Lakeland Bicycle

accidents

Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Children have always found joy in riding bicycles; however, over the past few decades, there has been a steady increase in the number of adults taking up cycling. Whether it’s for saving money, protecting the environment, staying fit, or simply for enjoyment, cycling has noticeably gained popularity among adults. Despite its numerous benefits, cycling can pose risks to riders, especially when drivers fail to notice or respect cyclists. In particular, a truck accident due to a blind spot can result in a devastating bicycle accident, leading to severe or even fatal injuries. If you were injured, or lost a family member, in a Lakeland bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or loss.

A bicycle accident victim typically endures both physical injuries and emotional trauma. If your injuries affect your ability to work, you may also be facing financial hardship because of a bicycle accident. If another party bears responsibility, either wholly or partially, for the accident, that party may be legally obligated to compensate you for all injuries associated with the accident.

Instead of attempting to navigate the legal system alone, consider allowing a Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law to be your voice and advocate throughout the process. Allow us to put our skills, experience, resources, and dedication to work fighting for the compensation to which you are entitled for all injuries suffered in a bicycle accident.

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Florida Tops the List of Dangerous States for Cyclists

Each year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiles and disseminates data related to motor vehicle crashes throughout the United States. According to the most recent report that reflects data from 2021, bicyclist injuries remain consistently, disproportionately high. In 2021, an additional estimated 41,615 bicyclists were injured. Over the previous five-year period (2017-2021), estimated injury-only crashes averaged about 45,400 yearly. During that same time frame, an average of 883 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes each year.

Unfortunately, Florida continues to top the list of states with the highest rate of cyclists injured and killed each year in collisions. In fact, Florida had the highest percentage of fatal bicycle accidents, accounting for over five percent of all fatalities nationwide. In 2023, there were 206 crashes involving bicycles in Polk County, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV). As a result of those collisions, 189 cyclists were injured and 14 suffered fatal injuries.

What Legal Rights Do Cyclists Have in Florida?

Cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists do when navigating the state’s roadways. Florida Code Section 316.2065 requires cyclists to obey the same traffic laws and respect the same traffic signs and signals as motorists operating motor vehicles must obey. The same laws obligate motorists to treat a bicycle as they would another motor vehicle on the roadway.

What Are Some Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

While there is no question that cycling can be good for your health, the environment, and your bank account, there is also little doubt that a bicycle offers no protection to a rider when a collision occurs. Consequently, cyclists often sustain serious, even life-threatening injuries when involved in an accident, including:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Head and neck injury.
Spinal cord damage.
Back injury.
Broken and fractured bones.
Internal organ damage.
Paralysis.
Road rash.
Scarring.
Death.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be held liable for a bicycle accident?

Liability in a bicycle accident depends on the circumstances, but the most common responsible party is a negligent driver. Drivers who fail to yield, drive distracted, speed, or violate traffic laws can be held accountable for causing an accident. In some cases, local government agencies may be responsible if unsafe road conditions, such as potholes or missing traffic signs, contributed to the crash. Additionally, a bicycle or vehicle manufacturer could be liable if a defective part led to the accident. An experienced attorney can investigate the case and identify all liable parties to maximize compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for the bicycle accident?

Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are partially at fault for a bicycle accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident because you were not wearing reflective gear at night, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility. Insurance companies may try to shift more blame onto you to reduce payouts, so working with an attorney can help protect your rights. A legal professional can gather evidence to counter any unfair fault accusations and ensure you receive fair compensation.

How can an attorney help me after a bicycle accident in Lakeland?

A bicycle accident attorney can handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. They can collect critical evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records, to support your claim. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, but an attorney will advocate for your best interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can take the case to trial to seek justice. To discuss your legal options and ensure your rights are protected, contact us for a free consultation.

Additional Information in Lakeland, Florida

Florida Department of Transportation - Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety: Provides safety guidelines for bicyclists and motorists to help reduce accidents. This resource outlines proper road-sharing practices, bike lane usage, and common causes of bicycle accidents. Victims can use this information to determine whether a driver failed to follow safety guidelines. Attorneys may reference FDOT’s research when arguing that a roadway’s design or poor signage contributed to a crash. The page also offers accident data and statistics that can help illustrate the dangers bicyclists face on Florida roads. Accessing this resource provides valuable safety insights and legal context for bicycle accident cases.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Bicycle Safety: Guidelines and accident data related to bicycle safety. This page highlights common risk factors for bicycle accidents, including distracted driving, road hazards, and unsafe cycling practices. Victims can use this information to understand what factors may have contributed to their accident and whether negligence was involved. Attorneys often cite NHTSA research to demonstrate the risks associated with bicycle crashes and argue for stricter safety measures. The page also provides recommendations for improving cyclist visibility and reducing accident rates. Accessing this resource helps accident victims gain insight into nationwide bicycle safety concerns and trends.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles - Bicycle Safety Awareness: Detailed information on how to report a bicycle accident and what legal steps to take afterward. This page explains how bicyclists can file police reports, what documentation they need for an insurance claim, and how fault is determined. Victims can use this resource to ensure they follow proper reporting procedures after an accident. Attorneys rely on FLHSMV guidelines when gathering evidence and advocating for clients in bicycle accident cases. The page also provides accident statistics and safety recommendations for both bicyclists and drivers. Understanding these procedures helps accident victims navigate the legal process more effectively.

Lakeland Bicycle

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