Bicycles provide an excellent way to commute and get the heart rate going while enjoying the weather. For this reason, bike riding is popular, with countless cyclists taking to the streets every single day. While drivers have a duty to respect bicyclists and share the road, that’s not always the case, resulting in serious accidents. A bike accident can leave a cyclist facing severe injuries and a long road to recovery.  Why Are Bike Accidents So Dangerous? Accidents, in general, are scary and dangerous to your physical well-being. However, bicycle accidents are particularly dangerous for ..read more

Cyclists involved in automobile accidents can sustain catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. A bicyclist does not have the protection of a metal frame and airbags when struck by a motor vehicle. Stacking uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy could help you cover the expenses caused by a negligent driver. What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage? Florida insurance laws require companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage applies: In a car accident caused by a hit-and-run driver In a car crash caused by an uninsured driver Underinsured ..read more

Music can make a long commute or workout more bearable. You might want be tempted to add headphones if you use your bike to exercise or travel to work. However, wearing headphones while cycling isn’t only a bad idea from a safety standpoint — it’s also illegal. If a law enforcement officer catches you with earbuds or headphones on while riding, you could receive a fine. Moreover, it could cause a bicycle accident. Florida Law and Headphone Use Florida law prohibits anyone from operating a “vehicle” while using a headset, headphones, or any other listening device. The only devices allowed are h ..read more

According to Florida Statute §316.20655, an electric bicycle or the rider of an electric bicycle has all the rights and privileges of a bicycle or bicyclist. The statute allows an electric bicycle to be operated anywhere bicycles can ride, including but not limited to: Highways Shoulders Streets Roadways Bicycle and multi-use paths Bicycle lanes Therefore, if a bicyclist can ride on the sidewalk, the operator of an electric bicycle can as well. However, the statute specifically states that local governments can adopt ordinances that govern the operation of electric bicycles, including prohib ..read more

While everyone is aware of the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet, many cyclists are unaware helmets must also be replaced every so often.  Benefits of Wearing a Bicycle Helmet From the time children are taught to ride bikes, they are also taught the importance of wearing a helmet. Helmets can provide significant protection from injury and the elements.  A Helmet Protects Your Head from Injury The most significant and obvious use for a helmet is helping to prevent head injuries. Bicycles can be dangerous, as crashing can easily throw you off the bike, resulting in head and brain ..read more

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 6,403 bicycle accidents across the state in 2021. Those accidents resulted in 195 fatalities and a significantly higher number of injuries. Unfortunately, when a bicyclist is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, the bicyclist usually suffers the brunt of the damage. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has been assisting clients in the Tampa Bay area since 1996. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Clearwater have more than a half-century of combined experience, and we’ve secured over $100 milli ..read more

A bicycle ride can be a relaxing way to have fun and get some exercise. But it can also be a terrifying experience if you get injured. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), over 300,000 bike riders were injured in 2020. One particularly dangerous type of injury that few people are familiar with is a ruptured spleen. What Is a Ruptured Spleen? The spleen is an important but non-critical organ that sits slightly above your hips on the left side of your body. Just because it isn’t critical to life, though, doesn’t mean that it can be damaged without consequence. When your spleen rupture ..read more

A bicycle accident can cause physical and mental trauma. After a manual or electric bike accident, you could face injuries ranging from road rash to paralysis. The steps you take after an e-bike accident could determine your right to recover compensation for your injuries. Yet most bike riders do not know what to do after a bicycle accident. Below are some steps to take after an electric bike accident in Clearwater, FL. Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Unlike most other states in the country, Florida uses a no-fault insurance system.  Under Florida law, the personal injury protection ..read more

Florida laws regarding e-bikes changed in July 2020. Prior to the change, Florida law classified e-bikes along with manual pedaling bicycles, giving riders of e-bikes the same responsibilities and rights as regular bike riders.  Now, under Florida HB 971, e-bikes are placed in their own classification. Understanding which classification your e-bike falls into can help you comply with the new laws. Florida Electric Bicycle Classifications Under Florida law, an e-bike is defined as a “bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and an ..read more

As gas prices increase, more people turn to their bikes for their daily commute. And why not? It’s good for your health, good for the environment, and good for your wallet.  But before you dust off your helmet and join the pedaling masses, stop to consider if riding your bicycle is the safest option. According to the Washington Post, you are over two times more likely to die on your bike than in a car. And bike riding is 500 times more fatal than riding a bus. Of course, that doesn’t make bike riding a nonstarter. But if you’re committed to this form of travel, it’s wise to get informed o ..read more