Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
Were you hit by a motorist while driving your bicycle? Our bicycle accident attorneys can help you build a case and recover the compensation you’re entitled to.According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August, 2015, Florida claims the highest rate of bicyclist deaths associated with motor vehicle traffic of any state in the nation. Florida’s bicycle accident death rate as of 2015 is more than double the nationwide rate! It is difficult to know whether to blame the roads or the people using them. Wide and fast roadways are a problem, but so are under-equipped bicyclists not using reflective clothing or lights. A 2013 report issued by the Department of Transportation and the University of South Florida includes an acknowledgement from the engineering community that roads and speed limits in Florida were not created with cyclists and their safe travel in mind. At the same time, motorists are notorious for not being mindful enough of cyclists sharing the roadway and cyclists are known to disregard the same traffic rules they share with motorists. One USA Today article called the driver v. cyclist divide, “bike lane backlash. Such a rift is problematic for sure, as cycling is an increasingly popular sport and means of transportation and cyclists aren’t steeled by 3,000 pounds of metal.
Bicycle Accidents Mean Serious Injuries
Collisions with vehicles often result in incapacitating injury to the rider, including:- broken bones
- head trauma
- brain injury
- spinal cord injury
- significant bruising and lacerations
- death
Who’s at Fault?
Accidents are not always the cyclist’s fault, in fact, they usually are not. Negligent drivers cause accidents with bicycle riders in any number of ways. Some of the most common include failing to yield, running red lights, failing to use turn signals, not giving cyclists enough space, opening a car door as a cyclist is approaching, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. Despite all of the positives that go along with cycling, the reality is that riders face a significant risk of injury, and even death, each and every time they venture out and share the roadways with motorists. It is ironic that an activity meant to be enjoyable and beneficial too often leads to permanent physical challenges and a compromised quality of life.Consult a Bike Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured, or if your loved one was wrongfully killed in an accident, reach out to the Lakeland bicycle accident lawyers at Lopez & Humphries, P.A. for a free consultation. We have the resources and network of professionals necessary to investigate, evaluate and present your case to a jury. In the event accident recreation is necessary, we are familiar with and maintain strong relationships with experts who will assist us in our effort to place liability where it belongs: on the responsible party. Contact Lopez & Humphries by calling (863) 774-3573.Citations
Bicyclist Deaths Associated with Motor Vehicle Traffic — United States, 1975–2012 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6431a1.htm FLORIDA PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE STRATEGIC SAFETY PLAN – Roads and speed limits in Florida were not created with cyclists and their safe travel in mind https://www.fdot.gov/docs/default-source/safety/6-Resources/FloridaPedestrianandBicycleStrategicSafetyPlan.pdfFrequently Asked Questions
Call 911 and seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor; conditions like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent.
Document the scene with photographs, collect the driver’s insurance and contact information, and gather witness details. Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Then contact a Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance adjuster.
In most cases, the driver who struck the cyclist is liable, particularly if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield.
However, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault and eliminated entirely if you are found more than 50% responsible.
You may be entitled to recover medical expenses, future medical and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where a bicycle accident results in death, immediate family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim.
Yes. In Florida, cyclists are legally required to follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicle drivers, including stopping at red lights, yielding where required, and riding in the same direction as traffic. However, a cyclist’s failure to follow traffic rules does not eliminate the driver’s liability if they acted negligently.
Florida’s comparative negligence rule means both parties can share fault, and your recovery is adjusted accordingly.
Florida’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation permanently. Acting quickly is also critical for preserving evidence, surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses become harder to locate, and physical evidence disappears over time.
You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it on your policy. A Lakeland bicycle accident attorney can review all available insurance policies, including the driver’s, your own, and any applicable umbrella policies, to identify every possible source of recovery for your injuries.
Lopez & Humphries, P.A. represents bicycle accident victims across Lakeland, Sebring, Bartow, and surrounding Central Florida communities. Their attorneys investigate every case thoroughly, handle all communications with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve, on a contingency fee basis with no fees unless they win. Contact us today at (863) 243-6744 for a free consultation.
