Bicycle Accident Lawyer Tampa, Fl

When meeting with a bicycle accident lawyer Tampa, FL residents trust at Jeff Murphy Law Firm; we may talk about why taking specific steps after a bike accident is so crucial. How you act in the moments and days after can make a vast difference in the outcome and whether you receive compensation from the car driver who hit you. Bike accidents can be immensely painful, scary, and unsettling to have to go through. Victims of a bicycle accident may find themselves dealing with severe injuries of both the physical body and mind. New fears, anxieties, depression, and PTSD are also common among bike accident victims. 

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Tampa, Fl

• What can I do to help prevent a bike accident from happening again?
• What if I am unsure who was at fault?
• What should I do in the moments after a bike accident?
• What types of damages may I be eligible to receive?
• What if the driver fled the scene before I could get their information?
• Call Jeff Murphy Law Firm Today
• Managing Your Bicycle Accident Case
• How Bicycle Accidents Occur
• Injuries from a Bicycle Accident
• Tampa Bicycle Accident Law Infographics
• Insurance Claims versus Lawsuits
• Is Pursuing an Insurance or Legal Claim Stressful?
• What if I’m Feeling too Disoriented After My Accident to Make a Decision?
• Who is Liable in a Cyclist Accident?
• Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
• Tampa Bike Accident Statistics
• What Can You Expect From Your Lawyer?

When first meeting with a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer in FL, it isn’t uncommon for us to be asked questions like these: 

What can I do to help prevent a bike accident from happening again?

Avoiding being part of a bike accident may not be entirely preventable, as there is always some degree of risk when we go about our day. We cannot control how drivers decide to operate their vehicles. However, a bicyclist can use strategies to help ward off such an incident from occurring again:

•       If you must share the road, ride in the center of the lane versus off to the side. This increases your visibility to car drivers and forces them to pay more attention to your presence. 
•       Doing regular maintenance on your bike prevents tires from popping or other mechanical issues from happening while you are riding. 
•       Wearing reflective gear and a flashing light on your bike when riding at night or during dusk hours. 
•       Using hand signals to communicate with drivers where you plan to turn, merge, cross, etc. 

What if I am unsure who was at fault?

Chances are, as the bicyclist, you are not the one at fault for your accident. Despite what the other driver may try to make you feel, it probably was not your fault. Car drivers are often speeding through red lights, zipping around corners, and not watching those nearby. In most instances, a bicyclist would have the right of way anyways because they are considered a pedestrian. Never let yourself be made to feel as though you should take responsibility for the incident. By hiring a member of our team to represent you, we can protect your best interests.

What should I do in the moments after a bike accident?

Bike accidents are often caused by car drivers who weren’t paying attention to the road and hadn’t seen a rider nearby. A Florida bicycle accident lawyer in Tampa at Jeff Murphy Law may suggest seeing a doctor for your injuries if you haven’t already. These documents can be useful as you pursue compensation from the car driver. Here are other steps you can take after a bike accident to help protect yourself:

•       If you are in the way of traffic or danger, move over to a safe area
•       Try to remain calm and call 911 for help
•       When the emergency team arrives, tell them about all the aches, pains, and other symptoms you are experiencing
•       Wait for an officer to arrive and provide a statement
•       Exchange information with the driver
•       Reach out to any bystanders who could serve as witnesses
•       See your doctor within 24-48 hours afterward
•       Meet with a bicycle accident lawyer in Tampa about seeking compensation

What types of damages may I be eligible to receive?

Depending on your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to receive substantial compensation for the bike accident. Please let us know how the bike accident has impacted you, so we can estimate a monetary award to fight for in your case. Types of damages that you may qualify for include:

•       Pain and Suffering
•       Property Damage (to your bike and other belongings)
•       Loss of Wages/Earnings
•       Loss of Enjoyment for Life
•       Medical Expenses
•       Rehabilitation and Equipment
•       Mental Anguish
•       Punitive Damages

What if the driver fled the scene before I could get their information?

The car driver may have left the scene of the bike accident to escape taking responsibility for their recklessness. If that were to happen to you, or already has, it is still important to call the police to file a report. Law enforcement can investigate the situation and hopefully catch the person who hit you. We can work to uncover street camera footage to identify the at-fault driver. If the driver did leave before you could gather their information, it is still worth pursuing by filing a report and speaking with a member of our team about what to do next. 

Call Jeff Murphy Law Firm Today

As the victim of a bike accident, you may be entitled to a monetary award by seeking legal action against the careless driver who hit you. It is essential to hold this individual accountable so you can receive what you need to recover after the damage they caused. Do not let them get away with this. 

It is in your best interest after a bike accident to get legal representation and medical care without delay. For a free, no-obligation consultation, please contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Florida at Jeff Murphy Law Firm right away. 

Managing Your Bicycle Accident Case

Bicycle accidents are often tragic, resulting in severe injuries, some of which could be fatal. There are so many ways that a bicycle accident might occur. Our Tampa, FL bicycle accident lawyer knows that the road ahead can be rife with trials and tribulations, and injuries can be substantial. You may consider whether to pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit, that’s where Jeff Murphy Law can come in. We provide a vast array of services to our clients to achieve the favorable outcomes that they deserve. 

How Bicycle Accidents Occur

When you choose to ride a bicycle, you are completely exposed to the world around you. While some areas might be more friendly to cyclists, it’s nearly impossible to find yourself with the opportunity to use a bike lane or bike path. Common ways bicycle accidents might occur include:

•       Distracted Driving
•       Opening Car Doors
•       Merging Lanes
•       Cars Reversing Out of Driveways or Parking Spots

Riding a bike has risen in popularity, quickly becoming a preferred mode of transportation for many. Many may even choose to access a bike as a leisure way to spend time. Unfortunately, despite your best efforts to exercise safety, you cannot control the vehicles around you. Should you fall victim to an accident, it may be in your best interest to reach out to an experienced lawyer. 

Injuries from a Bicycle Accident

With nothing to protect you from the many hazards on the road, cyclists are far more susceptible to severe injuries than others. Because of this, the sheer force and impact of a bicycle accident can be incredibly damaging and, in some cases, may even be fatal. Injuries from bicycle accidents may occur in several ways:

•       Head Injuries
•       Broken Ribs
•       Fractured Bones
•       Lacerations
•       Internal Injuries
•       Soft Tissue Injuries

Tampa Bicycle Accident Law Infographics

After an accident, you need a lawyer who can stand by your side, prepare your case, and manage any curveballs that are thrown your way. 

Insurance Claims versus Lawsuits

If you suspect that the accident you were in was the result of a negligent driver, you will be considering what to do next and whether to pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit for damages you have suffered. This is where a lawyer can play a critical role. Typically, you will start with the insurance claims process. Your lawyer can assist you by negotiating with insurance companies and assisting you in reaching an outcome. An insurance claim may provide accident victims with the opportunity to reach an outcome faster, without the lengthy process of litigation. If you are unable to settle the claims process, it may be appropriate to pursue litigation through an accident lawsuit. Your attorney may recommend this, a lawsuit can be a lengthier process and puts you at risk for walking away empty-handed if the court does not hand down a favorable decision. 

We know that your injuries have caused you to experience immense pain, debilitating injuries, and hospital bills that have left you financially devastated. If someone can be held accountable, we want to help you take action in obtaining the settlement offer that you may be entitled to after such a horrific occurrence. Jeff Murphy Law is a Tampa, Florida bicycle accident lawyer who is fully prepared to help you take action so that you can take the time to recover from injuries throughout the legal process.   

Is Pursuing an Insurance or Legal Claim Stressful?

Too often, bicycle accident victims are hesitant to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in the wake of their accidents because they are worried about adding one more stressful reality to their plates. They are understandably concerned that pursuing legal action will eat up time, energy, and brain power that they can’t afford to waste while they’re trying to recover. If you’re worried about the stress of pursuing an insurance and/or legal claim in the wake of an accident, it’s important to understand that not acting will likely cause you far more stress in the long-run than pursuing action will cause in the short-term. Why? If you choose not to work with a Tampa, FL bicycle accident attorney to obtain access to the compensation you’re entitled to, you will almost certainly be saddled with all of the costs associated with your accident. From medical bills to lost wages, you’ll have to find ways to absorb those costs. If you have a long-term injury, including any head injury symptoms, these costs could become astronomical over time. Acting now may help to ensure that you aren’t weighed down by burdensome recovery costs for weeks, months, and even years to come.  

What if I’m Feeling too Disoriented After My Accident to Make a Decision?

If you’re feeling disoriented in the wake of a bicycle accident, you’re not alone. Regardless of whether they’ve suffered a head injury, many bicycle accident victims find the aftermath of a collision to be jarring. You may feel unsafe on the road, distracted, anxious, and generally disoriented for some time to come. Thankfully, by working with an experienced Tampa, FL bicycle accident lawyer, you’ll be empowered to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal “heavy lifting” associated with your case. Our work on your behalf will free you from the stresses of negotiating with insurance providers, filing legal paperwork, and ensuring that your case is as strong and solid as it can possibly be. If you’re feeling disoriented right now, that’s okay. You don’t have to wait until you can handle your legal issues on your own to start pursuing the compensation to which you’re entitled. The experienced Florida legal team at Jeff Murphy Law can handle that work and that stress on your behalf.

Florida is the leading state in bicycle accidents and that is why finding a bicycle accident lawyer in Tampa, FL is often a good idea. There are approximately 110 deaths each year. This is why having an experienced lawyer on your side is often a necessary thing.

There are plenty of risks that you face when you take to the streets on your bike. The reality is that there are hundreds of cyclists killed in traffic accidents each year across the United States and countless more are injured. The statistics show that if you are in Florida then you have the highest chance of being in a bicycle accident.

Who is Liable in a Cyclist Accident? 

No matter how safe you are or how alert you are, the odds are stacked against you. Cars outnumber cyclists and most of the time the drivers are not actively looking out for those on bicycles. They are looking out for other cars and motorcycles, not you.  So who is most commonly liable for cycling accidents?

• Car drivers
• Pedestrians
• Bicycle manufacturers
• Government agencies like road traffic or road maintenance entities

Car drivers are responsible for not only driving their car but also obeying all road traffic rules. If they fail to do so, and a cyclist gets hurt, then they could be held liable for the accident.

Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer? 

Considering accidents between cyclists and motorists involve a web of complex legal issues, having an experienced lawyer on your team is a good thing. They can help you see what you need to do and tell you how to proceed with your case.  Consulting with a lawyer who is well-versed in the intricacies of this niche of the law can be the difference between the compensation you deserve and a lower settlement.

A basic overview of how a lawyer can assist you in claiming compensation includes:

• Offering advice on how to proceed ad file your claim
• Helping you negotiate with the insurance companies
• They will represent you in a lawsuit and in court if needed

If your case requires the input of an investigative expert then a lawyer can also help you with that.

Tampa Bike Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are an estimated 50,000 bicycle-related fatalities each year in the U.S.

• Bike accidents account for 2% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
• The most common type of bike accident is a collision with a motor vehicle.
• Bike riders are more likely to be injured or killed in a bike accident than car drivers.
• Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury in a bike accident by up to 85%.

What Can You Expect From Your Lawyer? 

If you have a lawyer on your team you can expect that they can help in the following ways.

• Avoiding Tricky Legal Pitfalls: Before even contacting a lawyer it is important to avoid communicating with insurance companies. If you do, they can and will use anything you say against you. A lawyer can draft a letter on your behalf that will help you avoid the legal pitfalls of talking to them too early.

• Your Recovery is Top Priority: Your bicycle lawyer will be at your side to ensure that you receive quality treatment so you can recover. With their legal experience, they will help you get compensation so you can recover in peace.

Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer from Tampa, FL can be daunting but if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to reach out to Jeff Murphy Law today.

Jeff Murphy Law Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

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Client Review

“I have known Jeff for many years and always call him with any legal issues. He is an honest man and a great attorney. I highly recommend him!”
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