When you’re on a bike, you have nothing to shield you from a crash—no steel frame, no airbags, no seatbelt. Just a helmet and your own instincts. That makes bicycle accidents some of the most traumatic events a person can experience. If you were hit by a car while riding in New Port Richey, the pain you’re feeling right now may be physical, emotional, and financial all at once.
The New Port Richey bicycle accident lawyers at Roman Austin know what you are going through. Many of us are avid cyclists ourselves, and we know the risks. While we advocate for safer, more responsible roads to prevent accidents and injuries, the truth is that even the safest cyclists aren’t completely safe from negligent and reckless drivers.Don’t spend another day worrying about medical bills, lost wages, and what the future holds. Call Roman Austin today at (727) 815-8442 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss how we can go to work for you.
Key Takeaways
- Bicycle accidents are increasing across New Port Richey and the greater Pasco County area.
- Cyclists face unique dangers due to limited visibility, lack of protection, and careless drivers.
- Common causes include distracted driving, unsafe turns, and failure to yield.
- Serious injuries like traumatic brain injury and spinal damage are common in bike crashes.
- Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
- Insurance companies often try to reduce your claim’s value by blaming you.
- A bicycle accident lawyer can fight back and help you build a strong case.
- Roman Austin can take on the insurance company so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Roman Austin for Your New Port Richey Bicycle Accident Case?
Choosing the right lawyer after a bicycle accident isn’t just a legal decision—it’s a personal one. At Roman Austin, we treat every client like family and every case as if it were our own.
Board-certified trial lawyers with decades of experience
Less than 2% of attorneys in Florida are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law. Roman Austin’s team of New Port Richey personal injury lawyers has two. This certification means we’ve demonstrated exceptional skill and ethical standards, especially when it comes to litigating serious injury cases like bicycle crashes.
Over $200 million recovered for injury victims
Our proven results speak for themselves. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients harmed by someone else’s negligence. Whether we negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial, we’re committed to maximizing your compensation.
A team approach focused on client care
You won’t be passed around or ignored. We keep our caseload low so you always have access to your attorney and support staff. Our entire team is here to help with every aspect of your case, from medical bills to settlement negotiations.
We work on a contingency fee basis
You don’t pay us anything unless we win. There are no upfront fees and no hidden costs. You deserve excellent legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Important Things to Do After a Bicycle Accident in New Port Richey
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you’ve likely received medical attention or are undergoing treatment. If you felt okay after the accident and refused treatment, reconsider and see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Medical care also supports a legal claim for injuries, should they develop or worsen.
After hiring an attorney, here are other important steps you can take:
- Consult a lawyer: Once your health is stabilized, the next step is securing legal representation. Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer quickly strengthens your case by ensuring important evidence is preserved and all legal deadlines are met.
- Keep all medical appointments – Insurance companies see missed follow-up visits and appointments as opportunities to claim that your injuries aren’t serious.
- Document your recovery – A written or video journal can provide valuable insight into your pain levels, limitations, and emotional struggles.
- Save evidence – Preserve your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing. Keep any photos, accident reports, or witness contact info.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters – Don’t give a recorded statement or accept an early offer. Let your attorney handle communication.
Each of these actions can strengthen your claim and protect your right to compensation.
New Port Richey Bicycle Accident Statistics
New Port Richey and greater Pasco County have seen a sharp rise in bike accidents. According to Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Pasco County reported:
- 235 bicycle accidents in one recent year – an increase of more than 50% over previous years. These bike accidents resulted in about 200 injuries and nine deaths.
Statewide, Florida authorities reported:
- 8,413 bicycle crashes during the same recent period.
- Bicycle-related deaths in Florida routinely exceed 150 per year, with a persistent lead in per-capita bicycle fatalities.
While exact numbers vary year to year, the trend is clear: cyclists remain at risk of serious injuries. With growing traffic congestion, distracted driving, and limited bike lanes in many areas, even a routine ride through your neighborhood can turn dangerous in seconds.
Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?
To bring a successful bicycle accident claim, your lawyer will need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. In legal terms, that typically means establishing the following elements:
- They owed you a duty of care. Every driver on the road has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow all traffic laws, including yielding to cyclists, staying out of bike lanes, and watching for riders at intersections and crosswalks.
- They breached that duty. This happens when a driver behaves carelessly or recklessly, such as by speeding, texting while driving, drifting into a bike lane, or failing to look both ways before making a turn.
- Their actions caused the crash. Your lawyer must show that the driver’s unsafe conduct directly led to the accident, for example, that the crash wouldn’t have happened if the driver had obeyed traffic signals or maintained a proper lookout.
- You suffered damages as a result. Finally, you must have experienced actual harm, such as physical injuries, emotional trauma, lost income, or medical expenses, because of the crash.
Proving each of these elements is essential to building a strong claim and securing the financial compensation you need to recover and move forward
Injuries Commonly Associated with Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists have no metal frame, airbags, or seatbelts to protect them. Even with a helmet and protective gear, injuries can be severe or life-altering. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even a mild concussion can cause long-term cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges.
- Spinal cord injuries: Depending on the severity, these can lead to loss of movement, sensation, or even permanent paralysis.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, often requiring surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
- Road rash: Severe abrasions from sliding on pavement can result in infection, permanent scarring, or the need for skin grafts.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage: These hidden injuries can be life-threatening and may not show symptoms right away.
- Disfigurement and amputation: High-impact crashes can lead to permanent bodily changes that affect appearance, mobility, and emotional well-being.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can limit movement and cause lasting pain, even in the absence of broken bones.
Beyond the physical toll, many clients also experience psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, especially if the crash was violent or involved a hit-and-run.
Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Happen in New Port Richey?
Some parts of New Port Richey are more dangerous for cyclists than others. Narrow shoulders, poor lighting, and distracted drivers create serious risks, especially in high-traffic areas. Local crash data and reports from Pasco County law enforcement reveal several hotspots for bike accidents:
- U.S. Highway 19 (US-19)—This heavily trafficked corridor runs through the heart of New Port Richey and has seen numerous collisions involving cyclists. Its high speeds and frequent intersections make it especially dangerous.
- Main Street and Madison Avenue – These downtown areas combine vehicle traffic with pedestrian and bicycle activity. Congestion and turning vehicles add to the risk.
- Congress Street near Gulf Middle School – School zones bring extra traffic at peak hours, with limited visibility in some areas.
- Little Road (CR 1) – With a mix of commercial access points and high-speed zones, Little Road poses a threat to riders, particularly during rush hour.
Bike lanes are limited in many areas, forcing cyclists to ride closer to vehicle traffic. Combined with distracted or impatient drivers, this can be a recipe for serious accidents.
What Compensation Is Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
Florida law allows injury victims to seek damages from the at-fault party. These damages fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages
These are the tangible costs of your accident, including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (such as your bike and gear)
- Home modifications if your injuries require them
Non-economic damages
These account for the harder-to-quantify harm, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
If you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to wrongful death compensation, which can include funeral expenses, loss of support, and emotional damages. In high cases of severe or catastrophic injuries, Roman Austin’s bike accident lawyers will work with medical and economic experts to assess what your case is truly worth.
Let Us Handle the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often present themselves as helpful, but they are businesses focused on minimizing and denying payouts. If you speak to the at-fault driver’s insurer directly, they might:
- Ask leading questions to get you to admit fault
- Use your medical history to downplay your injuries
- Offer a lowball settlement, hoping you’ll take it before knowing the full extent of your damages
That’s where having a seasoned legal team makes all the difference.
Our attorneys will handle every conversation, email, and negotiation with the insurance companies. You won’t have to stress about saying the wrong thing or accepting an offer that leaves money on the table.
And if the insurance company refuses to play fair, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. Led by a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, our personal injury law firm has the credibility, experience, and know-how that gives your case leverage to secure the best possible outcome.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My New Port Richey Bicycle Accident Case?
When you work with Roman Austin, you’re not just getting legal support. You’re getting peace of mind.
Here’s what we’ll do for you:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine what caused your accident and who’s liable
- Work with medical experts to understand the full impact of your injuries
- Handle all communications and paperwork so you can focus on recovery
- Fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve
- Go to trial if necessary—we’re never afraid to litigate on your behalf
You deserve to recover fully, not just physically, but financially and emotionally. We’ll stand with you every step of the way and fight to make that happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Florida?
In most cases, Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, stricter deadlines may apply. Other exceptions may also affect the timeline of your case. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your case meets critical legal deadlines.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of blame. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you may not be able to recover any damages.
How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Our fees come from your settlement or award—never out of your pocket.
Can I still get compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Florida law does not require adults over 16 to wear helmets while biking. While not wearing one could be used by the insurance company to argue you contributed to your injuries, it doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering compensation.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common. If the at-fault driver can’t be identified, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage or through other available policies. We can help you explore all available options.
Roman Austin: A New Port Richey Law Firm That Truly Cares
When you’re dealing with the pain and disruption of a serious bike crash, you need more than legal advice. You need a team that truly cares.
After decades of working closely with seriously injured clients and their families, we’ve seen the devastation that bicycle accidents cause. We’ve sat across from parents afraid their child may never walk again, from workers unsure how they’ll ever provide for their families, from cyclists who aren’t sure they can ever ride again.
You can’t witness that kind of pain and not be affected by it. You don’t see clients as strangers. You see your loved ones, your friends, even yourself. And that’s when the work becomes personal.
That’s why we fight so hard, because if it were our family, we’d want someone doing the same for us.
Contact the New Port Richey Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Roman Austin Today
With more than $200 million recovered for injury victims and two Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers leading our team, Roman Austin brings both compassion and firepower to every case we handle. You’ll get legal representation backed by experience and grounded in empathy.Call our New Port Richey office at (727) 815-8442 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-risk consultation. We’re here when you’re ready.