St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer | Whittel & Melton

Have you been in a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg? Contact Whittle & Melton today for a free consultation to see your options.

Bicyclists in the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, need to be cautious of drivers. It is common for drivers and cyclists to be distracted and not see one another in the traffic downtown. Unfortunately, this can lead to bicycle accidents, with serious consequences.

In 2020 alone, there were a total of 6,389 bicycle crashes resulting in 182 fatalities. These crashes occurred in various locations, including residential areas, schools, and roads.

Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/

St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer Whittel & Melton understands the unique risks bicyclists face and works hard to ensure that their clients receive the optimal compensation for their injuries. Whether you have suffered severe injuries or lost a loved one in a St. Petersburg bicycle accident, the dedicated legal team at Whittel & Melton is here to help pursue the compensation you deserve.

Have you been in a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg? Contact Whittle & Melton today for a free consultation to see what your options are.

Can You Be Sued for a Bike Accident in St. Petersburg, FL?

Florida state law does allow both motorists and cyclists to be sued for a bike accident.

The short answer is yes; you can be sued for a bike accident in St. Petersburg, FL.

If a motorist is looking to sue the person on the bicycle, the cyclist must have legal liability for the crash. This means that the cyclist must be legally responsible for the crash, which is usually the case where the cyclist is negligent.

The same is true for car accidents in St. Petersburg. If a driver is at fault for causing a bicycle accident, the cyclist can seek compensation from the driver.

However, more than one party can be held liable for a crash in many cases.

For example, if a driver was speeding and a cyclist failed to yield to the driver’s right of way, both parties can be considered liable for the crash. This means that the parties can be entitled to share the responsibility for the crash.

Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/

Can You Sue a Motorist for a Bike Accident?

If you are a cyclist and you were hit by a motorist while riding, you may be able to sue the motorist for causing a bike accident.

This usually happens when a motorist is at fault for causing a crash. In this situation, you may be able to sue the motorist for monetary compensation for your injuries.

You would likely be able to recover the costs associated with your medical bills, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.

If you’re not sure whether you’re liable for a bike accident, you can always consult a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer. Whittel & Melton will provide an honest assessment of your legal options and help you make the best decision for your case.

Get your free case evaluation today.

Can You Sue a Cyclist for a Bike Accident?

While many people assume that a motorist is automatically responsible for a bike accident, there are many cases in which the cyclist is at fault.

For instance, if a cyclist is riding at night without the proper lighting and reflectors attached to their bike and they are wearing dark, non-reflective clothing, they may be found liable per 316.2065 (7), which states that all cyclists riding between sunset and sunrise must equip their bike with a lamp on the front of the bike and a lamp and reflector on the rear of their bike.

Source: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2065.html

If a bike hits your vehicle in St. Petersburg and they were negligent, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your damages.

Call Whittel & Melton today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options. Our St. Petersburg bicycle accident attorneys will help you determine the best course of action.

What Injuries Can You Get from a Bike Crash?

Bicycle accidents can result in a variety of injuries. In fact, bicycles can be much more dangerous than many people realize.

While a bicycle may appear to be a relatively simple piece of equipment, a bike is a complex machine, and under Florida state law, bikes are considered motorized vehicles.

As a result, the injuries that can occur to both bicyclists and motorists can vary, including neck and back injuries and soft tissue injuries.

Unfortunately, in most cases, it is the cyclist that sustains the most significant injuries, including:

• Brain injury
• Broken bones
• Bruises
• Cuts
• Dental injury
• Dislocations
• Head and neck injuries
• Internal injuries
• Road rash
• Scrapes
• Spinal cord injuries
• Death

However, studies show that the most reported factors in cyclist fatalities include:

• Failure to obey traffic signs, signals, or officers — 8%
• Failure to yield right of way — 38%
• Making improper turns — 8%
• Not visible (wearing dark clothing, having no lighting, etc.) — 10%

Source: https://media.acg.aaa.com/may-is-bike-safety-month-florida-has-most-bicycle-deaths-in-us.htm

How Much Can I Claim for a Bike Accident?

When it comes to bike accident injuries, the amount of compensation that can be claimed for a bike accident is almost as varied as the number of injuries that can be sustained. You can claim for medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

You can also claim for future medical expenses, such as physical therapy. While difficult to quantify, your pain and suffering can also be claimed.

Depending on the facts of the case, both parties may be entitled to some form of compensation. So, it’s crucial to speak with the Whittel & Melton team right away to see what your legal options are. Our St. Petersburg bicycle accident attorneys will gather the facts of your case and help you determine who is liable and help you file a claim.

What To Do If You Have an Accident with a Cyclist

If you were involved in an accident involving a cyclist, then there are several things you should and shouldn’t do, including:

• Do: Stay Put! Never leave the scene of the accident before the proper authorities can be contacted.
• Do: Assess the situation and determine the severity of the injuries. It’s also wise to call 911, even if severe trauma doesn’t seem present at the moment.
• Do: Call and speak with the police. You will want to have the authorities assess the situation, gather evidence, and provide you with a full report – especially if you are considering filing a legal claim.
• Do: Gather all information, including photographic and video evidence at the scene, the contact information of the authorities at the scene, and all other parties involved, along with any witnesses.
• Do: Contact a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer at Whittel & Melton to discuss your legal options and your options moving forward.
• Do Not: Speak directly to the other party, their representation, or insurers. You will want to refrain from making any statements until you have spoken with someone from Whittel & Melton.
• Do Not: Admit fault of any kind! This will only worsen your situation and affect your ability to receive compensation.
• Do Not: Sign any form of documentation before speaking with us, as this can be considered admitting fault and will impact your case moving forward.

Need a St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer? Whittel & Melton Have Your Back

If you or a loved one has been in a bike accident in St. Petersburg, then you shouldn’t suffer in silence. The St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyers at Whittel & Melton have served clients throughout the area for decades. They will work diligently to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

It doesn’t matter if you were the motorist or the cyclist – a bicycle accident is a scary, sometimes life-altering event. Don’t delay. The sooner you get in touch with us, the sooner we can begin working on your case. The firm offers a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Contact our team today for your free consultation!