident. Along with making sure that your injuries are evaluated by first responders at the scene, contacting the police ensures documentation through a police report, which can be valuable for future legal proceedings.
- Seek medical attention promptly: Undergo a thorough medical evaluation without delay. If an ambulance is available, accept transportation to the hospital. Even if you do not exhibit immediate symptoms, some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent but require urgent attention to prevent serious life-threatening complications.
- Preserve evidence: If possible, collect contact details of involved parties and witnesses. Capture photos of the accident scene, including relevant traffic signs, obstructions, and vehicle positions. If you cannot take pictures at the scene, return later, or enlist someone’s help to ensure crucial evidence is documented.
- Consult with an experienced Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer: If you believe that another party was at fault in the accident, you may receive communication from their liability insurance company soon after the accident. They might offer you a token settlement amount; however, it is vital not to engage with them without legal counsel. An experienced attorney can help assess the full extent of your injuries, which may not be immediately apparent, and negotiate for fair compensation, which may significantly exceed the initial offer.
Am I Entitled to Compensation for My Lakeland Bicycle Accident Injuries?
As the injured victim of a Lakeland bicycle accident, you could be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, representing both the out-of-pocket expenses and subjective costs associated with the accident. Compensation may be available for things such as:
- Doctor and hospital expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost income (to date and future)
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
If you are a surviving family member of a victim who was fatally injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation as the claimant in a wrongful death lawsuit. In a wrongful death lawsuit, compensation may be awarded to a claimant if the victim was a spouse or parent who can no longer provide the companionship, care, and support they provided prior to the accident.
How Can an Experienced Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
The team at Kemp Personal Injury Law understands the challenges faced by victims of bicycle accidents, which is why we commit to providing steadfast support throughout your journey to recovery. With Attorney Adam Kemp’s extensive background as an associate at a top-tier personal injury firm and his prior role as a prosecuting attorney, the Kemp team possesses the expertise and resources to successfully advocate for those affected by Lakeland bicycle accidents. Whether you are an injured victim or a grieving family member, an experienced Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer can ensure that accountability is upheld for the responsible party (or parties) and that you are fully and fairly compensated for the physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship you experienced because of the accident.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a Lakeland bicycle accident, do not hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law to explore your legal options. Our mission is to ensure that victims of preventable bicycle accidents receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to for all their physical, emotional, and financial damages. Contact the team today for your free initial consultation by calling 863-225-0254 or by filling out our convenient online contact form.
