Tallahassee Bicycle Accident Attorney

Whether you ride a bicycle to work or school, take part in races, or simply enjoy biking for fun, you likely know the risks of sharing the road with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles.

If you or someone you love was injured in a bicycle accident, call (850) 629-7226 or contact us online to request a free, no-obligation consultation with our Tallahassee bicycle accident lawyer today. 

Florida Bike Accident Statistics

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state is home to thousands of bike crashes every year. In 2020 alone, Florida saw 5,571 injuries and 161 deaths from bicycle-vehicle collisions, with 55 crashes and 52 injuries occurring right here in Leon County.

Sadly, these accidents often leave cyclists struggling with serious injuries. It can be incredibly difficult to get back on your feet after a collision with a large, heavy motor vehicle—but Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. is here to help.

Based in Tallahassee, our bicycle accident attorney provides dedicated representation to injured cyclists throughout Leon County. With over 25 years of experience, Paul Shapiro has what it takes to go up against the insurance company and fight for the fair recovery you are owed.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Because bicycle accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, many cyclists require emergency medical attention at the scene. If you or anyone else appears significantly injured, call 911 and wait for paramedics to arrive.

Even if you do not need emergency treatment, be sure to see a doctor or health care professional as soon as possible after the accident. Often, the shock of the crash can mask the severity of your injuries, and you may not realize that you were injured for hours or even days afterward.

However, early treatment is key in managing injuries and preventing further damage, so it is critical that you see a medical professional right away.

After ensuring you and anyone else who is injured has received proper medical attention, try to take the following steps:

• Exchange information with the other people involved in the crash, including the driver of the motor vehicle that hit you. Remain calm and avoid assigning or admitting fault. Do not attempt to negotiate with the driver involved. Instead, simply take down the other person’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
• Call the police and have them come out to the scene of the accident. In Florida, you are required to report any accident that results in bodily injury or death to the police. You are also required to report accidents involving drunk drivers, drivers who flee the scene of the accident, commercial vehicle operators, and property damage rendering a vehicle inoperable.
• Document the scene of the accident, as well as your injuries, by taking pictures on your smart phone (if possible) and/or writing down everything you can remember about the crash as soon as possible. If there were any witnesses who saw what happened, be sure to get their names and contact information, too.
• Preserve evidence from the crash, as this can go a long way in supporting your personal injury claim. You should keep the clothing you were wearing (even if it is torn or bloody) and avoid repairing your bicycle until you have spoken to a lawyer and/or the investigation is complete. If you must have your bike repaired, take photos and obtain a written report of the damage first.
• Avoid speaking to the driver’s insurance company. Their adjusters will likely contact you (or even visit you in person) within hours or days. They may offer a settlement to cover the cost of your medical expenses. However, you should not accept this settlement without first speaking to a lawyer. The insurance company is not on your side!
• Reach out to an attorney who can help you with your claim. Although you are not required by law to work with a personal injury lawyer to file a bicycle accident claim, an attorney can help guide you through this process and protect your rights when negotiating a fair settlement from the insurance company.

At Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., our bicycle accident attorney in Tallahassee are prepared to assist you with every aspect of your claim. We understand the challenges you are facing, and we know how to help.