Bicycle Accidents in Florida: Causes, Legal Options & Insurance Coverage

Bicycle accidents in Florida are unfortunately common and often result in serious injuries. Understanding your legal options, the causes of these accidents, and how insurance plays a role can help you take the right steps after an incident. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to another party’s negligence, our experienced Tampa and Riverview personal injury lawyers are here to guide you.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Florida?

Bicycle accidents are unfortunately caused by many forms of motorist negligence. The most common forms of negligence behind the wheel to lead to bicycle accidents are as follows:

• Navigating directions while driving
• Disciplining raucous children while driving
• Texting while driving
• Failing to yield
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Unsafe lane changes
• Ignoring traffic signs and lights
• Driving while fatigued
• Speeding
• Smoking or eating while driving
• Not checking blind spots
• Failing to comply with other rules and regulations of the road

What To Do After A Bicycle Accident in Florida?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident as a result of another’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. While you are still at the scene of your bicycle accident, think about taking the following steps to bolster the likelihood of filing a victorious personal injury claim:

1. Call 911. The police will document the accident by executing a police report. They will also bring medical assistance to the scene.
2. While you wait for the ambulance to arrive, if you are able, gather any witnesses’ contact information. This should include their name, phone number, and email address.
3. Take plenty of pictures and videos of the scene of your accident. Take pictures of any dangers that led to your accident as well as any damage to vehicles and property involved.
4. Seek medical treatment as soon as the ambulance gets to the scene.
5. Gather all applicable medical documentation once your treatment is done.
6. Hire the services of a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney who will work to satisfy the burden of proof to recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally four years. This means that you must file your claim within four years from the date of your bicycle accident. Failure to file your claim within this timeframe may result in you being permanently time-barred from suing. To avoid this and to get started with this process as soon as possible, do not hesitate to contact our experienced firm. We are prepared to take on your case when you are ready. Give our firm a call today to schedule our initial consultation with our team. We are here to help.

Insurance Coverage for Bicycle Accidents in Florida

On Florida roads, bicyclists ride alongside cars, trucks, buses, etc. All the while, they must look out for any pedestrians or stationary objects that may be in their way. This is why bicycle accidents are reported far too frequently in the state. And if you are ever involved in one, you may be wondering how insurance may cover your injuries and other damages. Continue reading to learn whether an at-fault driver’s insurance will cover your bicycle accident and how an experienced Riverview personal injury lawyer at The Frank Santini Law Firm can help you navigate this.

What makes a driver at fault for my bicycle accident?

Automobile drivers at most commonly at fault for bicycle accidents. Examples of driver negligence that leads to such accidents read as follows:

• Driving recklessly:
  • Driving over the speed limit.
  • Making unsafe lane changes.
  • Disregarding traffic signs and signals.
  • Failing to yield.
  • Failing to check blind spots.
  • Failing to follow the rules of the road.
• Driving while distracted:
  • Navigating directions of the GPS.
  • Disciplining rowdy children in the backseat.
  • Smoking or eating.
  • Texting.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Driving while fatigued.

Will the at-fault driver’s insurance cover my bicycle accident in the state of Florida?

Notably, the state of Florida follows no-fault insurance law. This means that all Florida drivers must carry personal injury protection insurance so to pay for the medical expenses and other accident-related damages that they may be at fault for. With that being said, if you are involved in a bicycle accident due to a negligent driver, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance company.

It is important to note that even if you believe that you are partially responsible for your bicycle accident, you may still recover your damages from the other party’s insurance company. However, your award may be reduced by the percentage of fault that has been assigned to you.

What if another party is at-fault for my bicycle accident?

Bicycle accidents do not just occur between bicycles and automobiles. They also commonly occur between bicycles and pedestrians, other bicycles, or stationary objects. Insurance may cover these different types of situations differently, and they read as follows:

• Bicycle-pedestrian accident: if a pedestrian fails to observe traffic signals, walks in the bike lane, or otherwise, then the personal liability coverage on their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover your medical expenses and other accident-related damages.
• Bicycle-bicycle accident: if another cyclist is riding the wrong way, speeding, or otherwise, then their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover your medical expenses and other accident-related damages.
• Bicycle-stationary object accident: if you collide with a tree, pole, or otherwise, then you will likely have to go to your health insurance. However, if you believe that your collision was due to human error, like a car parked in an illegal spot, then you may be able to file a claim with an at-fault party’s insurance company.

Contact Our Firm

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve a team that will fight for your rights. At The Frank Santini Law Firm, our Tampa and Riverview personal injury lawyers are here to help you recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

#Florida Bicycle Accidents Resources

• Bicycle Safety Awareness- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
• Bicycle Safety Links | Florida Department of Health
• Bicycle Safety – Florida Department of Transportation

About The Author

Frank Santini

Frank Santini, Esq., is a highly accomplished personal injury attorney and the founder of The Frank Santini Law Firm, specializing in personal injury law. A summa cum laude graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Frank is licensed in Florida and New Jersey and has earned recognition as a Rising Star" by Super Lawyers and high ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. Education: Graduated summa cum laude from Stetson University College of Law. Professional Associations: Member of The Florida Bar and the New Jersey Bar. Experience: Founder of The Frank Santini Law Firm, representing personal injury clients with dedication and expertise.

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