Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been struck by a car while cycling, please connect with a bicycle accident lawyer in Tampa, FL as soon as you possibly can. Bicycle accidents are all too common and, for obvious reasons, tend to affect the riders involved far more than the motorists involved. The experienced Florida legal team at Jeff Murphy Law is proud to advocate for the rights of cyclists who have been struck and we would be honored to speak with you about your situation. If you choose to work with us, we will treat your case with immediate attention, dedication, focus, and a fierce determination to preserve your legal options and protect your rights. Once we’ve investigated your accident and preserved evidence, we’ll advise you of your legal opportunities. Once you make an informed decision about how you want to proceed, we’ll advocate on your behalf with insurance providers and/or in a personal injury lawsuit context, should you choose to pursue legal action against those who harmed you.

A Car Hit Me While I Was Riding My Bike. Now What?

If you’re reading this immediately after being struck by a car, know that your legal case needs to come second to your health. Go get checked out. If you’re hurt, call an ambulance. Don’t worry about the expense right now. If a car hit you, you’ll almost certainly be able to hold the motorist accountable for your medical bills, even if you were partially at-fault for the collision. Seek medical attention now. If, once an ambulance is on its way, you want to call us so that we can preserve evidence at the scene and protect your rights, please call. Similarly, if after receiving medical care, you’re in a position to make a call, call us. You don’t have to face this challenge alone.

If you’ve either called an ambulance or determined that you can manage to get to a hospital to get checked out another way and you’re in a position to do so, take down any details you can. Take pictures of the car that hit you, of your bike, and of the scene. Take down contact information of any witnesses. If you have called an ambulance, law enforcement officers will also be on their way to take your statement. If you don’t need an ambulance, you’ll need to call the police to file a report at the scene. If you haven’t called us yet, please do so now. If there is any way we can get to you in advance of the police taking your statement, we’ll be on our way. If we can’t be there in person, we can support and advise you over the phone until other arrangements can be made.

Do I Need a Lawyer if an Insurer is Offering Me a Settlement?

The short answer to this question is, “YES.” Please don’t accept a settlement offer before you’ve spoken with an experienced Tampa, FL bicycle accident lawyer. Ideally, allow us to call the insurance providers back before you speak with them. Anything you say now can affect your ability to receive the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to later. We can help you maximize your recovery, but only if you avoid accepting – what are likely to be – devalued settlement offers directly from insurance providers.

Can I sue for injuries resulting from a bike accident?

When an accident occurs involving a bicycle and motor vehicle, the resulting injuries can be anywhere from minor to tragic. In the last few years, I have had more bike accident cases than ever before. More and more people are riding bicycles, whether it be for exercise, leisure, or as a mode of transportation. Most urban areas already have bicycle lanes on the roadways, and construction is ongoing to add more of these lanes to meet the demand and the growing population. As more individuals are choosing to ride their bikes, these accidents are becoming more common. As you would expect, these accidents often result in serious injuries.

There are statutes which set forth the “rules of the road” for motor vehicles and bicyclists. You will likely need an experienced personal injury attorney to guide you through these laws and make sure the responsible party is found liable. Sometimes, both the bicyclist and the motor vehicle driver are found to be at fault for the accident. It is important to know that under Florida law, you are still entitled to make a claim even if you are partially responsible for an accident. Make sure to call an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss the facts of the accident and the applicable “rules of the road” before making any assumptions about the strengths or weaknesses of your case.

Obviously, if you have been injured in an accident, the most important thing to do is seek the appropriate medical treatment. Once you are able, you will want to call a bicycle accident lawyer in Tampa, FL to discuss your injuries and the facts of the case. The attorney will want to investigate the accident, take photos of the scene, and speak to any witnesses. Once this occurs, the focus will turn to your injuries and damages. Who is going to pay your medical bills? Sometimes the insurance company for the negligent driver will have to pay your bills. You may also have lost income from missing work. If you are unable to return to work for a period of time in the future, you are also entitled to recover that lost income.

Jeff Murphy Law has the experience, knowledge and skill necessary to effectively represent victims and their families. We understand the legal issues that arise in cases involving bike accidents because we have successfully handled many of these claims.

Call us to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Tampa, FL bicycle accident lawyer.