Bicycle & Scooter Accident Attorney in Naples, Florida

Cycling and scooter riding are popular modes of transportation in Naples, but unfortunately, accidents involving bicyclists and scooter riders are on the rise. At Pitkin Law, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured in these severe accidents. With extensive experience in Southwest Florida personal injury law, our attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by cyclists and scooter riders. We provide compassionate, aggressive representation to help you obtain the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.

Types of Bicycle and Scooter Accident Cases We Handle

Our Naples bicycle and scooter accident attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including:

• Collisions with motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles
• Accidents caused by distracted or impaired drivers
• Crashes involving poorly maintained roads or defective infrastructure
• Accidents at intersections or crosswalks
• Single-vehicle crashes due to road hazards like potholes or debris
• Collisions involving rideshare vehicles or delivery drivers
• Injuries caused by malfunctioning or poorly maintained rental scooters and bikes

No matter the cause of your accident, we thoroughly investigate to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Common Causes of Bicycle & Scooter Accidents in Naples

Cycling and scooter accidents in Naples stem from a variety of factors:

• Distracted driving: Drivers texting, using phones, or distracted by passengers often fail to see cyclists.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Excessive speed reduces reaction time to avoid cyclists sharing the road.
• Poor infrastructure: Lack of protected bike lanes, narrow roads, insufficient signage, and poor lighting create hazards.
• Cyclist violations: Approximately 70% of reported bike-vehicle collisions involve cyclists not following traffic laws, such as running red lights or riding against traffic.
• Intoxicated drivers or cyclists: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly raises crash risks.
• Unsafe road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause falls and loss of control.

Awareness of these risks can help you stay safe and strengthen your legal claim if an accident occurs.

Injuries Associated With Bike & Scooter Accidents

Because cyclists and scooter riders lack the physical protection of vehicles, their injuries tend to be serious. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially severe without helmet use
• Broken bones and fractures, including arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones
• Spinal cord injuries, often causing paralysis or long-term disability
• Road rash and severe abrasions
• Internal organ damage
• Head, neck, and back trauma
• Emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The physical and emotional toll of these injuries often requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and can impact your ability to work and enjoy life.

Florida Laws Affecting Bicyclists and Scooter Riders

Helmet and Equipment Requirements in Florida

Florida law mandates helmet use for riders under 16 years old on bicycles and motorized scooters. While adults are not required by law to wear helmets, wearing one significantly reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury in accidents. Florida also requires bicycles and scooters to have front and rear lights if ridden at night and to follow the rules of the road similarly to motor vehicles.

Comparative Negligence & Fault Sharing Rules

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning if you are partly at fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault—but only if your fault is 50% or less. For example, if you are found 30% responsible for an accident, your damages will be reduced by 30%. If your fault exceeds 50%, you typically cannot recover damages. Understanding how fault is determined is crucial in negotiating your claim.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle or Scooter Accident in Naples

1. Prioritize Your Safety: Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Report the Accident: Call 911 or local police to have an official report filed.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals.
4. Gather Witness Information: Obtain contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not make statements about who caused the accident to other parties or insurance adjusters.
6. Preserve Evidence: Keep damaged equipment, clothing, and medical records.
7. Contact Pitkin Law: Early legal consultation can protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

Compensation for Bicycle and Scooter Accident Victims

Victims of bicycle and scooter accidents in Naples may be entitled to compensation including:

• Medical expenses, both current and anticipated future costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress damages
• Property damage, including repairs or replacement of your bike or scooter
• Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability
• Wrongful death damages for families of fatally injured cyclists

Our attorneys evaluate the full scope of your damages to pursue maximum recovery on your behalf.

Contact a Naples Bicycle & Scooter Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle or scooter accident in Naples, don’t wait to get legal help. With nearly a 40% rise in bike accidents in Collier County over the past three years, the risks are increasing, and the laws surrounding these cases can be complex.

Pitkin Law offers free consultations, works on a contingency fee basis (you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation), and provides personalized service tailored to your needs. We can meet you at a convenient location—whether in our office, your home, or hospital.

Contact Pitkin Law today to speak with a trusted Naples bicycle and scooter accident attorney ready to fight for you and protect your rights.