Bicycle Accident

Hit while riding your bike in Lakeland? You deserve to be heard, helped, and compensated.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Lakeland, Florida, you’re probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions: pain, confusion, frustration, and maybe even fear.

You’re trying to recover while figuring out medical bills, missed work, and calls from insurance adjusters who are already pressuring you. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help.

At Maranatha Law, we’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing maximum compensation for cyclists.

Why Hire a Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Cyclists often face unique challenges when proving liability and dealing with insurance companies. That’s why it’s critical to work with a bicycle accident lawyer in Lakeland who knows how to navigate these cases.

We understand the challenges cyclists face:

• Increased vulnerability to injury,
• Bias from drivers and insurance adjusters,
• Confusion over Florida bicycle laws, and
• Difficulty proving fault when there are no witnesses.

Our legal team has experience with Florida’s bicycle regulations and personal injury law. We can build strong, evidence-based claims that force insurance companies to pay what you deserve.

How We Build a Strong Bicycle Accident Claim

Maranatha Law takes a strategic, aggressive, and detail-oriented approach to every case. Here’s how we help:

• Investigate the accident scene thoroughly;
• Gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements;
• Work with accident reconstruction experts;
• Request surveillance footage when available;
• Handle all communication with insurance companies;
• Negotiate for maximum compensation; and
• Take your case to trial if needed.

We leverage expert testimony, deep legal knowledge, and advanced litigation tactics to build your case from the ground up.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Lakeland

Your actions after an accident can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention;
2. Document everything, including taking photos of the scene, your injuries, and damaged property;
3. Get contact information from witnesses;
4. Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company; and
5. Call a Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Also, be sure to preserve your damaged bike, your helmet, and any torn or bloodied clothing. These items can serve as critical physical evidence later in your case.

Florida Bicycle Laws That Protect You

According to Florida statute, bicycle riders have all of the rights and duties applicable to a motor vehicle driver. That means cyclists have a right to be on the road (if there is no bike lane).

Drivers are required by law to give you at least 3 feet minimum passing distance.

Motorists can make a right turn only if a cyclist heading in the same direction is at least 20 feet away. Drivers who cut off or sideswipe cyclists violate this rule and may be found liable for resulting injuries.

If you’re riding your bike on a sidewalk or at an intersection, you have the same rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian. That means motor vehicle drivers must give you the right-of-way at crosswalks and, in general, exercise care to avoid colliding with you.

If the driver who hit you violated one of these laws, they can and should be held responsible. We’ll investigate thoroughly and use these laws to your advantage.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lakeland

Cyclists in Polk County face real dangers. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:

• Distracted driving (texting or using apps),
• Failure to yield at intersections,
• Dooring accidents (when a parked driver opens a car door into a cyclist’s path),
• Unsafe passing or turning,
• Speeding or aggressive driving,
• Drunk or impaired driving, and
• Poor road maintenance or defective bike paths.

Lakeland’s busy streets and limited dedicated bike lanes contribute to these risks. Even when cyclists follow the law, they are often at the mercy of careless or reckless drivers.

E-Bikes

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are becoming increasingly popular in Lakeland. According to Florida law, those who ride electric bikes have the same rights and duties as traditional bicycle riders. If you’re riding an e-bike on a public street, highway, or bike path, you’re legally entitled to the same treatment as any other cyclist.

However, local governments may impose specific restrictions on where e-bikes can operate, particularly on trails, beaches, or sidewalks.

If you’re involved in an electric bike accident, the legal process for seeking compensation is similar to a standard bicycle crash. At Maranatha Law, we’ll work to see that your rights are fully protected regardless of what type of bike you ride.

Rental Bikes

Many people use rental bikes as a way to get to work, sightsee, and socialize with friends. Even if you don’t own the bike you were riding on, you can still pursue a personal injury claim.

Because a rental bike company is involved, you might be worried that your case is too complicated. Don’t be. You have the same right to compensation as someone who owns the bike they were riding during an accident.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Every bicycle accident case is different, but in most cases, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future),
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity,
• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress,
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs,
• Property damage (bike repairs or replacement),
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and
• Costs for assistive devices or home modifications.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, we may also pursue damages for long-term disability and disfigurement.

We won’t settle for anything less than what you’re truly owed. Our goal is to restore your financial stability while you focus on healing.

We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win.

Why Choose Maranatha Law?

We know you have choices when picking who will represent you. That’s why we work hard to make sure we’re always providing top-tier service. Here is what you can expect from us:

• Free consultations and honest evaluations,
• No fees unless we win your case,
• Clear and constant communication,
• Local personal injury expertise in Lakeland and Polk County, and
• Genuine compassion and relentless representation.

We’re not a giant firm whose goal is to get a small settlement as quickly as possible and move on. We’re not here to pressure you. We’re here to listen, help, and fight.

Our founding attorney, Tim Maranatha, trained under some of the best in this field. He’s built systems that force insurance companies to pay top dollar—and he won’t back down from a fight.

FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Lakeland

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. If you miss this deadline, your right to compensation may be lost forever.

What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Florida law does not require adults to wear helmets. Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, you can still recover damages. The law prohibits helmet non-use from being relied on as evidence of negligence in a personal injury case.

What if the Driver Says I Was at Fault?

Even if you share some fault, Florida’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. We’ll work to show that the driver’s negligence played a greater role.

How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?

The value of your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total cost of medical treatment, how much work you missed, and whether your injuries impact your long-term ability to earn a living or enjoy life.

Talk to a Lakeland Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

You don’t have to face this alone. If you or someone you love was hurt in a bicycle accident in Lakeland, contact Maranatha Law today. Tim Maranatha will handle your case personally. He’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you every step of the way.

Call now or fill out our form to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Lakeland bicycle accident lawyer.

Resources

• Bicycle Regulations. Fla. Stat. §316.2065 link
• Overtaking and Passing a Vehicle. Fla. Stat. §316.083 link
• Required Position and Method of Turning at Intersections. Fla. Stat. §316.151 link
• Pedestrians; traffic regulations. Fla. Stat. §316.130 link
• Electric Bicycle Regulations. Fla. Stat. §316.20655 link
• Limitations other than for the Recovery of Real Property. Fla. Stat. §95.11 link
• Comparative Fault. Fla. Stat. §768.81 link