Matthew Mincone | November 3, 2025 | Personal Injury
The Tampa Riverwalk is one of the city’s most popular attractions, stretching for over two miles along the Hillsborough River. Locals and tourists alike visit to walk, bike, shop, or enjoy the waterfront restaurants. But accidents can happen anywhere, and the Riverwalk is no exception.
Whether you trip over uneven pavement, get hurt in a bike collision, or slip on a wet surface, injuries can be serious and leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and pain. If this happens, you might wonder what your legal options are and who is responsible for your injury.
This guide explains what to do after an accident at the Tampa Riverwalk, who might be liable, and how Florida personal injury laws protect you.
Understanding the Tampa Riverwalk and Who Is Responsible
The Tampa Riverwalk is a public space managed by the City of Tampa, with portions that connect to private businesses, parks, and hotels. Because ownership and maintenance responsibilities can vary along the walkway, determining who is responsible for your injury depends on where and how it occurred.
For example, if you were hurt near a city-maintained area, such as a public park or trail section, the City of Tampa may be responsible for maintaining safe conditions. But if the accident happened near a privately owned restaurant, marina, or hotel, that business could be liable instead. Understanding who owns or controls the area is key to building your case.
No matter where the accident happens, the responsible party has a legal duty to keep the area reasonably safe for visitors. If they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, they can be held accountable under premises liability laws.
Common Causes of Riverwalk Injuries
Accidents along the Riverwalk can happen for many reasons.
Some of the most common include:
- Slippery surfaces: Wet pavement from rain or water splashing from the river can make the walkway slick and dangerous.
- Uneven or broken pavement: Cracked concrete, loose tiles, or uneven surfaces can cause trip-and-fall injuries.
- Poor lighting: Dim or broken lights can make it difficult to see hazards at night.
- Bicycle or scooter collisions: The Riverwalk allows shared use by walkers, runners, and cyclists, which can sometimes lead to crashes.
- Negligent property maintenance: If nearby businesses or the city fail to repair or warn about dangerous conditions, they could be held liable.
In every case, the central question is whether someone’s carelessness or negligence caused your injury.
What to Do After Getting Injured at the Tampa Riverwalk
If you get hurt at the Riverwalk, taking the right steps early on can protect your health and strengthen your claim.
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like concussions or sprains, may worsen over time. Getting medical care right away also provides documentation linking your injury to the accident.
Next, report the incident. If it happened in a city-owned area, contact the City of Tampa’s Parks and Recreation Department or the local police. If it occurred near a private property, notify the manager or owner.
Gather evidence if you can. Take pictures of the area where you were injured, including any hazards like puddles, cracks, or missing signs. Get contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened.
Finally, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you identify who is responsible, handle communication with insurance companies, and guide you through the claims process.
Taking these steps can make a major difference in whether your claim succeeds.
Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Getting injured at the Tampa Riverwalk can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Whether the accident happened because of poor maintenance, unsafe conditions, or someone else’s carelessness, Florida law gives you the right to pursue justice and compensation.
By taking prompt action, gathering evidence, and seeking help from an experienced attorney, you can focus on healing while your lawyer fights for your recovery. If you or a loved one were hurt at the Tampa Riverwalk, contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your options and protect your rights today.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled truck accident lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
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About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
