Bike & Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Florida
When a bicycle or pedestrian accident leaves you injured and facing mounting medical bills, you need legal advocates who understand both the complex traffic laws protecting vulnerable road users and the unique challenges facing cyclists and pedestrians in Florida’s car-centric transportation system. At Lowman Law Firm, our Florida bike and pedestrian accident attorneys have spent over two decades helping injured cyclists, walkers, and their families secure the compensation they deserve while navigating the intricate world of traffic liability, insurance coverage disputes, and the severe injuries that often result from collisions between vehicles and unprotected road users.
Operating from our pedestrian and cyclist-accessible offices in Brooksville at 31 S Main St, Spring Hill at 11029 Spring Hill Dr, Dade City at 14233 7th St, Crystal River at 600 SE US Hwy 19, and Inverness at 508 W Main St, we serve injured cyclists and pedestrians throughout Central Florida. With Florida ranking as the third most dangerous state for pedestrians and cyclists, experiencing over 9,192 pedestrian accidents and 8,310 bicycle accidents in 2024 alone resulting in 749 fatalities, having knowledgeable legal representation can make the difference between a fair settlement and financial hardship when facing powerful insurance companies and their teams of attorneys.
Understanding Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Crisis
Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrians and cyclists, a tragic distinction that reflects the state’s car-centric infrastructure, rapid population growth, and challenging traffic conditions. Understanding the legal framework protecting vulnerable road users is crucial for securing fair compensation after an accident.
Florida’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Laws
Bicycle Rights and Responsibilities
Florida law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators when using roadways. Cyclists must follow traffic laws, signal turns, and ride as far right as practicable, except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards. Understanding these laws is crucial for establishing fault in accident cases.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way Rules
Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks and at intersections, but they must also exercise reasonable care for their safety. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians anywhere on the roadway.
Three-Foot Passing Law
Florida requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. Violations of this law often form the basis for negligence claims in bicycle accident cases.
Vulnerable Road User Protections
Recent Florida legislation has enhanced protections for pedestrians and cyclists, including increased penalties for drivers who injure or kill vulnerable road users and requirements for driver education about sharing the road safely.
Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Florida’s unique traffic environment creates specific risks for cyclists and pedestrians that our attorneys encounter regularly throughout Central Florida:
Driver Inattention and Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Drivers using cell phones, adjusting GPS systems, or engaging in other distracting activities often fail to see cyclists and pedestrians until it’s too late to avoid collisions.
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or cyclists in bike lanes. This is particularly common at intersections where drivers are focused on vehicle traffic and fail to look for pedestrians and cyclists.
Aggressive and Impatient Driving
Some drivers exhibit hostility toward cyclists and pedestrians, engaging in aggressive behaviors like honking, yelling, or dangerous passing maneuvers. This “road rage” toward vulnerable users often leads to serious accidents.
Poor Infrastructure and Road Design
Many Florida roads lack adequate sidewalks, bike lanes, or pedestrian crossing facilities. Poor lighting, inadequate signage, and dangerous intersections create hazardous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.
Left-Turn Accidents
Drivers making left turns at intersections frequently strike cyclists and pedestrians who have the right-of-way. These accidents often result from drivers misjudging the speed or distance of approaching cyclists or failing to see pedestrians in crosswalks.
Dooring Incidents
Cyclists are vulnerable to “dooring” accidents when parked car occupants open doors into bike lanes or traffic without checking for approaching cyclists. These sudden obstacles can cause serious injuries even at relatively low speeds.
Hit-and-Run Crashes
Florida experiences a high rate of hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. According to recent statistics, 76% of hit-and-run fatalities involve pedestrians or cyclists, with most accidents occurring at night, dusk, or dawn.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug-impaired drivers pose significant threats to pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during evening hours and weekends. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced ability to judge distances and speeds.
Visibility Issues
Florida’s frequent rain, fog, and bright sunlight can reduce visibility for both drivers and vulnerable road users. Many accidents occur during low-light conditions when pedestrians and cyclists are harder to see.
Types of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle
Bicycle Accident Cases
Intersection Collisions: Accidents at intersections represent the most common type of bicycle crash, often involving drivers failing to yield right-of-way or making improper turns.
Hit-and-Run Accidents: When drivers flee the scene after striking cyclists, we work with law enforcement and use investigative resources to identify responsible parties.
Dooring Accidents: Cases involving parked car doors opened into the path of cyclists, causing serious injuries when riders strike doors or swerve into traffic.
Bike Lane Violations: Accidents caused by drivers illegally using bike lanes, blocking bicycle facilities, or failing to check bike lanes before turning.
Group Ride Accidents: Collisions involving multiple cyclists during organized rides or recreational cycling groups.
Pedestrian Accident Cases
Crosswalk Accidents: Collisions occurring when pedestrians are lawfully using marked crosswalks and drivers fail to yield right-of-way.
Intersection Accidents: Pedestrian strikes at intersections, including cases involving pedestrian signals, turning vehicles, and complex traffic patterns.
Sidewalk and Walkway Accidents: Cases where vehicles strike pedestrians on sidewalks, in parking lots, or other pedestrian areas.
School Zone Accidents: Accidents involving children and adult pedestrians in school zones where enhanced safety measures are required.
Parking Lot Incidents: Pedestrian accidents in shopping centers, business districts, and other commercial parking areas.
Fatal Accidents
When bicycle or pedestrian accidents result in death, families may pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their devastating losses. Learn more about our wrongful death attorney services for traffic fatalities.
Understanding Liability in Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Cases
Determining fault in bicycle and pedestrian accidents requires careful analysis of traffic laws, road conditions, and the actions of all parties involved:
Driver Liability
Motor vehicle operators have enhanced duties to exercise care around pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers can be held liable for accidents caused by speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or other traffic violations.
Comparative Negligence
Florida’s modified comparative negligence system allows recovery even when pedestrians or cyclists bear some responsibility for accidents, as long as they are less than 51% at fault. Common comparative negligence issues include jaywalking, cycling against traffic, or violating traffic signals.
Government Liability
Municipalities and state agencies may be liable for accidents caused by dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, poor intersection design, or failure to maintain safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Property Owner Liability
Private property owners may be responsible for accidents occurring on their premises, including inadequate lighting in parking lots, blocked walkways, or dangerous driveway configurations.
Product Liability
Defective vehicle components, bicycle parts, or safety equipment may contribute to accidents, creating potential claims against manufacturers or retailers.
Compensation Available in Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Cases
Due to the severity of injuries common in collisions between vehicles and unprotected road users, compensation in these cases is often substantial:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries
- Property Damage: Bicycle repairs or replacement, damaged personal belongings, clothing
- Future Medical Care: Long-term treatment, assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing therapy
- Transportation Costs: Medical appointments, specialized treatment, alternative transportation
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
- Emotional Distress: Psychological trauma, anxiety about walking or cycling
- Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in recreational activities and exercise
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent changes to appearance from severe injuries
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on family relationships and companionship
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, such as hit-and-run accidents or aggressive driving toward cyclists, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Immediate Steps After a Florida Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident
The actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your safety, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Call 911 and get emergency medical care, even if injuries seem minor
- Stay at the Scene: Don’t leave the accident location unless directed by emergency responders
- Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and injuries
- Identify the Driver: Get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident
- Report to Police: Ensure law enforcement responds and files an accident report
- Preserve Evidence: Keep damaged clothing, safety equipment, and personal belongings
- Record Details: Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s fresh in your memory
- Contact Our Office: Call (352) 796-0016, (352) 540-7777, (352) 437-7777, (352) 651-1111, or (352) 617-7777 before giving statements to insurance companies
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Stick to factual observations when speaking with police and avoid speculation about cause
Learn more about what you need to do after a pedestrian or bicycle accident and you are a pedestrian hit by a car what to do.
How Lowman Law Firm Can Help You After An Accident
Common Injuries in Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
The lack of protection for cyclists and pedestrians means that accidents with motor vehicles often result in severe, life-changing injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head trauma is common in bicycle and pedestrian accidents, even when helmets are worn. These injuries can cause long-lasting cognitive impairment, personality changes, and require extensive rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact forces in vehicle-pedestrian and vehicle-bicycle collisions can cause severe spinal cord damage, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis requiring lifelong medical care.
Orthopedic Injuries
Broken bones, particularly complex fractures of the legs, arms, pelvis, and ribs, are extremely common. Multiple fractures often require numerous surgeries and extensive physical therapy.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding, organ dysfunction, and life-threatening complications requiring emergency surgery.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Road rash, lacerations, and soft tissue damage can cause permanent scarring and require multiple surgeries including skin grafts and reconstructive procedures.
Psychological Trauma
Many accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety about walking or cycling, and depression that can significantly impact quality of life and require professional treatment.
Fatal Injuries
Tragically, many bicycle and pedestrian accidents result in death due to the massive forces involved when unprotected individuals are struck by motor vehicles.
Working with Insurance Companies in Bicycle and Pedestrian Cases
Insurance companies often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts in cases involving vulnerable road users:
Common Insurance Company Strategies
- Victim Blaming: Insurers frequently argue that pedestrians or cyclists contributed to their own injuries by violating traffic laws or failing to exercise reasonable care.
- Minimizing Injuries: Companies often dispute the severity of injuries or argue that pre-existing conditions contributed to the extent of harm.
- Quick Settlement Pressure: Insurers may offer fast, low settlements before the full extent of injuries and damages is known.
- Coverage Disputes: Insurance companies may dispute whether their policies cover particular types of accidents or damages.
- Surveillance: Some insurers conduct surveillance of injury victims to find evidence that contradicts claimed limitations.
How Our Attorneys Protect Your Rights
Our Florida bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers understand insurance company tactics and fight aggressively to ensure fair compensation. We conduct thorough investigations, work with expert witnesses, and prepare every case for trial to maximize your recovery.
Our Florida Offices Serving Accident Victims Statewide
Brooksville Office
31 S Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 796-0016
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We’re Your “Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me”
What Sets Our Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Practice Apart
Understanding of Vulnerable Road User Rights
Bicycle and pedestrian accident cases require specialized knowledge of traffic laws, road design standards, and the unique vulnerabilities facing non-motorized road users. Our attorneys stay current with evolving legislation and safety research.
Local Infrastructure Knowledge
Our Central Florida location gives us intimate knowledge of dangerous intersections, inadequate bike facilities, and pedestrian hazards throughout the region. We understand the infrastructure challenges that contribute to accidents in each community we serve.
Network of Expert Witnesses
We work with traffic safety experts, accident reconstruction specialists, urban planners, and medical professionals who understand the unique aspects of bicycle and pedestrian accidents and can effectively present complex evidence.
Experience with Complex Liability
These cases often involve multiple parties, including drivers, government entities, and property owners. Our attorneys understand how to identify all potential sources of compensation and build comprehensive cases.
Trial-Ready Approach
While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every bicycle and pedestrian accident case for trial. This preparation demonstrates our commitment to fighting for fair compensation and often motivates better settlement offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
What should I do if I’m hit while walking or cycling?
Seek immediate medical attention, document the scene and your injuries, get the driver’s information, and contact an attorney before giving statements to insurance companies. Quick action is crucial for preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Florida’s modified comparative negligence law allows recovery if you were less than 51% at fault, though your compensation may be reduced proportionally. Many actions that seem like “fault” may actually be legal under traffic laws.
What if the driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in Florida. We work with law enforcement and use investigative resources to identify fleeing drivers. Your own insurance may also provide coverage through uninsured motorist benefits.
Do I need to wear a helmet while cycling?
Florida doesn’t require helmets for adult cyclists, but helmet use can affect injury severity and potentially impact damage awards. However, not wearing a helmet doesn’t prevent you from recovering compensation.
Can I sue the city for dangerous road conditions?
Government entities may be liable for accidents caused by dangerous road design, poor maintenance, inadequate signage, or failure to provide safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
What if I was hit in a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way in crosswalks, and drivers who strike pedestrians in crosswalks are typically liable for resulting injuries, even if the pedestrian was slightly careless.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years, but earlier action is important for preserving evidence and witness testimony.
What if the driver claims they didn’t see me?
“I didn’t see them” is not a legal defense. Drivers have a duty to maintain proper lookout and avoid striking pedestrians and cyclists. Failure to see vulnerable road users often indicates negligent driving.
Why Florida Residents Trust Lowman
- Statewide Knowledge, Local Expertise – With offices throughout Central Florida, we understand the unique challenges facing drivers across the Sunshine State. From I-4’s notorious reputation as one of America’s deadliest highways to the tourist-heavy corridors of US-19 and the rural dangers of State Road 60, our attorneys know where accidents happen and why. Florida’s population of over 22 million residents, combined with millions of annual visitors, creates a complex driving environment that requires local legal knowledge. Our understanding of Florida’s diverse geography, from urban Miami-Dade County’s 59,978 annual crashes to the rural highways of North Florida, helps us build stronger cases and achieve better outcomes for our clients.
- Two Decades of Excellence – Our firm’s commitment to car accident victims spans more than 20 years, during which we’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured drivers and passengers throughout Florida. We’ve helped families rebuild their lives after devastating crashes, ensuring they receive the medical care and financial support they need during recovery. With Florida experiencing over 331,000 crashes annually and ranking third nationally for accident frequency, our track record of success provides the advocacy you need.
- Personalized, Compassionate Representation – At Lowman Law Firm, we believe every client deserves individual attention and respect. We take the time to understand your unique situation, explain your legal options clearly, and keep you informed throughout every step of the legal process. Whether you’re a longtime Florida resident or a visitor injured while enjoying our state’s attractions, you’ll never feel like just another case number with our team.
Contact Us for Your Free Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident Consultation
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist in Florida, don’t delay seeking legal representation. The complex liability issues and powerful insurance company opposition make immediate consultation essential for protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation.
Available 24/7 for your free consultation:
- Brooksville: (352) 796-0016
- Spring Hill: (352) 540-7777
- Dade City: (352) 437-7777
- Crystal River: (352) 651-1111
- Inverness: (352) 617-7777
At Lowman Law Firm, we understand that bicycle and pedestrian accidents can permanently change your life in an instant. Whether you were following all traffic laws or made a minor mistake, you deserve fair compensation for injuries caused by negligent drivers. We’re here to fight for your rights while working to make our roads safer for everyone.
Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today and let our decades of personal injury knowledge work for you during this challenging time.
For additional information about pedestrian and bicycle safety and your legal rights, visit our personal injury resources page or explore our comprehensive FAQ section. You can also read about why Florida’s bicycle accident injuries deaths are highest in the nation and 7 common reasons for pedestrian accidents.
