Tampa intersections are among the most common sites for serious cyclist injuries.
A Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer Explains Why These Bike Crashes Happen in Florida
Bicycle accidents often occur in Tampa and throughout Florida. In fact, Florida consistently has more bicycle accidents than any state in the country. Recently, Florida was ranked the deadliest state for cyclists based on the number of bicycle accident fatalities. In addition, Florida recently set a state record for the most bicycle fatalities in a single year – 234 deaths in 2023.
And while bicycle accidents can happen anywhere, they often occur at intersections. Why? What makes intersections so dangerous for cyclists? Who’s usually at fault for causing these collisions? And what legal options are available for injured cyclists? Our Tampa bicycle accident attorney at Armando Personal Injury Law explains.
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Why do bicycle accidents occur at intersections?
Intersections are some of the most dangerous places for cyclists in Florida. Drivers often fail to notice bikes or don’t follow the rules, especially when drivers are turning at an intersection. Some of the most common causes of bicycle intersection accidents include:
- Drivers making left turns, cutting across bike lanes: They sometimes fail to yield and turn right into a cyclist’s path.
- Right-turning drivers failing to check their blind spots: A cyclist riding alongside can get hit when the driver turns.
- Running a red light or not stopping at stop signs: Cyclists are often hit by drivers who ignore traffic signals and run a red light or don’t stop at a stop sign.
- Distracted drivers not paying attention: Whether it’s texting while driving, looking up directions, or engaging in other distracting behaviors, all it takes is one small mistake to cause an intersection accident.
- Speeding through an intersection: Drivers going too fast don’t have time to stop and avoid hitting a cyclist legally riding through an intersection.
- Not sharing the road: Many drivers don’t give cyclists enough space, even though cyclists have the same rights as drivers to use the road.
- Drivers misjudging the speed of a bike: Some drivers fail to accurately estimate the speed of a cyclist, resulting in an accident.
Intersection accidents involving cyclists can happen fast. One reckless move by a driver can cause serious injuries. That’s why drivers need to be alert and treat cyclists with the same respect they give other vehicles.
Do cyclists have the right of way at intersections in Florida?
Yes, cyclists have the right of way when they follow the rules of the road. In Florida, bikes have the same rights as cars and other motorized vehicles. That means drivers need to share the road with cyclists, at intersections or anywhere else on the road. So, if a cyclist enters an intersection legally, drivers must yield.
The problem is that too many drivers don’t treat cyclists as equals. Some drivers don’t wait or yield to cyclists at intersections. Other times, drivers think they can turn or pass a cyclist without giving them enough space. (Drivers must give cyclists three feet of space in Florida, according to state law.) This kind of thinking is dangerous and often causes crashes.
If you were riding your bike through an intersection in Tampa and a driver hit you, the driver is likely at fault. Florida law supports cyclists who ride safely and follow traffic laws. You have every right to be there, just like any other vehicle. And you should not suffer physically or financially because of a driver’s reckless behavior.
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How is fault determined for bicycle intersection accidents in Florida?
Figuring out who caused a collision depends on what each person did before the accident. Police officers usually write a report that says who they think caused the crash. This report (officially called a ) can be used as evidence, but it is not the only thing that matters.
Insurance companies will also try to decide who was at fault. They examine the crash scene evidence, interview witnesses, and review any available photos or videos of the bicycle accident. Sometimes, they will try to blame the cyclist even if the driver clearly broke the law and caused the collision.
That’s why it helps to have a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer who knows how these cases work. Your attorney can find the evidence that clearly shows the driver was at fault. Such evidence can include traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction expert analysis if necessary.
Can injured cyclists be compensated if they’re partially at fault for causing the accident?
Yes, but it depends on how much you were at fault. Florida uses a system called modified comparative fault. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, you can still get money for your injuries. However, if you are more than 50 percent at fault, you will not receive any compensation.
Under this system, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages (legal term for compensation for financial losses) are worth $100,000 and you are 20 percent at fault, you can still recover $80,000. But if you are 51 percent or more at fault, you will not receive any compensation.
This makes fault – and what percentage is assigned to you – extremely important after a serious bicycle accident. Insurance companies may try to say you were more at fault than you really were to avoid paying what you’re entitled to. A good lawyer can fight back and demand the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What if I’m wrongly accused of causing my bicycle accident?
Many times, injured cyclists are unfairly accused of causing intersection accidents, even though a driver was clearly at fault. Sometimes, it’s the driver who’s pointing the finger at the cyclist. Other times, it’s the at-fault driver’s insurance company that’s trying to assign blame for the intersection accident to the cyclist.
When this happens, it’s crucial to act quickly. Some of the steps cyclists can take when wrongly accused of causing an intersection accident include:
- Write down everything you remember about your crash.
- Talk to witnesses who saw your accident.
- Get copies of any video or photos of your accident.
If your bicycle injury claim was denied, ask the driver’s insurance company for a formal written explanation for why your claim was denied.
In each case, your lawyer can help you with each step. The goal is to show you were not at fault. Being wrongly blamed isn’t just annoying. It can have significant financial consequences. That’s why it is important to have someone in your corner who knows how to fight back. You should not have to pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
A Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can uncover critical evidence to prove fault after a collision.
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Why should I hire a Tampa bicycle accident attorney?
Intersection accidents involving cyclists and drivers in Tampa can quickly escalate into complicated legal cases. When this happens, it’s critical that you have an experienced legal team on your side, looking out for your best interests.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
- Investigates fault and gathers crash evidence
- Handles communication with insurers
- Defends against false accusations
- Calculates the full value of your injuries and losses
- Guides you through the legal process without stress
An experienced Tampa bicycle accident attorney at Armando Personal Injury Law can help you every step of the way. We know exactly what to do because we’ve been doing this work for years. Our track record of helping others obtain justice proves it, including a multi-million-dollar settlement in one bicycle accident injury case.
Discover what we can do for you, and schedule a free consultation with a Tampa bicycle accident attorney focused on winning your case. We handle cases involving bicycle accidents throughout Florida.
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