Miami Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyers
Injured By A Negligent Driver While Riding Your Bike in Miami, FL
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional suffering. At The Florida Law Group, our experienced Miami bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured cyclists seek justice and financial recovery. We understand how devastating these accidents can be and are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
Call (833) 899-0310 or contact us online today to let our firm get started on your case. You don't have to pay unless we win your case!
Miami Bicycle Accident Statistics
Miami is known for its sunny weather, scenic routes, and active cycling community. However, with heavy traffic and distracted drivers on the road, cyclists face a serious risk of injury every time they ride. When a negligent driver fails to share the road, the consequences can be life-altering.
Did you know that bicyclists in Florida are significantly more likely to be killed in accidents than in any other state? Miami ranks fourth in the nation for per-capita deaths (5.4), meaning the risk of being injured as a cyclist is extremely high. Although you may not have been able to prevent the accident, you have a say in what happens next—filing a legal claim against the responsible driver’s insurance company can give you the financial restitution you need to recover and move forward without financial hardship.
In addition to statewide dangers, local hotspots like Brickell, Wynwood, and downtown Miami have seen a notable increase in bicycle accidents in recent years. High-traffic corridors such as Biscayne Boulevard, SW 8th Street, and the MacArthur Causeway are areas where collisions frequently occur, especially during rush hour or large events. As the city continues to develop new cycling lanes and safety initiatives, Miami is working to improve conditions—but challenges remain, making it crucial for cyclists to stay vigilant and understand their legal options if a crash happens.
Florida Bicycle Laws
Understanding Florida’s bicycle laws is crucial for protecting your rights as a cyclist. Florida treats bicycles as vehicles, so cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Below are some important state laws every rider and driver should know:
- Right to the Road: Cyclists have the legal right to use the roadway. Motorists must respect their presence and give them appropriate space.
- Three-Foot Rule: Florida law requires drivers to maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle.
- Bike Lane Usage: Cyclists should use designated bike lanes when available. However, they may leave the lane to avoid hazards or to make turns.
- Helmet Laws: While only riders under 16 are legally required to wear helmets, it is strongly recommended that all cyclists wear proper head protection.
- Lighting Requirements: Bicycles ridden at night must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector for visibility.
Violations of these laws by drivers often lead to preventable accidents. If you were injured because a driver failed to obey the rules of the road, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Miami often happen because of negligent or reckless behavior by motor vehicle drivers. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or using GPS devices can take a driver’s attention off the road, leading to collisions with cyclists.
- Failure to Yield: Many drivers fail to yield to bicycles at intersections or when making turns, especially when they underestimate a cyclist's speed or visibility.
- Dooring Accidents: In dense urban areas like downtown Miami, a common hazard for cyclists is being "doored"—when a parked driver suddenly opens their door into the path of an oncoming bicycle.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it more likely that they will strike a cyclist before they can stop or swerve.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers have poor judgment and slower reflexes, significantly increasing the risk of bicycle-related crashes.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal before changing lanes may crash into cyclists sharing the road.
If you have experienced any of these scenarios, consult with a Miami bicycle accident attorney from The Florida Law Group as soon as possible.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If a negligent driver caused your bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (bike and gear)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, collect evidence, and collaborate with medical experts to determine the full extent of your losses.
The Claims Process for Bicycle Accident Victims in Miami
After you are hurt in a bicycle accident, the legal process can feel intimidating, but understanding what to expect can relieve a lot of anxiety. The process generally begins with a thorough investigation of the scene and careful collection of evidence, such as police reports from the Miami Police Department, photos, and witness statements. This step is essential to building a strong foundation for your claim.
Once information is gathered, your attorney typically notifies the at-fault driver’s insurance company and works to negotiate a fair settlement. Throughout this process, your legal team will help you document all related medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your case may move to litigation, which involves filing a lawsuit at the Miami-Dade County courthouse. The timeline can vary, with simpler claims resolving within months and more complex cases requiring additional time, especially if a trial becomes necessary.
- The following are some important things to expect during the claims process:
- Prompt medical evaluation: Comprehensive records from facilities like Jackson Memorial Hospital strengthen your case.
- Continued communication: We keep clients informed at every stage and promptly respond to questions.
- Local legal knowledge: Our understanding of Miami court procedures helps avoid unnecessary delays.
- No upfront fees: Our contingency structure ensures you do not pay legal fees unless we recover damages for you.
We are committed to offering clear guidance and direct access to our lawyers throughout each phase of your claim, helping Miami bicycle accident victims pursue a path to financial recovery and peace of mind.
FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims in Miami, FL
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are seriously hurt. Then, report the accident to the police, gather contact information from the driver and any witnesses, take photos of the scene, and contact a qualified attorney.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
In Florida, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is best to act quickly while evidence is fresh and witnesses are available.
What if the driver does not have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other sources. An experienced attorney can help identify all available options.
Can I still recover damages if I was not wearing a helmet?
Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if you were not wearing a helmet. However, the defense may argue that your injuries were worsened by not wearing one. This could affect the amount of compensation, but it does not prevent recovery.
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
Every case is different. Factors like the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the degree of negligence each affect the value. Our team will evaluate your case and work to maximize your compensation.
Contact a Miami Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
To date, our team has recovered over $1 billion for injured accident victims across the state, including injured bicyclists in Miami. We will relentlessly seek fair compensation, and we are not afraid to go to trial if that is what it takes! It is not uncommon for us to secure million and multi-million dollar settlements in individual cases.
- We believe clients deserve direct access to top legal talent and provide the following advantages:
- Over $1 billion recovered for injury victims statewide, including Miami cyclists
- Led by Chris Limberopoulos, board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Attorney owned and managed: clients work directly with seasoned lawyers, not case managers
- Featured in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal for high-profile, impactful litigation
- Honored by respected organizations: Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Avvo, and more
- Over 100 years of combined firm experience focused on personal injury law
- Full-service support for Miami clients, including Spanish-speaking staff and 24/7 availability for urgent questions
If you are considering hiring a bicycle accident attorney in Miami, it is important to understand how having an established and attorney-led law firm on your side makes a difference. Working with a local lawyer who is familiar with Miami-Dade County's civil court system, procedures, and deadlines can be an advantage as your case moves forward—especially given that bike accident claims require a strong grasp of both local and state laws. Our attorneys have experience with the judges, court staff, and common defense tactics used by insurance companies operating in the greater Miami area. This local perspective allows us to develop tailored legal strategies that address the unique challenges of pursuing compensation for Miami bicycle accident victims.
Many respected legal organizations have recognized our Miami bicycle accident injury lawyers for our ability to obtain verdicts for our clients, including The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The Trial Lawyer Board Of Regents, Avvo, Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers In America, and more. Our lead attorney, Chris Limberopoulos, is a board certified civil trial attorney, a rare distinction that few personal injury lawyers have achieved. We have over 100 years of combined experience on our team, and we are ranked among the top law firms in the United States.
The Florida Law Group represents accident victims in 11 different locations in Florida. We opened our Miami office in early 2021 to expand access to representation for victims in the lower part of the state. Miami is a vibrant, cultural city, and we look forward to serving the community here.
Contact us today at (833) 899-0310 for a free consultation with a trusted Miami bicycle accident lawyer.
Hear From Our Clients
-
"Something you can guarantee Chris will go hard for his client, and never settle for less!"My husband was in a car accident, Chris and his team has worked hard for him every step of the way while my husband was dealing with a lot of stress and depression do to his back and neck injuries.- Kimberly
-
"I could not have asked for better care."I had a very bad accident and was referred to Kevin, Chris and The Florida Law Group. I could not have asked for better care. I am very happy with the job they did for me and I want to thank them for working so hard on my case.- Sarah
-
"We were very happy and have sent many of our friends who have needed a lawyer to them."
My wife had a serious car accident and the lawyers at The Florida Law Group recovered a large cash award for her. We were very happy and have sent many of our friends who have needed a lawyer to them.
- Robert
Why Choose The Florida Law Group?
-
A Proven Record of SuccessSince our founding in 1984, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients through settlements and at trial.
-
Personalized Service
Tailored to YouWe are not a “mill” law firm featuring “case managers” instead of lawyers; we are lawyer-driven, lawyer-managed, and lawyer committed to practicing law at the very highest level.
-
Multi Million-Dollar RecoveriesWe are proud of our success in obtaining million-dollar recoveries in our cases and we are not accustomed to settling for anything less than the very best for our clients.
-
Over Four Decades of Distinguished ExperienceOur Senior Attorneys, Chris Limberopoulos and Steve Rawls, have been recognized as Florida Superlawyers since its inception in 2008. In addition to many other awards, The Florida Law Group is AV Preeminent rated by the prestigious Martindale Hubbel Attorney Directory.