Why It’s Called a Bicycle Crash, Not an Accident
If you have been hit while riding your bicycle, do not call it an accident. It is a bicycle crash. In Florida, the steps you take after a bicycle crash can make or break your recovery.
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Florida Law Protects Bicycles
A lot of people do not realize that bicycles are considered vehicles under Florida law. That means when you are riding on the road, you have the same rights and responsibilities as someone driving a car. You are not in the way. You are legally allowed to be there. Unfortunately, drivers do not always treat cyclists with the respect they deserve. When that leads to a bicycle crash, it is not only unfair but also often against the law.
Where You Can Ride and Your Responsibilities
If you are riding slower than traffic, you are usually supposed to stay as far to the right as possible. But that does not mean hugging the curb. If the lane is too narrow, there is debris, or you are preparing to turn, you are allowed to move over.
If you are on the sidewalk, the law treats you as a pedestrian. Cars are required to yield to you when you cross or when they are making turns. At the same time, you must yield to pedestrians, especially when you are passing them.
Florida also requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Sadly, this rule is often ignored, especially in busy city traffic.
Insurance Coverage After a Bicycle Crash
Many people are surprised to learn that your own car insurance might cover you if you are hit while riding your bike. Your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits may apply, and if the driver who hit you is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to use your own coverage as well.
Florida follows a comparative negligence system. Even if you are found partially at fault, you may still recover damages. For example, if you did not have lights on or were not wearing a helmet, your compensation might be reduced, but you are not automatically barred from recovery.
The Two-Year Deadline You Cannot Ignore
In Florida, you only have two years from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your case. Surveillance video disappears, witnesses forget, and evidence gets lost. Acting quickly is critical if you want the best chance at a fair outcome.
Why Documentation is Key
Drivers often try to blame cyclists after a crash. They may claim you swerved, were not visible, or were riding somewhere you should not have been. That is why knowing the rules and documenting everything matters.
One of my clients was riding in the bike lane when a driver suddenly opened his car door. My client flew off his bike, fractured his collarbone, and, as a personal trainer, could not work for weeks. The insurance company tried to deny responsibility, saying he should have seen the door opening. But Florida law is clear: drivers cannot open a door if it interferes with traffic. We held the driver accountable and recovered full compensation.
Protecting Your Rights After a Bicycle Crash
Bicycle crashes are not just painful. They can derail your health, career, and finances. Do not let an insurance company downplay what happened or shift the blame onto you. I know Florida’s bicycle laws, and I know how to prove it when someone violates them.
If you have been hit while riding your bike, even if you are not sure what went wrong, reach out today. My team and I will review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the next steps. You are not alone, and you do not have to fight this uphill battle by yourself.
