Best Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Brandon

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brandon, Florida?

  For police non-emergencies in Brandon, you can contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Brandon, Florida?

  Copies of police reports can be requested online at https://hillsboroughsheriff.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(jsbusg1w1elbkmddwxh3kegr))/SupportHome.aspx?lp=3&sSessionID=. You can also request in-person by visiting the Records Section of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at the Freddie Solomon Annex, 900 East 9th Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33605.

• What incurs civil penalties for bicycle riders in Brandon?

  As in the rest of Hillsborough County, bicycle riders in Brandon incur civil penalties for violations such as using a bicycle without functional brakes and traveling at night without proper lighting. Disobeying traffic signals, like running a stop sign and going against traffic, is also penalized. Chapter 316 of the Florida Statute referring to bicyclists 14 years old or younger also applies.

• Is bicycle lighting required in Brandon?

  Yes. Section 316.2065 of the Florida Statutes requires a bicycle ridden in Brandon between the hours of sunset and sunrise to have a lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from 500 feet away, a red reflector, and a bulb on the back that emits a red light visible from 600 feet away. Extra illumination is both allowed and recommended.

• Are cyclists required to signal turns in Brandon?

  Yes. Hand signals are required by Florida law. A bicycle in Brandon must send a signal of intent to turn within the last 100 feet before turning. A rider who intends to make a left turn has the right to use the whole lane from which the turn is made. Extending the left hand and arm vertically or horizontally to the right side of the bicycle can indicate a right turn. If a bicyclist requires both hands to handle the bike, the signal does not have to be issued continually.

• Who has the right of way when a bicyclist enters sidewalks according to the law in Brandon?

  Although a bicyclist in Brandon has the same rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian when riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, Section 316.2065 of the Florida Statutes mandates that the bike ridden on sidewalks or at crosswalks must yield to pedestrians and give way. Audible cues must be given before passing as well.

• Is bicycling and wearing headphones at the same time illegal in Brandon?

  Brandon bicyclists are covered by Section 316.304 of the Florida Statutes, which prohibits them from riding with music or radio headphones or earphones. Using a headset obscures critical audio cues required to detect the presence of other vehicles. Hearing aids are allowed, of course.