Wesley Chapel, FL Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Being struck by a motor vehicle is a nightmare scenario for every bicyclist, and for good reason. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 966 cyclists were killed in accidents in 2021, while 41,615 were injured — and cyclist fatalities were higher in Florida than in any other state.

In a crash between a bicycle and a motor vehicle, the bicyclist is far more vulnerable and far more likely to suffer a severe injury. Still, drivers often try to blame bicyclists when an accident occurs. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Florida, you need a tough and skilled personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation for you.

Zervos & Calta, PLLC, is a law firm with a reputation for toughness and a history of winning maximum compensation. We know what it takes to take on the insurance companies and to not back down from their tactics. Contact us today to discuss your situation with a compassionate Wesley Chapel bicycle accident lawyer.

What Causes Most Wesley Chapel Bicycle Accidents?

Most bicycle accidents are caused by drivers’ failure to follow the rules of the road.

Some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:

• Failing to yield to bicyclists as the driver would for a fellow motorist
• Turning right at a red light without looking for approaching bicyclists
• Failing to obey the speed limit
• Failing to drive defensively
• Passing too close to bicyclists
• Failing to check for bicyclists in parking lots or when parking on the street

Driving while distracted or under the influence is also a significant cause of accidents. Not paying attention is always dangerous. For instance, if a driver parks and then opens their car door without checking for bicyclists, an accident can easily result.

What Are Common Injuries in a Wesley Chapel Bicycle Accident?

A bicyclist is much less protected than a driver in the event of an accident, so the bicyclist is likely to suffer much more severe injuries, from broken bones to a brain injury.

Common injuries in a bicycle accident include:

• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Whiplash
• Herniated discs
• Cuts
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Traumatic brain injury

Some bike accident injuries are relatively minor but still require medical attention. Others, like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, have life-changing effects and may require expensive long-term care. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for that care.

Are There Certain Areas of Wesley Chapel That Are More Dangerous for Bicycle Riders?

High-risk spots for bicycle accidents include:

• Intersections, where drivers may turn without looking
• Red lights and stop signs, where a distracted driver may rear-end a bicyclist
• Parking lots, where drivers are not always looking out for cyclists
• Busy areas with many shops and restaurants

Wesley Chapel, Florida, is located in Pasco County, which has some of the most dangerous intersections in the United States, according to ABC Action News. These include:

• The intersection of Madison Street and State Road 54
• The intersection of U.S. 19 and Washington Street
• The intersection of U.S. 19 and Ridge Road

Are There Steps I Can Take to Stay Safer While Riding My Bicycle in Wesley Chapel?

Bicyclists are sometimes responsible for accidents, too, especially when they make unpredictable decisions or don’t follow the rules of the road. Keep yourself safe and reduce your chances of getting in an accident by wearing a helmet, signaling every time you turn, and always following the same laws drivers must follow.

Bicyclists can best protect themselves by:

• Always wearing a helmet
• Riding a bike of the right size and keeping it in good working order
• Riding with the flow of traffic rather than against it
• Avoiding listening to music or texting while bicycling
• Watching out for hazards
• Always assuming that drivers cannot see them
• Avoiding sidewalk riding whenever possible
• Watching out for turning cars or cars pulling out of a driveway

What Should I Do If I Have Been in a Bicycle Accident?

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, the first and most important thing is to seek medical attention. Do this even if you don’t think you were badly hurt. Some injuries turn out to be worse than they initially seem, such as brain injuries that slowly manifest over time.

Other steps to take after a bicycle accident include:

• Taking photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident
• Following through with every medical treatment your doctor recommends
• Keeping a journal to document your pain levels after the accident
• Avoiding posting about your accident on social media, as the insurance company can find ways to use these statements against you
• Keeping all documents you receive connected to the accident

How Can I Be Compensated for My Bicycle Accident Injuries?

To pursue compensation for your losses, you begin by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The at-fault party is usually a driver, but in some cases it could be a municipality, such as in the case of an accident caused by an unfilled pothole.

The insurance company will review your claim and decide whether to offer you a settlement. Insurance companies sometimes try to blame the accident on the bicyclist or try to minimize the extent of the cyclist’s injuries. It’s almost always risky to accept the insurance company’s first offer. You should have a bicycle accident lawyer handle the whole process for you, as this improves your likelihood of recovering full, fair compensation for your losses. These include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income due to missed work
• Lost future income due to diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage