Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorneys | Capaz Law Firm

Last month, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles launched its “Share the Road” campaign to remind all motorists to use extra caution when driving around bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. This is to ensure that all road users Arrive Alive!

Avoid Bicycle Accidents

This week Pinellas County traffic investigators are searching for two different drivers who were involved in two separate hit-and-run accidents. Joseph Samson had just left his job on Tuesday night, when a pickup truck driving to his east hit him and left him behind. Less than eight hours later, Robert Allen Shepherd was struck down by an unknown driver who also fled the scene. At the time, Mr. Shepherd was wearing a reflective vest while riding his bicycle (adorned with lights) in the designated bicycle lane of Ulmerton Road in Pinellas County.  Sadly, another vehicle ran over his body and Mr. Shepherd was killed at the scene.

Under Florida law, a bicycle is defined as a vehicle; as such, a bicyclist has all of the privileges, rights and responsibilities on public roads that a motor vehicle operator does. Some rules for bicyclists include:

  • Obey all traffic controls.
  • Do not operate a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Stay alert and focused. Do not text while riding a bicycle and refrain from wearing headphones so that you can hear everything around you.
  • Unless you are traveling at the speed of other traffic, you must use the bike lane. If there is not a bike lane available, stay on the right-most side of the road.
  • Between sunset and sunrise, utilize a white light (visible from 500 feet) on the front of the bike and red reflector and red light (visible from 600 feet) on the rear.
  • Be seen! Wear neon or fluorescent colors and wear something reflective when riding at any time during the day.
  • All bicyclists and passengers under age 16 are required to wear helmets.

Drivers must remember to abide by Florida law and the rules of the road. For example, drivers must maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance when driving alongside or passing them. Also, when making a turn, drivers must yield to any bicycle in the bike lane and must make the turn behind the cyclist.

Contact Our Accident and Injury Attorneys in Tampa

It is no secret that, when a motor vehicle collides with a bicycle, the results can be devastating due to the fact that bicyclists have less physical protection from harm. If you or a loved one has been injured as a bicyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian due to the negligence of another driver, contact a Tampa car accident attorney at the Capaz Law Firm. Call us at 813-440-2700 for a confidential initial consultation. Our experienced bicycle accident and injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to assist with recovery of the maximum compensation from all available sources.