Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer — You Had Every Right to Be on That Road

You were riding legally. The driver failed you. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable — and we don't collect a fee unless we win your case.

Florida cyclists are killed or seriously injured in collisions every year, and Broward County roads are among the most dangerous in the state for riders. Whether you were struck on Las Olas Boulevard, along A1A, or on the New River Greenway, the cause is almost always the same: a driver who failed to share the road. Our firm has litigated bicycle accident claims throughout Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Hollywood, and Boca Raton — and we know exactly how insurance companies try to shift blame onto the rider.

Why Bicycle Accident Claims Require a Lawyer Who Knows Florida Cycling Law

You deserve the same full recovery as any other accident victim. Two wheels doesn't mean two standards. We build your case around the driver's legal obligations and their failure to meet them — not around whether you were in a car.

Why Bicycle Accident Claims Require a Lawyer Who Knows Florida Cycling Law

Florida law gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators on most roadways. Drivers are required by statute to maintain a minimum three-foot passing distance when overtaking a cyclist — and failure to do so is a codified act of negligence. Despite this, insurance adjusters routinely argue that cyclists assumed the risk by riding on busy roads, or that the rider contributed to the crash through their own actions. These arguments are designed to reduce or eliminate your compensation. A bicycle accident lawyer who understands how Florida's comparative fault rules interact with cycling statutes can dismantle those arguments before they gain traction.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County

Most cycling accident claims we handle fall into a recognizable set of fact patterns — each with its own legal theory and evidence requirements. Understanding which type of collision you were involved in shapes how we investigate and build your case.

 

  • Driver failure to yield: Turning vehicles cutting across a cyclist's path at intersections, driveways, and parking lot exits
  • Three-foot passing violations: Drivers overtaking cyclists without maintaining the legally required clearance, causing sideswipe or forced-off-road crashes
  • Dooring incidents: Parked car occupants opening doors directly into an oncoming cyclist's path — a common and serious urban accident type along commercial corridors
  • Distracted driving: Drivers on phones or otherwise inattentive who strike cyclists they simply didn't see
  • Running red lights or stop signs: Intersection failures that leave cyclists with no time to react
  • Road hazards and negligent maintenance: Potholes, broken pavement, and debris that cause loss of control — particularly relevant on older Broward County road surfaces
  • DUI drivers: Impaired drivers who cannot track or respond to cyclists in their path

Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Claims

A successful cycling accident claim in Florida can recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

 

  • Medical expenses already incurred and projected future treatment costs
  • Lost wages from time missed at work and, where injuries are permanent, diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, including the physical and emotional impact of the injury and recovery
  • Permanent impairment or disfigurement
  • Property damage to your bicycle and any gear destroyed in the crash

 

In cases involving a DUI driver or particularly reckless conduct, Florida law also permits punitive damages. We evaluate every available category of recovery from the first consultation — not as an afterthought once negotiations stall.

  • Do I have a valid claim if the driver says I shouldn't have been riding in the road?

    Yes. Florida law gives cyclists the legal right to operate on most public roadways, and drivers are required to share the road and maintain a safe passing distance. The driver's opinion about whether you should have been there is not a legal defense. We document the applicable statutes and the driver's specific failure to meet their obligations — and we use that to build your case.

  • What if I wasn't wearing a helmet when I was hit?

    Florida only requires helmets for riders under 16. If you are an adult and were not wearing a helmet, the defense may argue comparative fault — meaning they will try to reduce your compensation by attributing some portion of your injuries to the lack of a helmet. We are experienced at rebutting these arguments and limiting any reduction in your recovery.

  • How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Florida?

    Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If a government entity may be responsible — for example, due to a dangerous road condition — a formal notice of claim must be filed within three years, but the practical deadline is much shorter. Contact us as soon as possible to preserve your options.

  • What does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?

    Nothing upfront. We handle all bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. We also advance all case costs — investigation, expert fees, filing costs — so you are never asked to pay out of pocket while your case is pending.

  • What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

    If you are able, call 911 and request a police report. Get the driver's name, license plate, and insurance information. Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle. Get contact information from any witnesses. Seek medical attention the same day, even if you feel your injuries are minor — documented medical records are essential to your claim. Then call us.

  • Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the bicycle accident?

    Yes, in most cases. Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of fault — but you can still recover as long as you are not found more than 50 percent responsible. We work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize the recovery you receive.

Florida Bicycle Laws Every Rider and Driver Should Know

Florida Statute §316.083 requires drivers to maintain a safe distance — no less than three feet — when passing a cyclist. Florida Statute §316.2065 governs cyclist rights and duties, confirming that bicycles are legal vehicles on most Florida roadways and that cyclists have the same right to use the lane as any other operator. These aren't technicalities. They are the legal foundation on which we build negligence claims against drivers who violate them.

 

Key provisions that directly affect your claim:

 

  • Cyclists may ride on most Florida public roads and have the right to occupy a full lane where a designated bike lane is not available
  • Drivers must yield to cyclists in marked bike lanes, just as they would yield to other vehicles
  • Dooring a cyclist — opening a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming rider — is an actionable act of negligence under Florida law
  • Florida's comparative fault rules mean your recovery may be reduced if you are found partially at fault, but you are not barred from recovery unless a court finds you more than 50 percent responsible
  • Helmet use is required for riders under 16; adult riders who choose not to wear a helmet may face comparative fault arguments that we are experienced at rebutting