Criminal Defense LawyerLakeland, Tampa, Lutz, FL
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863-688-4606

Bicycle Accident Attorney Serving Polk County

When you’re hit by a car, you need strong representation

Florida weather is nearly ideal for bike riding year-round. You not only enjoy the freedom of escaping traffic, but the freedom to go places you could not travel by car. What you may not know is that for many years, Florida has led the United States in bicycle accidents. Even if you did know that, you never expected to be involved in an accident yourself since you are careful about following all the rules of the road.

The problem is, not everyone is so conscientious. All it takes is one negligent driver to put you on the ground because someone hit your bike. Chances are, you will suffer a serious injury due to a bike accident. Since bikes offer so little protection, you could suffer broken bones, a concussion or spinal injury, or another serious injury which means you are going to be out of work for a while recovering.

Now you are faced with some real problems. In addition to being in the hospital recovering, you may not be able to return to work for several days, weeks, or even months depending on the severity of your injuries.

When you are the victim of a bike accident, the last thing you need is a period where you have no income and can’t pay your living expenses while medical bills pile up. This is when you should consider contacting a Lakeland bike accident attorney to see what options are available to you. You need to talk to Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law.

Tips to avoid accidents on your bike

As a biker, you can take certain precautions such as making sure you are wearing highly visible clothes, following the rules that apply to cyclists on Florida roadways, and making sure you remain aware of what is going on around you.

  • Cyclists should always wear helmets
  • Cyclists should be aware of the traffic around them
  • Cyclists should avoid wearing headphones which could prevent them from hearing warnings
  • Cyclists should obey traffic signals

But, again, you can only control yourself. If another road user is careless, there may not be anything you can do to avoid a collision – and if that road user is behind the wheel of a car or truck weighing thousands of pounds, it’s usually the cyclist who gets hurt.

What to do after a bicycle accident

If you have been injured in a bike accident, the first thing you should do is get to a safe location so you do not suffer additional injuries. As soon as you can, contact law enforcement. Get the names and contact information of everyone involved and any witnesses to the accident. Keep your comments at the scene brief, though. Do not offer information which may indicate you were at fault for the accident

Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Being checked out by a doctor is the best option to protect your health. Then, contact an attorney, before you talk to the insurance company.

Types of bicycle accident cases

Most bicycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Here are the leading causes of bike accidents:

  • Intersection dangers – when a car pulls out of an intersection or takes a left turn without realizing you are there.
  • Dooring – when you are traveling in a bike lane or on a sidewalk, a car door opens, and you are knocked down. Doorings can also force cyclists to swerve into traffic.
  • Crosswalk dangers – a driver may make a right turn into a crosswalk and fail to see you on your bike.
  • Traffic signal blind spots – if you stop beside a car at a traffic light or stop sign, they may not see you and wind up striking you.

Remember, car operators always have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and maintain control of their vehicles. When they don’t meet that responsibility, we hold them accountable.

How a Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer can help

You should not have to bear the financial burden associated with recovery from a bike accident which was not your fault. As your attorney, I may be able to help you recover the following:

  • Medical expenses including hospitalization, rehabilitation, and medications
  • Lost wages including future lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

Remember, the insurance companies aren’t on your side, and they fight hard to reduce or deny claims for injured cyclists. That’s why you need strong legal representation. I have the experience to represent you in negotiations and, if necessary, at trial. I’ll take care of the legal paperwork and keep you advised of your options while you focus on healing.

How long after a bicycle accident can you sue in Florida?

In Florida, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident which caused your injury. However, other deadlines might apply in some circumstances, so the best policy is always to talk to a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

What does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?

Nothing out of pocket. Bicycle accident lawyers work on contingency, which means there is no hourly or retainer fee. The attorney’s fee is a percentage of your final settlement or verdict. If you don’t win, you don’t pay your lawyer anything. It’s that simple.

Schedule your free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney

You can afford to talk to a lawyer. You can’t afford to go it alone. As soon as possible after a bicycle accident, call or use the online contact form to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation to hire me and no pressure to take legal action, just answers about your legal rights and options from a trial attorney with decades of experience.

Remember, the longer you wait, the tougher it will be to get full compensation for your bicycle accident. If you’ve been hurt, get a lawyer on your side as soon as possible. Reach out today.

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