Bicycle Accident Lawyer Boca Raton, FL

A cyclist riding along A1A, through downtown on Federal Highway, or to class at Florida Atlantic University can be seriously hurt in a split second when a driver turns, merges, or passes too close. A bicycle accident lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can explain how insurance applies to cyclists, prove that the driver broke the rules of the road, and pursue full compensation. Jacobson Injury Firm represents injured cyclists throughout Boca Raton and southern Palm Beach County. Contact the firm for a free consultation.

How Bicycle Accident Claims Work in Florida

Under Florida Statute 316.2065, a person riding a bicycle generally has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle. Drivers must share the road with cyclists, and cyclists must follow traffic laws.

Insurance for a cyclist hit by a car often starts with Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Under Florida Statute 627.736, a vehicle owner’s PIP covers the owner and resident relatives who are struck by a motor vehicle while not riding in a self-propelled vehicle, which includes riding a bicycle. A Florida resident with no household PIP may be covered by the PIP on the vehicle that hit them.

PIP generally pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost income, up to $10,000, and treatment must begin within 14 days. When the injury is permanent or causes significant scarring, the cyclist can pursue the at-fault driver for the rest of the losses, including pain and suffering.

Where Bicycle Accidents Happen in Boca Raton

Boca Raton is popular with road cyclists, commuters, and students, and its streets carry heavy car traffic. City crash data covering 2018 through 2023, reported by The Coastal Star, found that bicyclists were involved in 8% of all crashes in the city. The report also found that the risk for people walking and biking in Boca Raton is higher than in Florida generally.

A1A is a favorite ride along the coast, but its narrow stretches leave little room when cars pass. Downtown, Federal Highway and Palmetto Park Road carry turning traffic across bike lanes. In one reported fatal crash, a pickup turning right from North Federal Highway onto East Palmetto Park Road struck a cyclist riding in the bike lane.

The El Rio Trail, a 4.8-mile paved path along the El Rio Canal near FAU and the Tri-Rail station, gives riders a car-free route. Crossings where the trail meets busy roads still require care from both drivers and cyclists.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Boca Raton

Jacobson Injury Firm handles bicycle accident claims involving:

• “Right hook” crashes, where a driver turns right across a cyclist’s path
• Left-turning drivers who fail to yield to an oncoming cyclist
• Drivers who pass closer than 3 feet or sideswipe a rider
• “Dooring,” when a parked driver opens a door into a bike lane
• Drivers pulling out of driveways and parking lots without looking
• Hit-and-run drivers who leave an injured cyclist behind
• Drunk or impaired drivers

What Compensation Can an Injured Cyclist Recover?

Cyclists have little protection in a crash, so injuries are often serious. Common injuries include broken bones and fractures, road rash, and traumatic brain injuries. An injured cyclist may seek:

• Medical expenses beyond PIP, including future treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Repair or replacement of the bicycle and gear
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life

The 3-Foot Rule, Bicycle Laws, and Partial Fault

Several Florida rules often decide who was at fault in a bicycle crash:

• 3-foot passing rule. Under Florida Statute 316.083, a driver passing a bicycle, electric bicycle, or other nonmotorized vehicle in the same lane or in a bike lane must leave at least 3 feet of space. This does not apply when the cyclist is in a separated bike lane.
• Lane position. A cyclist riding slower than traffic should use a bike lane or ride as close as practicable to the right edge, with exceptions for passing, preparing for a left turn, and avoiding hazards.
• Riding two abreast. Cyclists may ride no more than two abreast, except on a bicycle path, and may not impede traffic.
• Lights at night. Between sunset and sunrise, a bicycle needs a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector and red rear light visible from 600 feet.
• Helmets for riders under 16. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the federal standard. Florida law does not require adult cyclists to wear one.
• A cyclist on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrian, must yield to people walking, and must give an audible signal before passing them.

Drivers and insurers often claim that a cyclist “came out of nowhere,” rode without lights, or was not wearing a helmet. Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule in Florida Statute 768.81, a person found more than 50% at fault for their own injuries recovers nothing. A cyclist who is 50% at fault or less can still recover, reduced by their share of fault.

An adult cyclist who was not wearing a helmet has not broken Florida law, but an insurer may still argue that a helmet would have reduced a head injury. A bicycle accident lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can use crash reports, video, and bicycle damage to show how close the driver passed and who had the right of way. The firm’s guide to comparative fault explains this rule further.

What Should You Do After a Boca Raton Bicycle Accident?

If it is safe to do so, an injured cyclist should:

• Call 911. Florida Statute 316.065 requires crashes involving injury to be reported, and a police report records the driver’s insurance.
• Get medical care within 14 days. PIP medical benefits depend on it. The nearest Level I trauma center for southern Palm Beach County is Delray Medical Center.
• Keep the bike and helmet. Do not repair or discard them. The damage can show the point and force of impact.
• Save ride data. GPS apps and bike cameras can record speed, route, and the moment of the crash.
• Document the scene. Photograph the vehicle, lane markings, and injuries, and get witness contact information.
• Request the crash report from the Boca Raton Police Services Department.

How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Florida?

Under Florida Statute 95.11, most negligence claims, including bicycle accident claims, must be filed within two years. Florida shortened this deadline from four years to two for claims arising after March 24, 2023.

Video from nearby businesses and traffic cameras can be erased within days, so early action helps. The firm’s overview of the Florida statute of limitations covers exceptions.

No Fee Unless We Win

Jacobson Injury Firm handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost, and no attorney fee is owed unless the firm recovers compensation.

The firm represents injured people only. Clients speak directly with attorney Adam Jacobson, who is licensed in Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Illinois. He prepares each case as if it may go to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PIP cover a cyclist hit by a car in Florida?

Often, yes. A cyclist with PIP on a household vehicle is usually covered when struck by a motor vehicle. A Florida resident without household PIP may be covered by the PIP on the vehicle that hit them.

Do adults have to wear a bicycle helmet in Florida?

No. Florida Statute 316.2065 requires helmets only for riders and passengers under 16. Not wearing a helmet does not bar an adult’s claim, though an insurer may raise it.

What if a driver passed me closer than 3 feet?

Florida Statute 316.083 requires drivers to leave at least 3 feet when passing a cyclist. A driver who violated this rule may be found negligent, which can strengthen the cyclist’s claim.

Can I recover if I was riding on the sidewalk?

Yes. Florida allows sidewalk riding in many places, and a cyclist on a sidewalk has the rights of a pedestrian. Drivers leaving driveways and parking lots must still watch for them.

How much does a bicycle accident lawyer cost?

Jacobson Injury Firm works on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay nothing upfront, and there is no attorney fee unless money is recovered.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Boca Raton, FL

Cyclists have every right to use Boca Raton’s roads safely. A bicycle accident lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can review the crash, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue full compensation. Call (561) 567-7163 or contact Jacobson Injury Firm today to schedule a free consultation.