Land O’ Lakes Bicycle Accident Attorney
Year in and year out, Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for bicyclists, often leading the nation in bicycle accidents and fatalities. The state not only has more bicycle crashes than most other states but also the highest bicycle fatality rate per capita—more than double the national average.
Cyclists in Land O’ Lakes face significant risks despite the area’s reputation for scenic routes and family-friendly neighborhoods. Like many areas in Pasco County, Land O’ Lakes is not immune to the hazards posed by negligent, speeding, drunk, or distracted drivers. Sadly, nearly 97% of collisions between bicycles and vehicles in Florida result in injury or death to the cyclist.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Land O’ Lakes, you need experienced legal representation to help you recover. At Moore Law, we are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for injured cyclists. Contact our office today for immediate assistance from a skilled and compassionate Land O’ Lakes bicycle accident attorney.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Land O’ Lakes
Bicycle accident injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic harm such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of protection compared to drivers in motor vehicles. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Land O’ Lakes include:
- Being struck from behind by a car or truck.
- Side-swiped while riding alongside a vehicle.
- A car pulling out of a driveway, alley, or parking lot into the cyclist’s path.
- Drivers making left turns across an oncoming cyclist’s path.
- Right-turn collisions, where drivers fail to yield to a cyclist to their right riding straight.
- Cyclists being forced off the road or into traffic by aggressive drivers.
- “Dooring,” when a parked driver opens their car door into a passing cyclist’s path.
These scenarios highlight the dangers cyclists face daily, even when adhering to safety rules and best practices.
Florida Bicycle Laws for Riders in Land O’ Lakes
In Florida, bicycles are legally considered vehicles, meaning cyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, with some exceptions. Key responsibilities for cyclists in Land O’ Lakes include:
- Obeying traffic signals and stopping at stop signs.
- Signaling before turning or changing lanes.
- Riding with the flow of traffic in designated bike lanes or as far to the right as practicable when no bike lane exists.
- Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Additionally, cyclists must use a white headlamp and red rear reflectors when riding at night and equip their bicycles with proper brakes and other safety features.
For motorists, Florida law requires maintaining a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist, a vital measure to enhance safety on Pasco County roads.
How Moore Law Can Help After a Bicycle Accident in Land O’ Lakes
After a bicycle accident, injured cyclists may seek compensation through Florida’s no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. If the cyclist does not have their own PIP coverage, they may access benefits through a family member’s policy or the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, PIP benefits are limited, covering only 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, with nothing for pain and suffering. To make matters worse, the total benefit is capped at either $2,500 or $10,000, depending on policy limits and the severity of the injuries.
For serious injuries, cyclists may pursue a claim outside the no-fault system by suing the at-fault driver for negligence. This allows injured parties to seek full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. However, proving negligence and damages can be challenging, especially when insurance companies attempt to shift blame onto the cyclist.
At Moore Law, attorney Eric Moore brings more than 30 years of experience in personal injury cases, including those involving bicycle accidents. We understand the tactics insurers use to limit payouts and know how to counter these strategies effectively. Let us handle the legal side while you focus on your recovery.
Contact Moore Law for Skilled Representation in Land O’ Lakes
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Land O’ Lakes, Moore Law is here to help. Call us at 813-510-5400 for a free case evaluation. Our firm is committed to helping injured cyclists secure the compensation they need to recover and move forward after an accident. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us be your advocate in the aftermath of a bicycle accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver.
