Hundreds of bicyclists die every year on the roadways in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and thousands suffer serious injuries. As expected, when a bicyclist crashes with a motor vehicle, the individual can encounter substantial physical harm, as the person’s bicycle affords little to no protection to them.
If you have suffered injuries after a motor vehicle crashed into you while you were on your bicycle, you may have the right to financial recovery. Consider speaking with the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (800) 761-5225 to learn more about your legal rights and how a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer might be able to help you with your case.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Every bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle has its unique circumstances. However, some of the more common types of bicycle accidents on the roadways involving a car or truck include the following:
- Dooring accidents: Accidents of this kind happens when a motorist opens their car door, and a bicyclist runs directly into it due to an inability to stop.
- Side-swiping accidents: These incidents typically occur when a motorist merges or moves into a different traffic lane.
- Rear-end accidents: Motorists who drive too close to the bicycle in front of them can risk hitting the bicycle from behind.
- Left-turn accidents: These accidents happen when motorists fail to check blind spots or surroundings when making a left turn, resulting in hitting a bicyclist on their left.
- Other human errors: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the largest cause of accidents involving bicyclists and motorists involves human negligence and error.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Tampa, call (800) 761-5225
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Many injuries that result from bicyclists colliding with motor vehicles can be serious, and in some cases, some bicyclists will die from their wounds. Injuries from bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken and/or fractures bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Lacerations and/or burns
- Death
If you have suffered any injuries or harm related to a bicycle accident, you may have the right under the law to seek compensation from the negligent party. You will need to provide documentation for your injuries and losses, so keep all records, statements, or receipts of any medical care you received during or after the accident, including emergency treatment at the scene.
You also may want to gather medical records, police reports, photos or videos of the accident site, if you have them, eyewitness statements, and other items that can help your attorney build a solid case.
The legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you learn more about how a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can help you calculate the compensation you might be able to seek in your case. Give us a call today.
Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 761-5225
Insurance Companies and Bicycle Accidents
Injuries and losses related to a bicycle accident can bring outstanding medical bills, ongoing physical therapy, surgeries, medication, lost wages due to an inability to return to work, possible loss of future wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. As a result, you might not be sure about how much compensation you can pursue when negotiating with the negligent party’s insurance company.
Insurance Company Tactics
Many insurance companies use manipulative tactics to offer the lowest settlement amount possible to a bicycle victim. Some of these include:
- Attempts to record conversations and use what a bicycle accident victim says against them later to offer lower settlements
- Request a full medical history to see if any previous medical issue could relate to current injuries and argue that the current symptoms relate to a preexisting medical condition
- Talk to victims while they are in the hospital or under serious pain medications after an accident to use what they say against them at a later time
- Attempt to get the victim to admit to negligence or recklessness to avoid or reduce their responsibility to pay claims for injuries or losses to the victim
- Stall and delay the entire settlement process in the hope that the victim will miss the statute of limitations (deadline) to file their lawsuit in court
- Send a check to the victim indicating that it is not for full compensation of the claim; however, the check or letter that accompanies the check clearly indicates that if the victim cashes the check, the matter will close with the insurance company
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WrongTampa Bicycle Accident Lawyerful Death Claims and Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, many bicycle accidents that happen after the impact of a motor vehicle results in fatalities. If your loved one has died as a result of a bicycle accident resulting from another motorist’s recklessness or negligence, as a family member, you might have the option to file a wrongful day lawsuit in Florida. Wrongful death lawsuits usually originate from the parents, spouse, or children of the deceased, but you can review your case with an attorney who can help you understand Florida’s laws in this area.
Clearly, no amount of compensation can bring your loved one back to you. However, you may now face funeral and burial expenses and remaining medical bills resulting from the bicycle accident. Additionally, you could have the right to pursue justice on behalf of your loved one for the pain and suffering they endured from the bicycle accident. You also might be able to recover:
- The loss of future earnings that would benefit the family financially
- The spouse’s loss of companionship
- Surviving children’s loss of guidance and/or support
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Consider Speaking with a Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
You should not have to shoulder the financial burden of your accident, especially if someone else is responsible for causing it. If you have suffered injuries or losses as a result of a bicycle accident in Florida and are interested in pursuing legal recourse, consider speaking with the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (800) 761-5225, during a free consultation.
We can explain how a Tampa car accident lawyer can help you pursue justice for you or your loved one. If we represent you, you pay us no upfront fees. We collect payment only if we secure a settlement on your behalf. Give us a call today.
Call or text (800) 761-5225 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
