Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Did you sustain injuries in a bicycle accident in Lakeland, FL? You could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering. At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers we have experience handling complex personal injury law claims. Contact our Lakeland bicycle accident lawyers at (863) 251-6196 to schedule a free consultation.

Our lawyers have been fighting for accident victims since the day we opened our doors back in 2001. Between us, we have over 119 years of experience handling complex personal injury law claims related to car accidents, pedestrian accidents in Lakeland, uber accidents, Lakeland truck accidents, and more.

You don’t have to pay anything out of pocket to get the legal representation you deserve. Just contact our law office in Lakeland, Florida to schedule a free consultation today.

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How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Bicycle Accident in Lakeland

Our legal team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to helping accident victims get back on their feet again. We know how difficult the insurance claims process can be. We also know that having an experienced Lakeland personal injury lawyer in your corner can lead to a higher settlement offer.

Our lawyers have a reputation for aggressively protecting our clients’ interests. We’ll do everything we can to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

When you trust our lawyers to represent you, we will:

Provide legal guidance at every stage of the process
Handle all paperwork and administrative work
Investigate to uncover the cause of your bicycle accident
Identify all responsible parties
Gather evidence and hire experts to build the strongest negligence case possible
Negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf

We’re here to level the playing field. If the insurance company refuses to offer an acceptable settlement, our Lakeland personal injury attorneys will fight for you at trial. To schedule your no-obligation case review, call our team today.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Lakeland, FL?

Cycling is becoming more and more popular across the U.S. Unfortunately, more bicyclists on the roads means that bike accidents are also on the rise. In 2020, 891 bicyclists were killed across the United States (up 5% from 2019).

Unfortunately, studies show that Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrians and bicyclists. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 6,404 bicycle accidents were reported statewide in 2021. 197 bicyclists were killed in fatal accidents that year.

139 accidents involving bicycles were reported in Polk County in 2021. At least nine people were killed. Another 118 bicycle accidents have been reported across Polk County during the first ten months of 2022.

What Is My Lakeland Bicycle Accident Case Worth?

Our lawyers will have to review your case’s specific details before we can accurately estimate how much your case is worth. Every injury is different.

To put a dollar value on your personal injury claim, we must evaluate:

The types of injuries you sustained and whether you’ll suffer any permanent disability
The total value of your current and future economic losses
The cost of your medical treatment
The duration of your recovery
Whether you can work during recovery
Whether your future earnings will be impacted
Damage to your quality of life and lifestyle changes
Whether you contributed to the accident in any way

Many other factors can be important in calculating your case value. Our lawyers will work closely with your doctors and other specialists who can help assess the cost of your non-financial losses.

What Types of Damages Are Available To Bicycle Accident Victims?

Accident victims are entitled to seek compensation from the parties responsible for the crash. Damages are classified based on whether they compensate victims for economic damages or non-economic damages.

Depending on the facts of your case, the following types of compensation may be available:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages while you recover
Diminished future earning potential if you are permanently disabled
Physical therapy
Rehabilitation
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement
Scarring
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
Loss of consortium

The cost of treating an injury can be overwhelming. When the insurance company tries to downplay your case value, our lawyers are here to help you fight back. Just call Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review with an experienced Lakeland bicycle accident attorney.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Florida?

Bicyclists can share blame for an accident. Florida follows a modified comparative fault law. You won’t lose your right to seek compensation unless you were 51% or more responsible for the accident.

However, if you were even slightly at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you were 20% responsible, you’ll only take home 80% of your settlement or verdict.

We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries

Car accidents involving bicycles tend to cause extremely severe injuries. Wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is important, but a helmet can’t protect you from all types of injuries.

Some of the most common types of bicycle accident injuries include:

Broken bones
Crushing injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Concussions
Knee injuries
Nerve damage
Soft tissue damage
Spinal cord injuries
Head and neck injuries
Burns
Road rash
Back injuries
Internal injuries and organ damage
Amputations
Paralysis
Catastrophic injuries
Wrongful death of a loved one

These types of injuries can impact your life in dramatic ways. Even once you’ve recovered to the extent possible, you may experience chronic pain and need ongoing medical care. Our lawyers in Lakeland are here to help you get the fair compensation you deserve regardless of the injuries you’ve sustained.

What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Lakeland, Florida?

Bicyclists are entitled to share the road with drivers. Unfortunately, many bike accidents happen because drivers fail to watch for bicyclists sharing the road.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

Distracted driving and texting while driving
Fatigued driving
Vearing into the sidewalk, shoulder, or bike lane
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes
Speeding and aggressive driving
Lack of dedicated bike lanes, infrastructure, and protective barriers
Dangerous lane changes
Illegal or unsafe turns
Running red lights and stop signs
Drunk driving
Driving under the influence of drugs
Hazardous road conditions, including potholes and damaged pavement
Faulty brakes, worn tires and other vehicle defects
Poor visibility and bad weather

It’s important to speak with an experienced lawyer if you were injured in a bicycle accident. Our lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you identify all factors that played a role in your accident. That way, you can rest assured that all responsible parties are held accountable.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Bicycle Accident in Florida?

Negligence is the legal basis for most personal injury cases. Victims of negligence are required to prove the following four elements:

The defendant owed you a legal duty of care
They breached the duty of care
The breach was the direct cause of the accident
You sustained damages

All people have a legal duty to exercise reasonable caution. When drivers are distracted, speed, or violate traffic laws, they breach that duty of care.

Our lawyers will work to locate evidence to prove your case, including:

Video surveillance footage
Dash cam footage
Eyewitnesses
Photos and data from the crash scene
Police reports and citations
Medical records
Cell phone records
Opinions from accident reconstruction specialists

A detailed investigation can take time–and you don’t have an unlimited amount of time to take legal action. To learn more about your legal rights after an accident, call our law firm in Lakeland to schedule a free initial consultation.

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Florida?

The statute of limitations in most Florida personal injury cases is two years. In other words, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Historically, the statute of limitations was four years, but a March 2023 tort reform law reduced it to two. If you were in a bicycle accident on or before 3/23/2023, your claim will be governed by the old statute of limitations.

If you wait too long to take legal action, it’s also possible that critical evidence could be lost. That can ultimately weaken your case. Our attorneys are here to help today, so reach out to schedule your free consultation right away.

Contact a Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

You’re already struggling with serious injuries. You shouldn’t have to worry about insurance companies undervaluing your claim or blaming you for the accident. Get the legal representation you deserve by calling a Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

Our personal injury law firm in Lakeland, FL, also provides:

Visit Our Law Office In Lakeland, FL

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyer – Lakeland
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd #18
Lakeland, FL 33805, USA
Phone: (863) 251-6196
Hours: Open 24 Hours Daily