Bike & Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Hernando County

When a bicycle or pedestrian accident changes your life in Hernando County, you need legal advocates who understand both Florida’s complex traffic laws and the unique challenges facing vulnerable road users in our rapidly growing Nature Coast community. At Lowman Law Firm, our Hernando County bicycle and pedestrian accident attorneys have dedicated over two decades to protecting the rights of cyclists and pedestrians, fighting against driver negligence and securing maximum compensation for those injured by motor vehicles.

Operating from our convenient offices in Brooksville and Spring Hill, we serve injured cyclists and pedestrians throughout Hernando County’s diverse communities, from Weeki Wachee to Ridge Manor. With bicycle and pedestrian accidents ranking among Florida’s highest rates nationally, understanding your rights after being struck by a motor vehicle becomes essential for your recovery and future.

Understanding Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Hernando County

Hernando County’s unique combination of factors makes it particularly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. According to recent Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles data, Hernando County ranks third highest in Florida for bicycle fatalities per capita, with 1.73% bicycle crash fatalities per 100,000 residents – significantly higher than most Florida counties and well above the national average.

Florida consistently ranks as the most dangerous state for vulnerable road users, with alarming statistics that underscore the serious risks facing cyclists and pedestrians. Recent data shows Florida had 5,952 bicycle collisions in 2021, causing 5,574 injuries and 169 deaths. For pedestrians, the numbers are equally concerning, with Florida recording the highest pedestrian fatality rate nationally at 2.60 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Hernando County’s Unique Challenges for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Hernando County’s population of 194,515 residents faces distinctive risks that our attorneys encounter regularly in bicycle and pedestrian accident cases. The county’s demographic profile – with 26.5% of residents over 64 years old – includes many older adults who walk and cycle for exercise and transportation, making them particularly vulnerable to serious injuries in accidents.

The county’s infrastructure challenges compound these dangers:

• US-19 Corridor: This major north-south route sees heavy traffic and multiple commercial access points, creating dangerous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians
• Rapid Growth Areas: Spring Hill’s continued development often outpaces pedestrian infrastructure improvements
• Rural Road Network: Many county roads lack sidewalks, bike lanes, or adequate lighting
• Tourist Traffic: Visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs and other attractions create unpredictable traffic patterns
• Mixed-Use Development: Areas combining residential, commercial, and recreational uses create complex traffic situations

Common Accident Locations in Hernando County

Through our representation of bicycle and pedestrian accident victims, we’ve identified several high-risk areas throughout the county:

• US Highway 19: Heavy traffic volume and multiple commercial driveways create hazardous crossing conditions
• Spring Hill Drive: Major east-west arterial with limited bicycle infrastructure
• Broad Street (US-41): Downtown Brooksville’s main thoroughfare with mixed pedestrian and vehicle traffic
• Commercial Way: Busy shopping areas with complex parking lot access points
• County Line Road: High-speed corridor along the Pasco County border
• School Zones: Areas around Hernando County schools during drop-off and pickup times
• Weeki Wachee Parkway: Tourist destination with unfamiliar drivers and pedestrian activity

Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Hernando County

Understanding how these accidents occur helps both prevent future incidents and build stronger legal cases when negligence causes harm.

Driver Inattention and Distraction

Distracted driving remains the leading cause of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Florida. Cell phone use, GPS navigation, eating, and other activities take drivers’ attention away from watching for vulnerable road users.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

More than half of Florida’s bicycle accidents occur due to motorists failing to yield the right of way. This includes drivers making left turns across bike lanes, failing to stop at crosswalks, and not checking for cyclists before changing lanes or opening doors.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

According to the Federal Highway Administration, pedestrians have a 95% chance of survival when struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph or below. However, survival rates drop dramatically as speeds increase: 35% at 30 mph and just 15% at 40 mph. Many roads in Hernando County have speed limits between 35-45 mph, making accidents particularly dangerous.

Poor Visibility Conditions

Many bicycle and pedestrian accidents occur during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours when visibility is reduced. Inadequate street lighting on rural roads and in developing areas compounds this problem, making it difficult for drivers to see cyclists and pedestrians until it’s too late to avoid accidents.

Infrastructure Deficiencies

Hernando County’s rapid growth has created areas where pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with development. Missing sidewalks, inadequate crosswalks, and roads designed primarily for vehicles create dangerous conditions for vulnerable road users.

Types of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle

Crosswalk Accidents

Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks or who speed through intersections create dangerous situations. Florida law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and violations can establish clear liability.

Bicycle Lane Violations

When drivers encroach on bike lanes, make right turns across bike lanes without checking, or use bike lanes for parking, they endanger cyclists. These violations often result in serious side-impact collisions.

Hit and Run Accidents

Unfortunately, some drivers flee after striking cyclists or pedestrians. Five things to do after a hit and run accident can help victims protect their rights even when the at-fault driver initially escapes responsibility.

School Zone Accidents

Children walking or biking to school face particular risks from drivers who speed through school zones or fail to stop for school crossing guards. These cases often involve enhanced penalties and additional safety considerations.

Parking Lot Accidents

Shopping centers and business parking lots throughout Hernando County see frequent accidents between vehicles and pedestrians. Drivers backing out of spaces, distracted by shopping or phone use, may not see pedestrians walking behind their vehicles.

Rural Road Accidents

Hernando County’s numerous rural roads often lack shoulders, sidewalks, or adequate lighting. Cyclists and pedestrians forced to share narrow roadways with vehicles face heightened danger from high-speed traffic.

Florida Laws Protecting Cyclists and Pedestrians

Florida has specific laws designed to protect vulnerable road users, and violations of these laws can establish liability in accident cases.

Three-Foot Passing Law

Florida law requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. Violations of this law that result in accidents create strong liability cases for injured cyclists.

Crosswalk Right of Way

Pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks and at intersections, even when crosswalks aren’t marked. Drivers must yield and cannot proceed until pedestrians have safely crossed.

Bicycle Rights and Duties

Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles, giving cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. This includes the right to use travel lanes when bike lanes aren’t available or safe.

Vulnerable Road User Act

Florida’s newly enacted Vulnerable Road User Act (HB 1133) provides enhanced protections and penalties for accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Common Injuries in Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Due to the vulnerability of cyclists and pedestrians when struck by motor vehicles, these accidents often result in severe, life-changing injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries are extremely common in bicycle and pedestrian accidents, even when helmets are worn. The impact forces involved when bodies strike vehicles or pavement can cause concussions, brain bleeding, and permanent cognitive damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The force of vehicle impacts can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These catastrophic injuries require extensive medical care and long-term support services.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Multiple fractures are common when bodies impact vehicles or pavement. Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvic fractures often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Common leg injuries from car accidents explains the types of lower extremity damage frequently seen in these cases.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately apparent after accidents. Emergency surgery is often required to address these hidden injuries.

Road Rash and Lacerations

When cyclists are thrown from bikes or pedestrians are dragged by vehicles, contact with pavement causes serious abrasions and cuts. Severe road rash may require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring.

Psychological Trauma

The emotional impact of being struck by a vehicle can cause lasting psychological effects, including PTSD, anxiety about being around traffic, and depression related to physical limitations from injuries.

Compensation Available for Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Victims

Victims of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Hernando County may recover comprehensive compensation for their injuries and losses.

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity
• Property Damage: Bicycle repair or replacement and damaged personal property
• Future Medical Care: Ongoing treatment, therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications
• Transportation Costs: Alternative transportation needs during recovery

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in cycling, walking, and other activities
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent changes to appearance
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with family members

Immediate Steps After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident

The actions taken immediately after being struck by a vehicle can significantly impact both safety and legal outcomes.

1. Call 911: Request police and emergency medical assistance immediately
2. Get Medical Attention: Seek treatment even if injuries seem minor
3. Document Everything: Take photos of vehicles, damage, injuries, and the accident scene
4. Gather Information: Collect driver information, insurance details, and witness contact information
5. Don’t Admit Fault: Stick to facts and avoid speculating about the cause
6. Preserve Evidence: Keep damaged bicycles, clothing, and equipment
7. Report the Accident: File required police reports and insurance claims
8. Contact Our Office: Call (352) 796-0016 (Brooksville) or (352) 540-7777 (Spring Hill) before speaking with insurance companies

Learn more about what you need to do after a pedestrian or bicycle accident to protect your rights and health.

Insurance Challenges in Bicycle and Pedestrian Cases

Insurance companies often use tactics to minimize payouts to bicycle and pedestrian accident victims, making legal representation crucial.

Blaming the Victim

Insurance adjusters frequently try to shift blame to cyclists and pedestrians, claiming they were outside crosswalks, not wearing bright clothing, or violating traffic rules. Our attorneys counter these tactics with thorough investigations and expert testimony.

Minimizing Injuries

Because bicycle and pedestrian accidents often involve severe injuries with long-term consequences, insurance companies may dispute the extent of damages or claim that injuries were pre-existing.

Quick Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often make low settlement offers before the full extent of injuries is known. Whether you should take a car accident settlement applies equally to bicycle and pedestrian cases—early offers rarely reflect true damages.

Proudly Serving All of Hernando County

Brooksville | Spring Hill | Spring Lake | Ridge Manor