Tampa, Florida has sixty-six certified Bicycle Friendly Businesses, the most in the nation according to the League of American Bicyclists. Cycling is a healthy, environmentally-friendly way to commute to work, the grocery store, or wherever else you may need to go. However, there are still many careless and negligent motorists who strike and injure Tampa cyclists far too often.
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a cycling accident then call the Tampa bicycle accident lawyers at Diaco Law at (813) 221-7978. Our Tampa personal injury attorneys are available to provide a free consultation about your legal rights in the wake of your injury. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Tampa, FL, bring extensive experience and understanding of the law to every case they touch, and our client’s attest to our results.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Every car accident case is different, but there are common culprits in causing bicycle accidents in urban areas such as Tampa. Here are just a few of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:
- Motorist’s Failure to Yield: Motorists are legally obligated to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists in Florida, but all too often they fail to do so–with devastating consequences for victims.
- Distracted Driving: Motorists who text, eat, or are otherwise preoccupied while driving are a preeminent cause of bicycle accidents–particularly in their blind spots and at intersections.
- Dooring: Dooring is a term used to refer to the instances in which a cyclists crashes or swerves to avoid a car door that suddenly opened in their path. This occurs more commonly in areas with on-street parking.
- Poor Road Conditions: Some bicycle accidents are caused due to unsafe road conditions like potholes, debris, construction zones, and slick surfaces. These are so dangerous because bikes are more sensitive to uneven and damaged pavement.
Protections for Tampa’s Bicyclists
Tampa has taken action to protect its bicyclists by creating infrastructure, enforcing laws, and promoting it through its business community. In terms of infrastructure, Tampa has created more than 130 miles of bicycle facilities on its roadways.
Under Florida law, bicycles are defined as vehicles, and their riders are entitled to all of the same rights and duties as other motor vehicle operators. Further, Florida law obligates drivers to pass cyclists with at least three feet of clearance between them.
Motorists who fail to respect cyclists’ rights are breaching a duty they owe under Florida law and are financially responsible for the injuries they cause. For example, if a motorists fails to give a cyclists three feet of clearance while passing him and injures the cyclist then the motorist can be held liable for the cyclists medical bills, lost wages, and other types of financial compensation.
Call Diaco Law’s Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
After suffering a bicycle injury, you may be in pain–both physically and emotionally. The physical recovery from a bicycle injury can be an arduous journey, but these injuries take their toll on a mental and an emotional level as well. At Diaco Law understand that our clients are going through a lot when they come to us, and we are dedicated to guiding them through it.
Call us at Diaco Law as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation if you’ve been injured in a collision with a motor vehicle. Our Tampa bicycle accident attorneys have years of experience handling these cases, have a deep understanding of the law, and will fight for you. Call us today at (813) 221-7978 or contact us by filling out our online contact form to get started on your case!