Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Cyclists Deserve Full Protection Under the Law
Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation for cyclists — and Broward County ranks among the top 5 counties for bicycle fatalities statewide. When a negligent driver takes you down on A1A, Las Olas, or anywhere in Fort Lauderdale, Shiner Law Group fights for the full compensation every rider deserves.
2-Year Deadline to File
Florida's statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Evidence — surveillance footage, road conditions, witness accounts — disappears much faster. Act immediately.
Drivers Try to Blame the Cyclist
Insurance companies routinely argue the cyclist ran a stop sign, wasn't visible, or was in the wrong. Florida's comparative negligence rules make this tactic especially dangerous without an attorney.
Head Injuries Don't Always Appear Immediately
Head injuries account for 47% of all cycling injuries and 60% of cycling fatalities. Symptoms of TBI can take hours or days to appear. Seek medical care immediately — even if you feel okay.
Hit by a Car While Cycling? Here's What Cyclists Need to Know
Insurance companies will try to blame the cyclist and minimize the claim. Before you speak to any adjuster, watch this short video from our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys.
- Why 83% of bicycle fatalities are the driver's fault — not the cyclist's
- How Florida's PIP and no-fault laws apply to bicycle accidents
- What compensation cyclists may be entitled to recover
- How Shiner Law Group fights for injured cyclists in Fort Lauderdale
Florida Is the Most Dangerous State for Cyclists — Broward Is Ground Zero
Florida has ranked as the most dangerous state in the nation for cyclists for multiple consecutive years, according to combined 2022–2023 data from the Bicycle Accident Lawyers group. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 207 cyclist fatalities statewide in 2024 — and cycling deaths have increased 38% over the past decade despite awareness campaigns and modest infrastructure improvements.
Broward County is one of the top 5 Florida counties for cyclist fatalities and serious injuries, alongside Miami-Dade, Orange, Hillsborough, and Duval. In 2025, Broward recorded 978 bicycle crashes — nearly three every single day. What makes Fort Lauderdale especially dangerous is the combination of heavy tourist traffic, distracted drivers navigating unfamiliar roads, and cycling infrastructure that simply hasn't kept pace with growth.
The most alarming fact: 83% of fatal bicycle accidents in Florida are blamed on driver error — not the cyclist. Failure to yield, distracted driving, dooring, speeding, and impaired driving are the dominant causes. And yet, just 130 motorists were cited for violating Florida's 3-foot passing rule in all of 2024 — making legal accountability through civil claims the most reliable path to justice for injured riders.
Fort Lauderdale Office: 1041 W Commercial Blvd, STE 205, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 — Available 24/7 at (954) 999-9900
Most Dangerous Roads for Fort Lauderdale Cyclists
Common Bicycle Accident Scenarios in Fort Lauderdale
Every bicycle accident has its own cause and its own liable party. Our attorneys investigate all of them.
Car–Bicycle Collisions
The most common and deadly scenario — a driver fails to yield, changes lanes without checking, turns across a cyclist's path, or rear-ends a rider. In Fort Lauderdale, distracted and tourist drivers are the leading cause. Driver negligence is proven with police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony.
Dooring Incidents
A parked driver or passenger opens their door directly into a cyclist's path without checking mirrors or looking back. Florida law places responsibility on the person opening the door. Common on Las Olas, Broward Boulevard, and throughout Fort Lauderdale's commercial corridors with street parking.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Nearly 30% of Broward County crashes are hit-and-runs. The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act significantly increased criminal penalties for hit-and-run drivers who injure or kill cyclists. You may still recover through UM coverage or a subsequent identification of the driver.
Intersection Crashes
About 7% of all bicycle accidents occur at intersections — left-turn crashes, red light violations, failure to yield at crossings. Fort Lauderdale's tourist-heavy intersection at Sunrise and Andrews is particularly dangerous. Intersection accidents are among the most common wrongful death scenarios for cyclists.
Road Hazard Accidents
Potholes, cracked pavement, debris in bike lanes, missing drain covers, and construction defects can cause a cyclist to lose control and crash. Depending on the road, the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or FDOT may bear liability for inadequate maintenance.
DUI & Impaired Driver Crashes
Fort Lauderdale's active nightlife means DUI crashes are a consistent danger for cyclists riding at any hour. Drunk driving cases involving cyclist injuries or death may qualify for punitive damages in addition to standard compensation — significantly increasing total recovery.
Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Wide-turn accidents, backing delivery trucks, and commercial vehicles entering bike lanes without checking for cyclists are disproportionately deadly for bicycle riders. Fort Lauderdale's commercial corridors see constant delivery and service truck traffic throughout the day.
Rideshare Driver Accidents
Uber and Lyft drivers — distracted by their apps while accepting new rides — are a growing cause of bicycle accidents near tourist areas and nightlife hotspots. These cases may trigger Uber/Lyft's $1 million Phase 3 coverage for injured cyclists.
Fatal Bicycle Accidents
When a cyclist is killed by a negligent driver, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Florida's Wrongful Death Act allows spouses, children, and parents to recover for lost support, companionship, mental pain and suffering, and funeral expenses.
Your Legal Rights as a Cyclist Under Florida Law
Under Florida law, bicycles are legally classified as vehicles and have the same rights and duties as motor vehicles. This means cyclists can use the full road lane, have the right of way at intersections where they have the green light or right of way, and are protected from driver negligence by the same personal injury laws as car accident victims.
Florida Statute 316.083 requires drivers to give cyclists a minimum 3-foot buffer when passing. Despite this law being on the books since 2006, only 130 drivers were cited for violating it in all of 2024 across the entire state — making civil legal action the primary avenue for accountability when this rule is broken.
Florida's no-fault PIP insurance can cover your medical bills as an injured cyclist if you have a motor vehicle policy — up to $10,000 regardless of fault. If your injuries are serious (permanent injury, significant scarring, or death), you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue full compensation from the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, lost wages, and all other damages.
3-Foot Passing Rule
Drivers must provide at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist (Fla. Stat. § 316.083). Violation establishes negligence.
Cyclists Are Vehicles
Bicycles have all the rights and duties of motor vehicles on Florida roads — including the right of way and lane use.
Helmet Law
Required for riders 15 and under. Adults are not legally required to wear helmets — but not wearing one can affect comparative fault arguments.
Aaron Cohen Act
Dramatically increased criminal penalties for hit-and-run drivers who injure or kill cyclists or pedestrians in Florida.
Dooring Liability
Drivers and passengers must check for cyclists before opening doors (Fla. Stat. § 316.2005). Violation is the driver's liability.
2-Year Statute
Personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the accident under Florida Statute § 95.11. Evidence disappears fast.
Steps to Take After a Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident
Call 911 & Get a Police Report
Always have law enforcement document the scene — even for seemingly minor crashes. A police report is critical documentation for your insurance claim and any lawsuit. Get the report number before you leave.
Seek Emergency Medical Care Immediately
Head injuries, internal injuries, and spinal damage may not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline masks pain. Go to the ER or urgent care right away — and specifically tell them you were hit by a car while cycling.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Photos of the vehicle, driver's license plate, road conditions, bike lane markings (or absence of them), any visible injuries, and your damaged bicycle and gear. Your cycling gear is evidence — preserve it.
Get Witness Information
Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash. Bystander accounts often directly contradict what negligent drivers tell police and insurance companies.
Do NOT Admit Fault or Apologize
Even a casual "I'm sorry" can be used against you. Do not make any statement about fault to the driver, witnesses, or police beyond basic facts. Never sign anything at the scene.
Call Shiner Law Group Before Insurance
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company — including your own — before speaking with an attorney. Call (954) 999-9900 first. The consultation is free and it protects everything.
Bicycle Accident Injuries We Represent
When a car hits a cyclist, the human body absorbs the full force of impact with no protective shell around it. Head injuries alone account for 47% of all cycling injuries and 60% of cycling-related fatalities. The injuries are among the most serious in personal injury law.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, and skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and paralysis
- Broken bones — arms, wrists, collarbone, ribs, legs
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions requiring skin grafting
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Knee, hip, and shoulder injuries requiring surgery
- Facial injuries, lacerations, and disfigurement
- PTSD, anxiety, and psychological trauma
- Wrongful death
What Damages Can You Recover?
Florida law entitles injured cyclists to both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver's insurance — and from multiple parties if multiple defendants contributed to the crash.
Medical Expenses
All past and future hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs
Lost Wages
Income lost during recovery and permanently reduced earning capacity from lasting injuries
Pain & Suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of cycling and daily activities
Bicycle & Gear
Full repair or replacement value of your bicycle, helmet, clothing, and any other damaged equipment
Long-Term Care
Future medical needs, in-home assistance, adaptive equipment, and rehabilitation costs
Punitive Damages
Available in DUI cases and gross negligence — designed to punish the driver and increase total recovery
Comparative Negligence Warning: Insurers routinely argue the cyclist contributed to the accident — not wearing a helmet, running a stop sign, or being in the wrong lane. Under Florida's modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover if you're 50% or less at fault. Our attorneys aggressively counter these tactics to protect your full recovery.
Your Rights as an Injured Cyclist in Fort Lauderdale
Experienced bicycle accident attorneys fighting for riders throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County
Proven Track Record
Millions recovered for seriously injured clients across Florida. We build maximum-value bicycle accident cases and are not afraid to take them to trial against major insurance carriers.
See Our ResultsWe Fight Cyclist-Blaming Tactics
Insurance companies routinely blame riders. We counter with accident reconstruction, traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and an evidence-based case that places fault squarely on the negligent driver.
Learn MoreNo Win, No Fee
Zero upfront costs. We only collect a fee if and when we win compensation for you. There is no financial risk to getting started with your free case review today.
Learn More24/7 Availability
Bicycle accidents happen at all hours — dawn commuters, midday beach riders, and nighttime cyclists all face danger. Our Fort Lauderdale team is available around the clock.
Learn MoreOther Fort Lauderdale Injury Cases We Handle
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys handle all types of accident cases throughout Broward County.
Visit Shiner Law Group's Fort Lauderdale Office
Our Fort Lauderdale office serves bicycle accident victims throughout Broward County. Too injured to travel? We offer home and hospital consultations at no extra cost to injured cyclists.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Common Questions About Bicycle Accident Cases in Fort Lauderdale
Get clear answers about bicycle accident claims in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2. Seek emergency medical care immediately — Head, spinal, and internal injuries often aren't apparent right away.
3. Photograph everything — The vehicle, plate, road conditions, bike lane markings, your injuries, and your bike. Your gear is evidence — preserve it.
4. Get witness information — Names and numbers before people leave the scene.
5. Do NOT admit fault — Even a casual "I'm sorry" can be used against you.
6. Call Shiner Law Group before any insurer — (954) 999-9900. What you say first matters.
Submit a FREE Case Review
Send your free case evaluation directly to our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorneys
Submit Your Case Details
Tell us what happened, where the crash occurred, and how you were injured.
Case Detail Evaluation
Our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorneys review your case and assess all liable parties.
Fighting for You
We immediately begin building your maximum-value cycling accident claim.
Free Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Case Review
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Injured While Cycling in Fort Lauderdale?
Cyclists Have Full Legal Rights. We Enforce Them.
Shiner Law Group represents bicycle accident victims throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Florida is the most dangerous state for cyclists — you deserve aggressive representation. Free consultation 24/7, No Win, No Fee.