Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle Accident Attorney Coral Gables, FL

Bicycle accidents are far too common in South Florida. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that in 2009, there were 4,774 bicycle crashes in Florida, which left 4,376 bicyclists injured and 99 dead. Many times bicyclists involved in these accidents suffer catastrophic injuries and sometimes wrongful death. Victims of bike accidents should seek legal advice in order to preserve their rights and represent their interests.

Experience with Various Types of Bicycle Accidents

Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A. has represented bicycle accident victims harmed in various types of bicycling collisions and mishaps in Miami, North Miami, Miami Beach, Hollywood, throughout Broward, throughout Miami-Dade, and throughout Florida. This has included bicycle/car crashes, bicycle/truck crashes, accidents caused by premises defects, and bike accidents caused by negligent bicycle repair that resulted in bicycle failure and personal injury. Our firm has consulted with medical practitioners, as well as leading industry experts in the fields of mechanics, safe bicycle assembly, and operation in preparing cases for our clients. Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A. has the experience and resources to successfully represent victims of bike accidents.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Miami, Florida

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact Jeffrey R. Davis P.A. for a free case review or call (305) 577-3777 to learn about your legal rights and how to receive compensation for your bicycle accident injuries. Compensation may include monetary damages to cover expenses for your medical care, rehabilitative therapy, pain and suffering. In certain cases (such as drunk driver cases), compensation may also include monetary damages known as punitive damages. Our attorneys will speak with you in English or Spanish/Se Habla Español.

Important Information for Potential Clients

What Should You Do Immediately at the Accident Scene?

• Seek medical treatment if injured (Please do not delay urgent medical attention to gather evidence.).
• Take pictures of the accident scene and damage.
• Get witnesses’ names and numbers.
• Do not sign any forms until you have consulted with an experienced accident attorney.

Florida Bicycle Laws – Some relevant bicycle laws are below. For a complete list of Florida laws on bicycles see Florida Statute § 316.2065 or chapter 316 in general.

• In 2-way traffic: Bicycles should be driven as close as possible to the right-hand curb/edge. The only exceptions are (1) passing, (2) making a left turn, and (3) moving is reasonably necessary to avoid an object blocking the curb or the curb becomes too narrow.
• In 1-way traffic with 2 or more lanes: Bicycles should be driven as close as possible to the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway.
• Driving in the dark: A white front light and rear red reflectors are mandated by Florida statute. Bicycles must have a white light on the front that’s visible from a distance of at least 500 feet forward, and a rear red light reflector that’s visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear.
• Driving on sidewalks and crosswalks: A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the duties and rights of a pedestrian, but shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
• Helmets: Drivers under 16 years of age must wear a helmet that is (1) properly fitted, (2) fastened securely to the passenger’s head with a strap, and (3) meets nationally recognized standards of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z 90.4 Bicycle Helmet Standards), or the Snell Memorial Foundation (1984 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling) or any other nationally recognized standards adopted by the department.
• Helmet Use and Negligence: The failure of a person to wear a bicycle helmet or the failure of a parent or guardian to prevent a child from riding a bicycle helmet may not be considered as evidence of negligence or contributory negligence in personal injury lawsuits. FLA. STAT. 316.2065(19).
• Brakes: Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its rider to stop the bike within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement.