St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle can have devastating consequences for the cyclist. These accidents often result in life-altering injuries that can have traumatic physical, emotional, and financial impacts. What makes it even worse is knowing the accident could have been avoided if not for someone else’s careless or negligent actions. The good news is that there is a path forward to get justice and the full compensation you deserve for the harm that was done to you and the losses you sustained. Having the right injury lawyer in St. Petersburg on your side can make a big difference in achieving a favorable outcome.

Common bicycle accident injuries

Bicycle accident injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. Typically, bike riders are injured from an impact with a moving vehicle, and/or when they are thrown from their bike and strike the ground. Often, a cyclist will suffer an injury in their arm or hand when they attempt to break their fall.

Serious injuries stemming from bike crashes include:

• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burns

Every injury has the potential to lead to a case for compensation when negligence is involved. Talk to an attorney about the serious injuries you suffered after a bike crash. Schedule your free consultation today.

What to do after a bike accident in St. Petersburg

Following a bicycle accident, it’s important to take steps that will protect your health as well as your right to seek financial compensation for your injuries.

Some of the steps you should consider after a bike accident include:

Notify law enforcement

If you were injured in a collision with a motorist, you should call the police right away. This means remaining at the scene of your accident until the police arrive. When the police reach the scene, they will talk to all of the involved parties and make a report. Speaking with the police allows you to ensure that the information in the report is accurate.

See a doctor

You should seek out medical treatment as soon as possible when you are hurt in a bicycle accident. In case of severe injuries, call an ambulance or visit an ER as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is still a good idea to see your physician. Some injuries can be hidden at first by adrenaline and can worsen over time.

Follow your treatment plan

If you fail to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, it could not only impact your physical recovery but also damage your case for compensation. The defendant could argue, for example, that your initial injuries were minor and only worsened after the accident due to neglecting medical advice.

Do not discuss your case

Avoid discussing any aspect of your bicycle accident with anyone other than your attorney. Talking about the extent of your injuries or the nature of your accident could potentially put your personal injury case in jeopardy. This includes speaking with friends and loved ones or even posting detailed information on social media. Statements that seem minor could have a major impact on your lawsuit.

Talk to an attorney

One of the most important steps you can take is to speak with an attorney, which can dramatically increase your chances of success in court.

What compensation is available in a bike accident claim?

When a person is injured in a bicycle accident through no fault of their own, they can find themselves facing major physical and financial consequences. When negligence leads to a bicycle accident, it could be possible to recover the following types of damages:

Medical Bills

An injury victim can recover damages to cover the cost of all medical bills related to the accident, both now and in the future. This includes surgeries, physical therapy, pain management, and more.

Lost Wages

If your injuries make it impossible to work, you could be entitled to damages based on your lost wages. Missing out on these wages can cause unexpected financial strain, especially for someone facing medical debt.

Diminished Future Earnings

There are times when your ability to earn a living following an accident is permanently impacted. Even though you are able to return to the workforce, you are physically limited to certain professions. These limitations can impact your potential future earnings. You might be able to recover damages based on your diminished future earning power.

Pain and Suffering

Injury victims can seek damages for the pain and suffering they have experienced as a result of the accident. Pain is subjective, so there is no easy way to quantify it. It’s important to have an experienced lawyer handling your case who can make a strong legal argument for what your pain and suffering is truly worth.

Emotional Distress

The trauma of a bicycle accident can last long after your physical injuries fade. The psychological and emotional distress you have experienced could serve as the basis for financial compensation.

Property Damage

You can also recover compensation for the damage done to your bike or other property as a result of the accident. 

Kogan & DiSalvo Can Help

If you are considering a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit following a bicycle accident in Florida, talk to an attorney right away. The team at Kogan & DiSalvo is ready to hear your story, evaluate your legal options, and chart a course forward to maximum compensation. We take care of the legal matters so you and your family can focus on recovery, healing, and starting the next chapter of your life. We have the proven negotiating skills to reach favorable settlements for our clients but if insurers refuse to play ball, we’re not afraid to take your case to court. 

To speak with a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer, call Kogan & DiSalvo for a free consultation today.