Riding a bike has always provided Tampa residents freedom, movement, and connection, and our endless summer climate promotes it. But the road doesn’t feel as safe as it used to. Traffic is heavier. Drivers are more distracted, impatient, even aggressive and reckless at times. For cyclists, the risks have never been greater.
If a negligent or reckless driver hit you while riding, you already know how quickly everything changes. A moment of carelessness by a driver can leave you with serious injuries, time away from work, and a future full of uncertainty. That’s where a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer can make a real difference.
At Roman Austin, many of us are avid cyclists ourselves. We’ve stood beside countless injured bike riders and their families. We understand what you’re going through—not just the physical pain, but the disruption to your life, your routine, and your independence. The last thing you need right now is the stress of a legal fight.
We will take that fight on for you, relentlessly pursuing maximum compensation for all your injuries and losses so you can focus on recovering.
Why Choose Roman Austin for Your Tampa Bicycle Accident Case?
We’ve helped many cyclists and families through the weeks and months after serious accidents, and we understand how difficult this time can be. You’re trying to heal, manage bills, and make sense of what comes next. Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers take the time to listen and give your case the attention it deserves. Here are some of the things that make Roman Austin a trusted personal injury law firm in Tampa.
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer on Your Team
Mark Roman is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of Florida attorneys. It means your case is in the hands of someone who has proven skill and the highest ethical standards in trial litigation, not just settlements.
We Know How Insurance Companies Operate
Our attorneys previously worked for insurance companies. We understand how they value claims and the strategies they use to deny or reduce payouts. That insight helps us stay a step ahead.
Over $200 Million Won for Clients
Our track record includes multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We don’t back down from complex claims or powerful defendants.
A Local Firm That Cares Deeply
We live and work in the Tampa Bay area. We care about making our streets safer, and we’re proud to stand up for people in our community. You’re never just a case number to us.
Communication You Can Count On
We return calls, update you on the progress of your case, and are available 24/7 to answer your questions or address any of your concerns.
You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you, so there’s no financial risk in getting the help you need.
Key takeaways
- Tampa consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in Florida for bicycle accidents.
- Many bicycle crashes are caused by negligent driving, such as speeding, failing to yield, or distracted driving.
- The lack of a barrier means cyclists often suffer serious injuries that may require long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Florida’s modified comparative fault rule allows injured cyclists to recover compensation, even if they are partly at fault.
- Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term expenses may all be compensable.
- Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries and shift blame to cyclists.
- Roman Austin can handle all communication, investigation, and negotiations on your behalf.
- Our Tampa legal team has recovered over $200 million for injury victims in Florida.
Tampa Is a Hotspot for Serious Bicycle Accidents
Tampa offers ideal weather and flat terrain year-round, making it popular among cyclists, commuters, and fitness riders. But it also ranks among the most dangerous metro areas in the state and country for bicycle crashes. High-speed roads, limited protected bike lanes, and heavy vehicle traffic create a perfect storm for accidents.
In one recent year, Hillsborough County reported 602 bicycle crashes, resulting in 567 injuries and 16 deaths, accounting for more than 7% of all bicycle collisions statewide. Most of these crashes were not caused by the cyclists, but by preventable driver behaviors, such as turning without looking, texting behind the wheel, or failing to yield in intersections.
Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Happen in Tampa?
Some neighborhoods and intersections in Tampa consistently appear in crash data reports. These areas combine high vehicle volume, poor visibility, limited cycling infrastructure, and driver inattention, making them particularly dangerous for people on bikes.
Here are a few notorious hotspots for bicycle crashes in Tampa:
- Kennedy Boulevard (SR 60): One of Tampa’s busiest east-west corridors, Kennedy runs through the heart of Downtown and Westshore. Frequent driveways, minimal bike lanes, and fast-moving traffic make it unsafe for cyclists.
- Bayshore Boulevard: Though scenic, Bayshore is known for high-speed traffic and narrow lanes without adequate physical separation for cyclists. Several fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists have occurred here in recent years.
- Florida Avenue & Nebraska Avenue (US 41): These major north-south routes cut through densely populated urban neighborhoods with limited pedestrian crossings and poor lighting, making them high-risk areas, especially after dark.
- Dale Mabry Highway: This wide arterial road lacks consistent bike infrastructure, and many drivers treat it as a speedway. Cyclists forced to ride near curb lanes are vulnerable to unsafe passing and right-turn collisions.
- East Hillsborough Avenue (US 92): A high-crash corridor due to fast speeds, poor visibility, and lack of crosswalks or bike lanes, especially in areas with older infrastructure and industrial traffic.
- Fowler Avenue near USF: With a large student population, traffic congestion, and heavy turning movements, this corridor poses risks for cyclists and pedestrians alike, especially during rush hours.
- Intersections along MLK Jr. Blvd and 22nd Street: These areas see frequent vehicle-cyclist collisions, often due to drivers failing to yield during turns or pulling out from side streets without noticing cyclists.
Bicycle safety advocates say the lack of safe cycling infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes, poor road design, and inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws contribute to accidents. When drivers fail to check blind spots, speed through intersections, or drive distracted, the person on the bicycle almost always suffers the worst injuries.
Tampa’s Infrastructure Challenges
While the City of Tampa has made strides to improve conditions through its Vision Zero program and expansion of Complete Streets projects, progress has been slow and uneven. Many roads still lack:
- Clearly marked or protected bike lanes
- Adequate lighting for night visibility
- Safe intersection design for mixed-use traffic
- Dedicated signals or signage for cyclists
Cyclists are forced to ride in close proximity to large vehicles, often with little room for error. Even intersections with painted bike lanes can be dangerous when drivers treat them as extra turning lanes or don’t yield the right of way.
How Bicycle Accidents Happen in Tampa
Every bike crash is different, but many share the same underlying causes: driver negligence and unsafe road conditions. Cyclists are vulnerable; all it takes is one careless decision behind the wheel to cause serious harm.
Some of the most common causes of Tampa bike crashes include:
- Drivers turning across bicycle lanes without looking
- Distracted driving (texting, navigation apps, eating)
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding through intersections or school zones
- Failing to yield to cyclists in crosswalks or intersections
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Lack of dedicated bike lanes and poor road lighting
Hit-and-run crashes are also tragically common in Tampa. If a driver fled the scene after hitting you, we can work to identify them using local traffic cameras, dashcam footage, and witness accounts.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries We See in Tampa
A bike offers little protection against a two-ton vehicle. That’s why even low-speed collisions often result in serious or catastrophic injuries for cyclists.
At Roman Austin, we represent clients who’ve suffered:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion or long-term cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs or paralysis
- Broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbone
- Facial injuries and dental trauma from impact with the pavement
- Road rash, skin burns, and deep lacerations
- Joint and ligament injuries that may require surgical repair
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Loss of limbs or permanent disability
Many clients are treated at Tampa General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, or area trauma centers. Even after discharge, recovery often includes months of physical therapy, multiple surgeries, and a permanent change in lifestyle.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Tampa
By the time you’re reading this, you’ve likely already sought emergency care or visited a doctor. That’s a vital first step—not only for your health, but for documenting your injuries.
Next, there are a few important steps to protect your right to compensation:
- Hire a lawyer – A Tampa bicycle accident attorney can immediately take over insurance communications and start building your case.
- Keep all medical appointments – Missing treatments could harm your health and your claim.
- Track your pain and recovery – Journaling or recording your daily symptoms can help document how the injury affects your life and provide evidence for pain and suffering damages.
- Save receipts and records – Medical bills, travel expenses, and repair costs are all relevant to your case.
- Avoid talking to the insurance adjuster – Let your lawyer handle these conversations to prevent being pressured into a low settlement.
Roman Austin’s Tampa bicycle accident lawyers handle every step of the legal process so you don’t have to worry about paperwork, phone calls, or negotiations.
What Your Tampa Bike Crash Case Might Be Worth
Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the projected long-term effects all play a role in what your claim may be worth.
When we build your case, we will work with medical experts, care planners, and financial consultants, if necessary, to calculate the full cost of your losses, including:
Medical expenses – Covers ambulance transport, emergency care, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, surgery, and initial treatment after the crash.
Ongoing treatment costs – Includes physical therapy, rehabilitation, in-home nursing care, assistive devices such as wheelchairs, and home modifications needed for mobility.
Lost wages or income during your recovery – Compensates for time away from work while you’re healing, whether it’s days, weeks, or months.
Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to the same work – Applies when permanent injuries limit your ability to work in your previous role or reduce your future income potential.
Pain and suffering – Addresses the physical pain, discomfort, and limitations caused by your injuries.
Mental anguish or emotional distress – Covers the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or PTSD.
Scarring or disfigurement – Compensation for visible or permanent scars, burns, or injuries that affect your appearance or confidence.
Loss of enjoyment of life – For the inability to participate in hobbies, exercise, family activities, or other parts of life you previously enjoyed.
Wrongful death damages, if a loved one was killed in the crash – Damages may include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the loss of the loved one’s financial support or services.
Can You Still Recover If You Were Partly At Fault?
Yes. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation if you were 50% or less responsible for the crash. Your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the cyclist. Our job is to push back with facts, evidence, and expert testimony. We fight to prevent insurance companies from placing undue blame on you.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bike Crash in Tampa?
Florida law allows multiple parties to share liability for a bike crash. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to pursue claims against:
- A negligent driver or motorist
- A rideshare or delivery company (Uber, Lyft, Amazon, etc.)
- A government entity that failed to maintain safe roads or signage
- A manufacturer of defective bicycle equipment
- A business owner responsible for unsafe property or construction zones
Roman Austin’s bike accident lawyers in Tampa can identify all possible sources of compensation and aggressively pursue your claim from every angle.
FAQs About Tampa Bicycle Accident Claims
What should I bring to my free consultation?
Bring any documents related to the crash—police reports, medical records, photos, and insurance correspondence. If you don’t have everything, that’s okay. We’ll help you gather the rest.
What if the driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are common in Tampa. We’ll work to identify the driver through camera footage, witness statements, and police investigations. Even if the driver is never found, you may still have options for compensation.
How are bicycle accident claims different from car accident claims?
Bicycle injuries tend to be more severe, and liability can be harder to prove. There’s often less physical evidence, which makes experience and investigation critical.
Will not wearing a helmet hurt my case?
Florida law only requires helmets for riders under 16. Not wearing one does not automatically disqualify your claim, but if you are claiming head injuries, the defense may use it as an argument that you share fault. We believe the driver who caused the accident is at fault, not whether you were wearing a helmet.
How long will my case take to resolve?
It depends on the complexity of your injuries and whether a fair settlement is reached quickly. Some cases resolve in months; others may take longer if litigation is necessary.
Injured in a Bike Crash? Talk to a Trusted Tampa Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a bike crash in Tampa, you don’t have to deal with the legal system alone. At Roman Austin, we’ve spent years standing up for cyclists, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Whether your accident happened near the Riverwalk, Dale Mabry, or anywhere in Hillsborough County, we’re here to help. Call our Tampa office at (813) 694-3054 or contact us online to set up your free consultation today. We’re available 24/7—and there are no fees unless we win.
