Santa Rosa County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Santa Rosa County Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycling can be an enjoyable way to get around Florida’s Gulf Coast. Navarre Beach, Gulf Breeze, and several other popular landmarks can be more fun to travel to and experience by bicycle. Yet, this picturesque landscape does not mean Santa Rosa County bicyclists face no danger. Bicycle accident laws and cases can be complicated, and this guide gives tips for how to hire a Santa Rosa County bicycle accident lawyer if you or someone you know is injured.

Riding Bicycles in Santa Rosa County, FL

In Florida, bicycles are treated the same as motor vehicles, giving riders the same rights as the driver of a car. As such, riders must adhere to the same rules as drivers by obeying traffic signals, minding road signs, and watching out for pedestrians. A bicycle must be equipped with a permanent seat, can only carry the number of passengers it’s built for, and riders must utilize bike lanes, or stay to the right of traffic.

At night, riders must use a single, white headlamp, visible from 500 feet, and a red taillight with a red reflector affixed to the rear of the bicycle, visible from 600 feet. All riders and passengers under the age of 16 must wear a helmet, and riders must adhere to all traffic rules. If a bicyclist is passing another cyclist, they must leave a minimum of three feet of clearance, and riders may carry passengers in a side-by-side configuration where bicycle lanes are wide enough.

Florida Bicycle Accidents and Insurance

Bicyclists in Florida may open an insurance claim through a no-fault insurance system, or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This PIP coverage comes from the motor vehicle driver’s insurance company and will cover most basic expenses related to the bicycle accident. However, serious injuries can exceed the limits of PIP coverage, resulting in the need to hire a bicycle accident lawyer to help get you the money you need.

As a general rule, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important that you file your claim within this window to be compensated. The legal team at Phil Hall, P.A., can ensure your claim is processed smoothly by helping you file on time and with supporting evidence to distinguish fault and the extent of damages.

Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

• Head trauma. The most serious injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even a mild crash can result in injury to the brain if the head is impacted. Per the American College of Surgeons, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of TBI by 48%, which is why adults are encouraged to wear helmets while riding in Santa Rosa County.
• Facial and dental injuries. These can happen if a rider flips over the bicycle’s handlebars during a collision.
• Soft tissue damage. This occurs when a rider is dragged across pavement, asphalt, or other hard surfaces during or after a collision.
• Lower extremity injuries. Ankles, knees, shins, or feet can be injured when a rider is pinned during an accident.
• Back and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from a rear-end collision, being thrown off a bicycle, or neck hyperextension.
• Internal organ injuries. Damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, or spleen can follow blunt force trauma to the torso.

Florida Bicycle Accident Information

• In 2023, Florida reported 8,418 bicycle accidents. Of those 8,418 accidents, 234 resulted in fatalities for bicyclists.
• This data is an increase from 2022, which shows 7301 bicycle accidents, 227 resulting in fatalities.
• Florida led the United States in 2024 with more cyclist deaths annually than any other state

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you are hurt in a bicycle accident, hiring a lawyer as soon as possible should be your top priority. A knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim, recovering your property, and getting medical expenses taken care of. You’ll want to connect with a lawyer familiar with Florida’s bicycle accident laws to determine who is at fault and to what compensation you are entitled.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement for a Bicycle Accident?

Data for bicycle accident settlements is not catalogued, so determining the average amount of a settlement is difficult. However, an insurance adjuster will value your accident based on the nature of your injuries and the medical treatment recommended by a doctor. They will determine who is at fault for the accident, and valuations for any property damages. If applicable, you will also be compensated for lost wages.

What Shouldn’t I Say to an Injury Lawyer?

It’s advised to keep your statements brief and factual when speaking to an injury lawyer. Do not admit fault or minimize your injuries. You also shouldn’t forgo medical treatment, even if you feel okay—allow a medical professional to determine the severity of your injuries. Avoid naming amounts or speculating what your settlement can be based on what others have told you, and allow a qualified lawyer to negotiate this for you.

How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accident compensation is determined by several factors, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, if you are injured in a bicycle accident, your settlement will include coverage of medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. An insurance adjuster will also determine “fault” for your accident. Per Florida Statute 768.81, if a rider is found to be at fault by 50% or more, they cannot recover damages.

Who Is at Fault if a Car Hits a Bicycle?

Florida statute 316.2065 treats bicycles like cars, giving riders the same rights and responsibilities as car drivers. If a bicyclist ignores traffic signals or lane markings, does not ride in the same direction as traffic, or fails to use signals when changing lanes or turning, they can be found partially or fully at fault if involved in an accident. Drivers can be found at fault if they fail to treat cyclists like fellow drivers on the road.

Speak With a Qualified Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Residents of Santa Rosa County deserve to enjoy the area’s many bike trails safely and securely, but accidents happen. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, contact the office of Phil Hall, P.A., so that we can review the details of your accident and help you get compensation for damages. We are familiar with Florida’s bicycle accident laws and can help you get what you’re entitled to as an injured cyclist.