When a car strikes a cyclist in a car accident, the impact can cause injuries requiring emergency medical treatments, severe property damage, and intense disputes over who caused the crash. Addressing these consequences requires a careful review of the applicable laws and evidence to establish driver fault. Florida statutes give injured riders the legal right to seek complete financial payment for their hospital bills, lost pay, and ruined cycling equipment from the negligent motorist’s insurance policy.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Florida Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report 2024, there has been a concerning increase in the number of bicycle accidents and fatalities from 2022 to 2024, including 810 incapacitating bicyclist injuries in 2023 and 931 in 2024. Staying safe on busy roads remains a challenge, and our Broward County bicycle accident lawyers at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A., advocate for injured riders.
Many collisions happen when distracted motorists fail to notice riders on the road. For instance, a driver might glance down at a text message and swerve into the designated bicycle lane. Speeding also reduces reaction times, which prevents cars from stopping before a collision. Furthermore, parked motorists frequently swing their doors open directly into traffic without looking; this is known as “dooring.”
Busy intersections and coastal roads see a high volume of cyclist traffic, which naturally leads to more accidents. Federal Highway and Sunrise Boulevard are among the most dangerous stretches for riders because they experience heavy congestion. Additionally, the beach corridor near Fort Lauderdale presents daily hazards as tourists make sudden turns without checking their mirrors.
Bicyclists lack the protective metal shell that surrounds passengers inside motorized vehicles. Therefore, riders often sustain severe trauma when thrown onto the pavement or into traffic. Safety gear provides some protection, but head trauma and broken bones occur frequently in these situations:
Seeing a doctor right away creates an official record of the harm suffered. Also, some internal injuries do not show symptoms immediately, although they can become life-threatening if left untreated. Treatment gets started sooner, and the official documentation can directly connect the crash to your physical harm.
State traffic statutes grant bicyclists the same rights and duties as drivers operating cars. Motorists must provide a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a rider on the road. When drivers ignore these rules, they may become responsible for resulting damages. Our Broward County bicycle accident lawyers use these statutes to demonstrate fault.
Gathering accurate evidence forms the foundation of any successful personal injury claim, so our legal team reviews information such as police reports, medical documentation, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses. We also interview eyewitnesses who saw the event happen, as their statements can help prove liability.
Financial recovery aims to make the injured person whole again after a devastating incident, and our Broward County bicycle accident lawyers fight to obtain funds for our clients’ past and future medical care. You might also receive compensation for income you lost while recovering from your injuries; the law also allows recovery for physical pain caused by the trauma.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system: You can still recover damages even if your actions partially contributed to the accident, although you must hold less than 50% of the blame. However, the court reduces your final payout by your exact percentage of fault. This rule makes assigning accurate liability highly important.
Expensive bicycles and custom riding gear can cost thousands of dollars to replace. Therefore, our Broward County bicycle accident lawyers demand full reimbursement for that destroyed property in addition to compensation for physical injuries.
Major crossings such as Las Olas Boulevard feature multiple lanes of fast traffic and confusing signal phases, and drivers turning right on red frequently fail to look for cyclists traveling in the designated bike lane. The dense concentration of pedestrians and vehicles creates overwhelming visual distractions for motorists; these factors combine to produce highly hazardous riding conditions.
We present a comprehensive demand package outlining every aspect of a client’s damages. Our team counters low offers with solid evidence, because we refuse to accept less than our clients deserve. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, we prepare to file a lawsuit.
Call the police immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance if anyone is hurt. You should also take photographs of the vehicles, your damaged bicycle, and the surrounding road conditions.
Politely decline to answer any questions from the insurance company representing the responsible driver. Directing all communication to your attorney protects your rights and prevents the adjuster from using your words against you.
Most personal injury claims reach a settlement before going to court becomes necessary. Our Broward County bicycle accident lawyers will prepare a strong case for trial in case the insurance provider refuses to offer fair compensation.
For trusted legal guidance after a bicycle crash caused by another party’s negligence, contact the Broward County bicycle accident lawyers at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A. Our experienced legal team is ready to discuss your accident, injuries, and next steps for protecting your claim. Call us at 954-736-3070 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Fort Lauderdale, we serve clients across Florida.
