Bicycle Accident Lawyer Pasco County FL
Serving All of Florida
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Have You Suffered an Injury in a Bicycle Accident?
If you’ve recently been involved in a bicycle accident, please take a moment to review the bicycle accident checklist I’ve prepared to help protect your rights. You can also contact me directly by completing our contact form or calling (727) 233-2134. I provide a free, prompt, and no-obligation case review.
As an experienced personal injury trial attorney in Pasco County with over 30 years of litigation experience, I understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face when dealing with insurance companies. My reputation for aggressive advocacy and willingness to take cases to trial ensures that insurers and negligent drivers take your claim seriously from the start.
What Is the Primary Cause of Bicycle Crashes?
In Pasco County, Florida, and throughout the Tampa Bay area, excessive speed by drivers of cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles is the leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities among cyclists. Even modest increases in speed dramatically elevate the risk of death in traffic collisions, as speeding extends a vehicle’s stopping distance and intensifies the force of impact. Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for bicyclists, with numerous fatalities occurring annually.
Other frequent causes of bicycle accidents include:
• Drivers speeding or running red lights and stop signs • Drivers making unsafe left turns or U-turns, striking oncoming cyclists • Drivers failing to provide adequate space when passing a bicyclist • Drivers illegally entering or blocking bike lanes • Drivers or passengers opening car doors without checking for approaching cyclists (called “dooring”) • Distracted or negligent driving, often involving mobile phone use or texting • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
In certain cases, non-driver factors contribute to bicycle crashes, including roadway hazards, inadequately marked construction zones, construction debris, sand, gravel, and other hazardous road conditions.
If a municipality or government agency may bear responsibility for your crash, it’s essential to contact me immediately. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a claim against a government entity is only three years from the date of the incident, but notice requirements may be much shorter.
As an experienced personal injury trial attorney in Pasco County with over 30 years of litigation experience, I understand the complexities of bicycle accident cases and how to hold negligent parties accountable for the serious injuries they cause.
Pasco County, Florida Bike Accident Lawyer
Wendy Doyle-Palumbo is an experienced personal injury trial attorney committed to fighting for justice and maximum compensation for clients throughout Pasco County who have been injured by negligence. I deliver compassionate, individualized service combined with aggressive advocacy throughout the entire legal process. Contact me today for exceptional legal representation that gets results.
May Drivers Enter Bike Lanes?
Yes, but only under specific circumstances. Florida law prohibits motor vehicles from operating in bicycle lanes except to park where legally permitted, enter or exit the roadway, or prepare for turns within 200 feet of intersections. Bike lanes are typically marked with painted boundaries using solid lines, and some feature green coloring with solid white borders for enhanced visibility.
Can I Still File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit if I Was Partially at Fault?
Absolutely. Police reports frequently and incorrectly assign fault to cyclists. While police reports serve as important evidence, they aren’t legally binding in court and may contain flawed analysis. I conduct comprehensive and independent investigations of every case. Even if you share some responsibility, you may still recover damages if the driver’s negligence—such as speeding or other violations—significantly contributed to the accident and your injuries.
Why Do I Need a Bike Accident Lawyer? Can’t I Negotiate With the Driver’s Insurance Company Myself?
You could try, but if your injuries are serious, I strongly recommend consulting with me first. Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses whose primary goal is minimizing payouts or denying claims entirely. Even when police reports favor you, insurers often attempt to shift blame onto cyclists, question medical treatment necessity, or minimize long-term injury impacts. Only an experienced bicycle accident trial attorney can accurately assess your case’s true value. I’ve represented clients with fractures, internal injuries, concussions, and other severe trauma who received inadequate settlement offers when dealing directly with insurance agents.
Why I Am the Best Bike Accident Attorney for You
With over 30 years of litigation experience in Pasco County, I have the expertise to thoroughly investigate your case and ensure you receive maximum compensation under Florida law. I understand the physical, emotional, and financial devastation a serious bike accident causes and am committed to treating you with compassion and respect throughout the legal process. I’m known for taking on challenging and complex cases and winning, often securing recoveries far above industry standards through my willingness to take cases to trial.
I offer:
• Personalized legal representation by a highly experienced bicycle accident trial attorney with a proven track record • Substantial investigative resources and technological capabilities • Access to premier accident reconstruction and medical experts for cases involving brain, spine, neck, and back injuries • A reputation that insurance companies fear, resulting in better settlement negotiations
BICYCLE ACCIDENT & CRASH CHECKLIST: PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AFTER AN ACCIDENT
What to Do Following a Bicycle Accident or Crash
Bicycle accidents, traffic collisions, and “dooring” incidents can occur without warning. Follow these essential steps to safeguard your health and safety, ensure proper police investigation, and preserve your legal rights:
Ensure Immediate Safety: If you’re in the roadway, move to safety or request assistance getting to the side. If you’re already in a secure location, take a moment before standing to evaluate any potential injuries.
Address Medical Needs First: If you’re hurt and require medical attention, call 911 immediately. If you’re unable to call, ask a bystander to contact emergency services for you.
Record the License Plate: Ask the driver to remain at the scene until police arrive. If they attempt to leave, document their vehicle’s license plate number and description.
Obtain Driver Information: Request the driver’s contact details, examine their driver’s license, and record their name, address, date of birth, insurance information, and vehicle registration data.
Collect Evidence: • Witnesses: Gather names and contact information from witnesses. Don’t depend solely on police to collect this information. If you’re injured, ask someone nearby to assist. • Photography: Take pictures of the accident scene, or have someone else photograph it for you.
Document Police Interaction: Record the responding officer’s name, badge number, and contact details. Request an incident or traffic collision report number.
Share Your Account: Make sure the police officer hears your version of events. If you suspect the driver was distracted (texting, speeding, etc.), inform the officer immediately.
Obtain Police Report: Request a copy of the police report. If unavailable immediately, ask for a receipt with instructions for obtaining it later. If no report was filed, visit the nearest police station to file a counter report.
Preserve Physical Evidence: Keep your bicycle in its post-accident condition and save any ride data from GPS tracking apps like Strava. Avoid riding your bike afterward unless you’re certain it’s safe and you’re physically able.
Create Detailed Documentation: • Incident Record: Write a comprehensive account of what happened as soon as possible. Store this with the driver’s information, witness details, and police report. • Damage Documentation: Record all injuries and damage to your bicycle, helmet, and clothing. Take photographs of everything.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you didn’t need immediate hospital care, get medical evaluation right away if you sustained any injury. Some injuries don’t appear until days later. Report all pain, discomfort, and stress to ensure proper treatment and accurate documentation for potential compensation claims.
Handle Insurance Communications Carefully: You’re not required to speak with the driver’s insurance representative, and conversations may be recorded. Remember, insurance companies seek to minimize payouts. The agent may try to get you to admit fault or minimize your injuries. If you’re considering legal action, consult with a personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance representative.
Consult a Bicycle Injury Attorney: If you sustained serious injuries such as concussions, fractures, or any long-term trauma, consult with an experienced personal injury trial attorney who has successfully handled bicycle accident cases. As a Pasco County personal injury attorney with over 30 years of litigation experience, I can help you understand your rights under Florida bicycle laws and the full compensation you may be entitled to receive. I offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless I win your case.
Contact Wendy Doyle-Palumbo at (727) 233-2134 for immediate assistance with your bicycle accident case.
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