Bicycle Accident

April 1, 2024

Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridges Coming to Pinellas County | Pinellas County Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

In Pinellas County, more choices for bikers and pedestrians are in the works.
Several initiatives are being worked on by Forward Pinellas and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to improve safety and bicycle recreation.

Several recently constructed pedestrian bridges on US 19 are part of these changes.

One was just opened by FDOT in Clearwater on Harn Boulevard. In Palm Harbor, another one is being constructed close to Curlew Road.

Work on a new crossing across the Pinellas County side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2024. According to Forward Pinellas officials, this bridge will have bigger ramps than the previous one at Harn, making it easier for bicycles to access the neighboring trails.

In addition, a multi-use trail that allows bikers to cross the bay is part of the plans for the new Howard Frankland Bridge.

These bridges are being built by FDOT to increase safety for Pinellas County cyclists and pedestrians, who are nonetheless frequently in danger when riding on busy roadways.

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How Common Are Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents in Pinellas County?

According to the FLHSMV, so far into 2024, Pinellas County has had 93 pedestrian accidents resulting in 4 deaths, and 157 bicycle crashes resulting in 1 fatality. Pinellas County had a reported 487 pedestrian crashes in 2023, resulting in 42 pedestrian deaths. The county also saw 652 bicycle crashes in 2023, resulting in 12 bicycle fatalities.

What Are The Most Common Bike Accident Injuries?

Broken arms and legs are the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. If the rider is not wearing a helmet, head injuries are also prevalent and can range from minor concussions to serious trauma. Friction from the road surface often results in road rash, which is another common consequence. More serious injuries, such as internal bleeding, and spinal injuries, are frequently suffered in crashes involving cars.

After a Bicycle Accident, Should I See a Doctor Even if I Feel OK?
Yes. Bike accident victims should contact a doctor as soon as possible after a crash because some injuries may not exhibit symptoms right away and waiting too long to get treatment could be fatal.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

Call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Make sure you get examined by a qualified medical practitioner even if you do not feel hurt. Never jeopardize your health. Get checked out right away by a physician, EMT, or another medical specialist.

Do I Need to Notify Police?
Yes. If you have been hurt in a pedestrian or bicycle accident in Pinellas County, call the police immediately, regardless of whether you think it was a minor collision. The police will investigate the collision and write a report that could be useful to you in the future when filing a personal injury lawsuit.

After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident, What Should I Do if the Vehicle Leaves the Scene?
Try to recall as much information as you can about the driver that caused your pedestrian accident. What color was the vehicle? What model and make is it? What was the number on the license plate? Which gender was the driver? Old or young? Every detail is important! Provide the authorities with as much information as you can regarding the driver and the car. If the driver is found, you may be able to seek compensation from their insurance company. If the driver is not located, you may be able to submit a claim with your own insurance provider.

When Should I Call an Attorney? Continue reading

March 8, 2024

New “Bike Boxes” Used By Hillsborough County to Increase Safety – What You Need to Know | Tampa Bike Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Hillsborough County drivers may have noticed some new green pavement markers recently installed on the roads.
These are a part of the county’s new bike boxes, which improve cyclists’ visibility to motorists and allow them to cross busy intersections safely.

Bicycle boxes differ from ordinary bike lanes in that they allow cyclists to pass in front of stopped automobiles at intersections. This increases their visibility to cars.
The county installed bike boxes at two Citrus Park Drive intersections: Sheldon Road and Countryway Boulevard.

Research from the county suggests that bike boxes can reduce crashes between bicyclists and automobiles by about 50%. The boxes are also approved by the Federal Highway Administration.

Drivers should look out for green markings when stopped at an intersection. If you see green, you should look for cyclists and pedestrians.

The county plans to install more of these bike boxes at intersections.

What Is a Bike Box?

The Bike Box is a green, rectangular zone that is located between the crosswalk and stopped traffic at an intersection with signals. To increase their visibility before the light turns green, bikers are supposed to line up ahead of car traffic.
The intersection’s width, or “Bike Box,” is painted in the same shade of green as the bike lanes. Multiple bicycles can fit in each traffic lane, and the box is stenciled with a white bicycle emblem.

When the red light behind the bike box turns green, drivers are encouraged to stop, wait, and proceed safely behind the bikers.

What Are Some Benefits of Bike Boxes?

Enhanced awareness of cyclists
Decreased the number of accidents involving cars making right turns at intersections
Increases the safety of cyclists making a left turn at intersections
Group riding allows cyclists to get through intersections faster and cause less wait times for other vehicles
Having fewer cars in the crossing is advantageous for pedestrians

February 19, 2024

News: Kia Forte driver fatally hits cyclist in Pinellas Park

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PINELLAS PARK, FL – A bicyclist was taken to a hospital where they died after they were struck by a Kia Forte in the 6500 block 66th Street North Sunday.

This crash happened before 12:30 a.m. when the Kia Forte driver struck the front of the bicycle, according to ABC Action News.

The driver remained at the scene and will not be facing charges or citations at this time.

February 13, 2024

News: Male cyclist loses life after getting hit by car in St. Pete

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A man in his 60s was riding a bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle in the United Central district Tuesday, leading him to die from his injuries.

This collision happened after 6 a.m. at the 5th Avenue North and 49th Street North intersection, according to FOX 13 News.

First responders took the cyclist to a hospital, where he died.

February 7, 2024

News: Driver fatally strikes cyclist in Sarasota

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

SARASOTA, FL – A driver of a vehicle was traveling north on 14th Street West went over a raised curb and hit a cyclist, leading the cyclist to suffer fatal injuries Wednesday.

This collision happened before 9 p.m. Prior to hitting the cyclist, the motorist struck a utility pole, according to ABC Action News. The cyclist, who was only identified as a 33-year-old adult, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials also confirmed that after the initial crash, the debris from this wreck had struck a pedestrian. The unidentified person was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor wounds.

January 31, 2024

News: Male cyclist loses life in St. Petersburg crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A man, believed to be in his 60s or 70s, has passed away after being hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle Wednesday.

This crash happened before 7:15 a.m. in the 1800 block of 76th Place North, according to WFLA. The driver remained at the scene. It is unclear if charges or citations will be pursued.

Updates will be posted should they become available.

January 17, 2024

News: Male cyclist, 65, critically hurt in Nokomis crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

NOKOMIS, FL – A 65-year-old man riding a bicycle was sent to a hospital for critical, life-threatening injuries after he was hit by a vehicle on Monday.

This crash happened on U.S. 41 at Laurel Road East, according to My SunCoast. Officials said the cyclist attempted to cross amid oncoming traffic and was hit by a sedan traveling in the left lane.

There has been no official word on any charges or citations.

January 4, 2024

News: Cyclist in critical condition after Clearwater wreck

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

CLEARWATER, FL – A bicyclist is listed in critical condition at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg after he was hit by a vehicle Wednesday.

This crash happened before 7 p.m. on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, according to FOX 13 News. Officials said the cyclist did not use cross using the crosswalk.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police.

December 15, 2023

Second Teen Bicyclist Killed Within a Week in the Tampa Bay Area | Tampa Bay Area Bicycle Accident Injury and Death Lawyers

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

On Thursday morning, a car struck and killed a 15-year-old cyclist close to Thompson Avenue and Kitten Trail in Hudson, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred near Hudson High School shortly after 6:30 a.m.

According to troopers, a 31-year-old Hudson man was driving eastbound on Kitten Trail in a Dodge Charger when he collided with the rear of the bicycle. The motorist apparently failed to notice the teen boy because it was dark outside.

According to officials, the teenager was brought to a nearby hospital where he eventually passed away from his injuries.

This is the second accident with a week that has involved a teen bicyclist in the Tampa Bay area.

Last week, a 15-year-old boy was struck by a school bus while riding his bike near Pipkin Road in Lakeland just before 7 a.m.

The Central Florida Aerospace Academy student was taken to Lakeland Regional Health where he was pronounced dead.

These two incidents reinforce the need for parents and caregivers to talk to their teens about bike safety. Here are a few tips from our Tampa Bay Area Bicycle Accident Injury and Death Lawyers about bicycle safety for everyone.

Wear a helmet. Bicycle-related incidents cause serious injuries to many individuals in the US each year, most of which might have been prevented with the use of a helmet. Make sure you wear a properly fitting helmet on every ride to avoid injury to the brain. Ensure that the interior of the helmet bears a Snell or CPSC sticker. These indicate that the helmet satisfies requirements established by reliable safety organizations.
Respect traffic signals and stop at all stop signs, just like you would in a car. You should always yield to pedestrians, stop at red lights, and be extra cautious when navigating intersections.
Ride in the same direction as cars. Never ride in the opposite direction of traffic.
Whenever possible, ride in bike lanes or on approved bike routes; not the sidewalk.
When pulling out of a driveway, alley, or curb, always stop and look both ways for traffic.
Always use the crosswalk and heed traffic signals when cycling across busy intersections.
Avoid riding too close to parked vehicles as doors may unexpectedly open.
Avoid cycling after dark or at dusk.
Always pass to the left of other bikers or persons on the street, and yell, “On your left!” to alert them to your presence.
There should only be one person riding a bike at a time; never share a seat or ride on the handlebars. When traveling with a passenger, it is easy to lose your balance or abruptly swerve into oncoming traffic.
Never wear headphones while biking — it is very important to always hear everyone else on the road.
Signal stops and turns. All signals should be made using your left arm:

Turn left: Hold your arm straight out to the left and ride forward at a leisurely pace after looking behind you.

Stop: After looking behind you, make an upside-down “L” shape with your arm pointed downward and bend your elbow to stop.

Right turn: Check your blind spots and then steadily accelerate ahead while bending your elbow and raising your arm in a “L” form. (Alternatively, extend your right arm straight from your side body.) Continue reading

December 6, 2023

News: Hit-and-run driver arrested after fatal Plant City bike crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PLANT CITY, FL – A bicyclist was killed Saturday after they were struck by a hit-and-run driver in Plant City.

Officers say the cyclist was hit shortly after 2 a.m. while riding on North Park Road near East Sam Allen Road, according to Fox 13 News.

Plant City Police told the source that a witness, along with the truck’s driver, initially got out of their vehicles. The witness called 911, and then the suspect fled. A second person at the scene was able to get the suspect’s license plate number as he sped away.