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The Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Tampa

Tampa bike accident attorney: The two counties comprised 1 213 bicycle accidents overall. All across the state the number of bicycle accidents in 2022.

The preliminary data for 2022 that covers accidents up to June 16, revealed the number of fatal bicycle accidents across the state, including the total number of bicycle accidents being 3,102. FLHSMV recorded nine fatal bicycle crashes within Hillsborough in addition to three in Pinellas to date, from year-to-date.

As per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) in 2020, there were 5952 bicycle accidents reported in Florida. The accidents caused 5574 injuries and 169 deaths, most of which were likely to be caused by cyclists.

Bicyclists are at risk on Tampa-area roadways. The majority of local roadways and byways are equipped with designated bicycle lanes. The roads in our area are filled with visitors and tourists unfamiliar with the local traffic rules and the rules of the road for cyclists. Apart from wearing helmets cyclists have no means of preventing fatal injury or death from an accident with the motor vehicle.

If you’ve been involved in a Tampa bicycle crash that was caused by the negligence of someone else’s reckless actions have ruined your life, causing severe injuries or a devastating death, then you are entitled to the most effective legal assistance available in the Tampa area to recover the compensation of those who caused your harm. Dolman Law Group can help. Tampa bike accident lawyers from Dolman Law Group can help.

Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Tampa

The victims of Tampa Bay area bicycle accidents are not required to look for lawyers who claim to help them obtain compensation for injuries. Because of the serious harm that bicycle accidents can cause, these victims are entitled to more than any lawyer.

They deserve the best legal representation in the Tampa region: a group of lawyers who have an unwavering dedication to customer service and with a history of accomplishment. Best tampa bike accident attorney. They are entitled to an lawyer who is part of Dolman Law Group. Dolman Law Group.

Our clients come to our law firm in the most challenging times in their lives. Our staff welcomes them with open arms eager to seek justice as well as accountability and compensation for their rights from any person whose actions hurt them.

Each customer of Dolman Law Group receives individualized attention. The Dolman Law Group’s personal injury attorneys are available 24/7 to answer any questions or provide assistance. Our primary goal is to advocate for the interests of our clients who have suffered injuries, and we are aware that it starts with knowing our clients’ needs and objectives for seeking legal action following an accident. Tampa bicycle accident..

Damages You Could Recover After a Bicycle Accident

Following a bike accident it is possible that you will be in pressure financially, especially when you suffered serious injuries. The medical bills could get a lot more expensive and you may be forced to take a break from work. Whatever the case, you are entitled to get the money that you’ve lost due to the damages. The tampa bike accident attorney.  The party responsible should be held to compensate for their negligence. The damage you could claim after an accident on the bike could include:

  • Medical expenses They include the cost for medical treatments you’ve received as well as the future medical costs. If you were forced to take an ambulance ride or pay for an emergency hospital or room bills, you may be eligible for compensation for these losses. Physical rehabilitation costs, such as occupational and physical therapy may be covered in medical expenses.
  • Loss of wages If you were unable to not work while recovering and you are unable to work, you can recover the amount you lost. Even if you’re temporarily out of work for a couple of days however, you could still include lost wages to the claim. If you are unable to come back to work at the same manner the future earnings you earn can be included as well.
  • Damage to property In the event that your bike or helmet, clothing or any other item was damaged by the accident, it may be considered part of your claim. You may be compensated for repair costs or the an amount that is fair to market the items.
  • The pain and suffering Motorcycle accidents can result in painful and severe injuries. Any pain or suffering that you have endured as a result of the accident is a possibility for your claim. Our lawyers can help you determine an appropriate amount of compensation to claim in accordance with the circumstances that caused your suffering and pain.
  • Depression following an accident on the bike, particularly one that results in severe injuries, you may be suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). There is a chance to receive compensation for the conditions you suffer from.

How to Calculate Your Recoverable Damages

Different types of recoverable damages can be classified as the economic as well as non-economic damage. Economic damages are simpler to estimate because they are monetary, objective losses. The tampa bike accident attorney.  Examples of economic damages are the cost of medical expenses, loss of wages, medical expenses, and property damage. It is essential to keep receipts for those expenses so that you can claim the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

The non-economic losses are harder to estimate because they are subjective non-monetary losses. There are no receipts that you are able to show to demonstrate how much you’ve lost. A lawyer from Dolman Law Group can assist in calculating non-economic damages.

Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 866-467-0943

Why Tampa Cycling Accidents Happen

According to Florida law it is legal to ride a bicycle as an vehicle that is just like other. The Florida Bicycle Association states:

“Bicyclists are entitled to the same rights on roadways and must adhere to the same traffic rules like other drivers of vehicles. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs and riding in moving traffic using lights during night, yielding right-of-way to enter a roadway while yielding the right of way to pedestrians at crossings.”

The same is true for Florida motorists also are bound to consider cyclists as equal road users. Cyclists are entitled to use the entire lane , and allow motor vehicles to yield to cyclists just like other vehicle. Cyclists don’t have an obligation to travel on the shoulder and allow motor vehicles to go by.

Unfortunately, motorists tend to treat cyclists as if they were second-class citizens on Tampa streets, resulting in horrific accidents. The most frequent ways that accidents occur are:

  • aggressive driving Drivers who are stressed can become angry with cyclists. They attempt to speed up bicycles. They shout at cyclists. They honk. They follow. They. They engage in a variety of scary, dangerous actions that could risk the cyclists falling off their feet and leading to the tragic event. There’s no excuse for such actions. Cyclists are entitled to the same amount of respect and consideration as everyone else.
  • Not yielding permission to proceed A typical bicycle collision is caused by a car or truck that is turning or switching lanes in the direct direction of a bicycle. The reason for these accidents is that the driver doesn’t notice the cyclist, even though the cyclist is evident when approaching the vehicle in the opposite direction or in the rearview mirror of the driver. To counteract this phenomenon known as “in-attentional blindness” motorists should always remember to be on the lookout for cars of all sizes and shapes and include bicycles.
  • Doors: Anyone who’s ridden the bicycle on a Tampa street that has parking parallel to it probably knows the dangers that come with “getting door slammed.” Like the name suggests, the accidents happen when a person who is a driver or a passenger in a car that is parked on the side of the street opens a door directly in the direction of a cyclist who is coming from behind. The cyclist is unable to be stopped within time to avoid colliding with the door, which can result in an unintentional fall.tampa bike accident attorney. Everyone can play their part to avoid door openings by opening doors to cars with the hand that is closest to the door handle. This technique is known as”the Dutch touch that forces people to pivot their bodies, and increases the likelihood that they observe a cyclist coming.
  • Impairment drivers who drive while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs or take to the wheel while not getting enough sleep are at risk for cyclists. Impaired driving can slow reflexes and blurs vision which increases the chance that a driver could cause a devastating collision with cyclists. Tampa cyclist.
  • Low visibility Due to their dimensions and shapes, cyclists must fight for their lives making sure motorists are aware of them. To increase your visibility to motorists, bicyclists must make sure they use rear and front blinking lights as well as wear bright clothes with reflective materials. If you commute to work but don’t want to change into a new outfit then a reflective vest similar to the ones worn by road crews can be a good idea.

Tampa bike laws

TRAFFIC LAW HIGHLIGHTS (see Section 316.2065 of the Florida Statutes)

  • Bicyclists must be riding on the right-hand side of the road
  • Bicyclists must obey all traffic signals and traffic controls.
  • Bicyclists need an appropriate, fixed seat to ride.
  • A bicycle cannot be used to transport more people at a time than the amount for which it was made or fitted.
  • A bicycle operating between sunrise and sunset must be fitted with a light at the front that displays an white light that is visible up to 500 feet from the front. There is also reflective red light and an additional lamp at the rear with a red light that is which is seen from 600 feet up to the rear. Further lighting options are allowed and highly recommended.
  • Bicyclists should not wear a headset, earphones or other type of listening device aside from hearing aids while cycling. The use of a headset can block out crucial audio signals required to determine the presence of traffic.
  • Every bicycle has to be equipped with brakes that allow the cyclist to slow down within 25ft of the velocity of 10 miles/hour on level, dry and clean pavement.
  • Parents and guardians should not permit a child, or a minor child to be in violation of the laws governing bicycles.

Roadway Position

    • Bicyclists who are not travelling at the same speed as other motorists must be in the designated bike lane, at least as close is practical to the curb to the right the edge of the road.

Bicyclists may be able to leave the right-most section on the highway in any of the following scenarios :

  • In the event of passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction.
  • In the process of preparing for a left turn (see below for more details on left-turns)
  • When it is deemed necessary to stay clear of any possible conflict or condition which includes, but is not restricted to, a fixed or moving object or vehicle that is parked such as a pedestrian , animal or other surface danger, it is advisable to turning lane, when a turn lane is too narrow to allow vehicles and bicycles to safely travel together.
  • A cyclist riding on a one-way road that has two or more lanes of traffic can ride as close to the left-hand side of the road as is practical.
  • Bicyclists who ride on the road must not travel more than two at a time, other than on roads or sections of roads designated exclusively for bicycles.
  • People riding in tandem must not interfere with traffic when travelling at a speed that is less than the usual speed for traffic in the time and place , and in the conditions in place and in one lanes.

Left Turns (see Section 316.151 (1)(b)(c), F.S.)

  • Bicyclists who intend to make a left turn has the right to full access to the direction from which the turn will be completed. When scanning the lane, signaling and moving towards the center of the lane, the cyclist must examine the signal and go ahead when it’s in green, and it is legal to proceed.
  • Alongside the usual left-hand turn for vehicles Bicyclists can also go through the rightmost section of the intersection.tampa bike accident attorney for 2023. They can then turn at the same distance from the edge or curb as is possible on the other edge. Once they have complied with any Traffic control system, a bicyclist can proceed in the opposite direction.

Signaling Turns (see Sub-section 316.155(2) and 316.157(2), F.S.)

  • An indication of intent to turn should be made within the last 100 feet of the vehicle prior to turning. If a bicyclist requires two hands to control the bike the signal should not be repeated continuously.
  • Bicyclists may indicate their intent to turn left by extending their left hand and arm upwards or by extend the right arm and hand in a horizontal direction to on the left side of their bicycle.

Sidewalk Riding

  • On sidewalks and at crosswalks, a bicyclist is entitled to similar rights as pedestrians and obligations as pedestrians.
  • Bicyclists riding on sidewalks, or in crosswalks must yield the right of way to pedestrians and must provide an audible signal prior the crossing.

Civil Penalties (see Sub-section 318.18(1),(2 ),&(3), F.S.)

    • Infractions that are not moving, for example inability to use the necessary lighting equipment while riding at night, or failing to have functioning brakes.
    • Traffic violations such as stopping sign, or signals or riding against the flow of traffic.
    • Violations of Chapter 316, F.S. by a cyclist who is 14 years old or younger

Local Ordinances The local authorities of cities, counties towns, and other municipalities are able to decide to adopt laws governing cycling. 

Some towns could also have registration and licensing laws. 

Sidewalk riding is sometimes prohibited all-inclusively or only in certain zones, such as commercial districts. 

The local law enforcement agency may offer documents pertaining to local laws.

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