Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Trusted Legal Advocacy For Injured Pedestrians And Bicyclists In South Florida

It’s easy to get around in a car because the American infrastructure was built for the automobile. It’s much harder – and more dangerous – to walk or ride a bicycle to get where you’re going. Injury and death rates for bicyclists and pedestrians are unacceptably high, and Florida has some of the worst statistics in the nation.

If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, you have the right to pursue full and fair compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.

At Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys in Clearwater, we are the bicycle accident lawyers Florida victims trust for help. Our bike accident attorneys bring over 25 years of personal injury experience to each case, and we have earned a reputation throughout South Florida as trusted legal advocates for the injured.

Holding Drivers Accountable For Negligence Behind The Wheel

The two most common causes of pedestrian and bicyclist accidents are likely distraction and inattention. Drivers who are texting or talking on their cellphones are taking their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and minds off the task of driving.

Inattention is also a major problem. Because streets are built for drivers, many motorists simply fail to keep a lookout for anyone who’s not in a car or truck. Crashes often happen when drivers make turns without scanning the sidewalks and side streets to see if anyone is trying to cross.

Other common causes of pedestrian and bicyclist accidents include:

• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Running red lights or rushing through intersections on yellow lights
• Drunk driving
• Failure to yield right of way
• Driving in designated bike lanes
• Passing bicyclists without leaving an adequate buffer

If you were seriously injured by a motor vehicle while walking or biking, you deserve answers and compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

Our bicycle accident law firm is here to help you recover, physically and financially.

Common Types of Injuries From Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Motor vehicles are significantly larger and heavier than bicycles and pedestrians on foot. Unfortunately, when a cyclist or pedestrian is struck by a moving motor vehicle, this size differential means the resulting injuries can be catastrophic.

At Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys, we have helped clients with a variety of injuries from this type of accident, including:

• Lacerations
• Bruises
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Post-traumatic stress 

Our attorneys also represent families of bicyclists and pedestrians killed after being involved in accidents with motor vehicles. Wrongful death lawsuits will not bring back a loved one of course, but they can help hold the responsible party liable for their actions and provide monetary compensation to handle unanticipated expenses.

Types of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle

The bike crash lawyers at Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys handle a variety of claims for injured victims and their loved ones. Your attorney will be able to advise you on your legal options and rights. Some of the types of cases we handle include:

• Personal injury claims and lawsuits for pedestrians and cyclists injured after collisions with motor vehicles
• Wrongful death lawsuits for the surviving loved ones of persons killed as the result of accidents while they were on foot or riding bikes
• Hit and run cases, when the responsible party fled the scene
• Driving under the influence, when the motor vehicle driver was drunk or under the influence of legal or illegal substances

Reasons to Hire a Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Attorney

After an injury accident, pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys can provide needed support and guidance to help you through what can be a difficult and stressful time. Sometimes, accident victims wait to consult with a lawyer, thinking they can handle the claim on their own. This can be a mistake! Trying to negotiate a settlement on your own could mean you end up short-changing yourself, inadvertently accepting much less than your claim is worth.

The sooner you consult with and retain an attorney, the faster your legal team can start working to help you obtain the compensation Florida law says you are entitled to receive. Engaging an attorney right away will help your lawyer gather evidence while it is still available, making your legal claim as strong as it can be.

Discuss Your Legal Options For Free With An Experienced Florida Attorney

Based in Tampa and Clearwater, Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys proudly advocates for injured clients throughout the surrounding area. To learn more about your rights and legal options in a free initial consultation, contact us today to speak to an experienced and caring attorney.

Our Process and What to Expect

You don’t need to be an expert in Florida personal injury law when you engage Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys, nor do you need to know how to navigate the claims process. Your bike wreck lawyers will conduct investigations, compile evidence, value your claim and answer your questions. We will also handle all negotiations and communications with the other party and his or her insurance company, advocating on your behalf and fighting for your rights every step of the way.

Scott and Marko take a hands-on approach to handling every claim. This means that we will not hand off your case to a non-lawyer “case manager.” Instead, we work directly with our clients. We believe that when we know you and understand your case, we can better serve your needs.

Call 727-328-4643 or send us an email. Se habla español.

FAQ

What should I do if I’ve been involved in a bicycle or pedestrian accident?

It is important to contact and wait for the police to respond after any accident, so they can document the incident appropriately. Be sure to also seek medical treatment, even if you initially think your injuries are relatively minor. If there were witnesses to the accident, write down their contact information. And, if you’re able to do so, take pictures of the accident site and of your external injuries. After receiving medical care, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights and options.

What types of compensation can I seek after a bike or pedestrian accident?

The amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive will depend on the extent and nature of your injuries and the facts and circumstances of the accidents. Generally, pedestrian and bike accident victims are entitled to payment of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental/emotional distress. If you are the loved one of someone who was killed as a pedestrian or cyclist, you may be entitled to receive expenses for funeral costs.

How long do I have to file a claim for a bicycle or pedestrian accident in Florida?

Personal injury claims in Florida are time-sensitive and are limited by the applicable statute of limitations. Generally, people injured (and the families of people killed) in pedestrian or bicycle accidents have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for damages. However, different time frames may apply in certain circumstances. Talking to an attorney as soon as possible after the accident can help you maximize your claim and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.