Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Hit while riding your bike in Miami? You’re not the only one being blamed. Drivers and insurance companies move fast to protect themselves, and often before you even know how serious your injuries are.

We step in right away. Our Miami bicycle accident attorneys handle the insurance company, protect your case, and help you understand what your next move should be, without pressure.

• No fees unless we win your case
• Available 24/7 — talk to our team anytime
• Offices across Florida, including Miami
• Serving injury victims since 1997
• Over $2 billion recovered for our clients

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Miami

What you do in the first hours and days matters more than most people think. Small mistakes can cost you later, especially when the insurance company starts building their case. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Call 911 and get a report
   Even if it feels minor, don’t skip this. Bicycle accidents often turn into “your word vs. theirs.” A police report helps document what actually happened before stories start changing.
2. Get medical care right away
   Cyclists are exposed, and injuries don’t always show up immediately. What feels minor can worsen later. In Florida, you generally need treatment within 14 days to use PIP benefits, so don’t wait.
3. Take photos and gather what you can
   If you can, document your bike, the vehicle, your injuries, and the road. Details like bike lanes, traffic signals, and impact points can later become key to proving fault.
4. Get driver info and look for witnesses
   Collect the driver’s details and insurance. If anyone saw the crash, get their contact info because witnesses often leave quickly, and bicycle cases can turn into “your word vs. theirs.”
5. Don’t admit fault or guess what happened
   Keep it simple at the scene. Fault in bicycle accidents is often disputed, and even casual statements can be used against you later.
6. Preserve your bike and gear
   Don’t repair or throw anything away yet. Damage to your bike, helmet, or clothing can help show how the crash happened and how serious it was.
7. Be careful with insurance calls
   They may contact you quickly. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept an offer before you understand your injuries and your options.
8. Track your symptoms and daily impact
   Write down pain, missed work, and how the injury affects your routine. Bicycle injuries often impact mobility and everyday life more than expected.
9. Get the crash report
   This becomes an important starting point for your claim and helps support your version of events.
10. Talk to a lawyer early
    Bicycle accident claims often involve blame-shifting. Getting guidance early helps protect your case and avoid mistakes that can affect your recovery.

These accident cases move fast, and small details matter. Taking the right steps early can make a real difference in how your case is handled and what you’re able to recover.

Challenges in Bicycle Accident Claims 

Bicycle accident claims are rarely simple. Even when the crash feels clear, these cases often turn into disputes, and insurance companies know how to take advantage of that.

Cyclists Are Often Blamed First

After a crash, drivers and insurers may quickly shift the blame onto you. They might argue you weren’t in a bike lane, weren’t visible, or came into traffic unexpectedly. In Florida, bicyclists have the right to use the road. Still, many cases turn into arguments about who caused the collision, and that can affect how much you recover.

Shared Fault Can Reduce What You Recover

Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re found partially responsible, your compensation can be reduced. If the blame shifts too far, it can impact your ability to recover at all. Insurance companies use this to their advantage, especially in bicycle cases where fault is not always obvious.

Evidence Is Often Limited

Bicycle accidents don’t always leave behind strong proof. There may be no camera footage, witnesses may leave, and the case can come down to your word against the driver’s. That’s why early documentation and how the case is handled from the start matter so much.

Injuries Are Easy to Question

Cyclists are exposed, and injuries can be serious, but they don’t always show up right away. People often wait before getting treatment, and insurance providers use that gap to argue the injuries are not related or not severe.

Insurance Companies Act Fast

After the crash, insurers may reach out quickly. They may ask for a statement or push a fast settlement before you understand the full impact of your injuries.

Their goal is to limit what they pay. One wrong step early on can affect your claim.

These challenges don’t mean you don’t have a case. They just mean your case needs to be handled the right way from the beginning with the right evidence, strategy, and approach.

See How We’ve Helped Clients Like You

A commercial truck failed to stop behind Oscar’s vehicle while he was driving with his wife and daughter, setting off a multi-vehicle chain reaction. Sorting out liability across several drivers took careful investigation. The case settled for more than $700,000. Read the full case.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in Miami

Bicycle accidents are not just common in Florida. They’re a growing concern, and Miami-Dade plays a significant role in those numbers.

Based on the 2024 Florida crash report, Florida recorded 9,325 bicycle crashes statewide. Miami-Dade County reported 1,001 of those crashes. That means Miami-Dade accounts for about 10.7% of all bicycle crashes in Florida, which is one of the highest shares for a single county.

Looking at severity:

• Fatalities: 20 in Miami-Dade out of 209 statewide, making ~9.6%
• Total injuries: 925 in Miami-Dade out of ~8,810 statewide, accounting for ~10.5%

In other words, roughly 1 in 10 bicycle crashes and injuries in Florida happen in Miami-Dade alone. Crashes are increasing statewide: up about 10.8% from 2023 to 2024. Miami-Dade also saw an increase, though smaller (+2.98%)

Serious injuries are rising, especially incapacitating injuries statewide (+14.9%). Fatalities dropped statewide, but increased in Miami-Dade (+5.26%).  Cyclists are especially vulnerable in these crashes, which is why injuries tend to be more severe than in typical car accidents. We often see head injuries, broken bones, fractures, road rash, and long-term mobility issues,  even in accidents that happen at relatively low speeds.

Why These Bicycle Accidents Happen

The numbers reflect what we see in real cases. Most common causes of bicycle accidents in Miami involve:

• Failure to yield, especially when turning
• Distracted driving, including rideshare and delivery traffic
• Unsafe passing, with not enough space given to cyclists
• Dooring accidents in areas with street parking
• Poor visibility or misjudging a cyclist’s speed

In many cases, it’s not one mistake: it’s a combination of traffic, timing, and driver inattention.

Where Bicycle Accidents Happen Most in Miami

The data aligns with high-risk areas across the city. We frequently see crashes in:

• Downtown Miami & Brickell — heavy congestion, constant turning vehicles (Biscayne Blvd, Brickell Ave, SE 2nd Ave)
• Miami Beach — mix of tourists, stop-and-go traffic (Collins Ave, Alton Road)
• Major corridors like US-1 (South Dixie Hwy) and Flagler Street — faster traffic, limited space for cyclists
• Wynwood & Midtown — dense activity, shared road space
• Intersections across the city — where most right-of-way disputes happen
• Parking-heavy streets — where dooring accidents are more common

When 1 in 10 accidents in the state happen here, and many occur in high-traffic, high-conflict areas, insurance companies are quick to argue. That’s why details like location, road layout, and timing often become critical in proving what really happened.

Bicycle Accident Laws in Florida 

After a bike accident, one of the biggest questions is: who had the right of way, and who’s responsible?

Florida law gives cyclists clear rights, but it also places certain duties on them. And when a crash happens, those rules directly affect your claim.

Cyclists Have the Right to Use the Road

In Florida, bicycles are generally treated as vehicles. That means you have the same rights as drivers in many situations. Drivers must:

• give cyclists space
• yield when required
• watch for bikes before turning or opening doors

At the same time, cyclists are expected to follow traffic signals and ride in a predictable, safe way. In real cases, though, it’s rarely that simple. Even when you’re following the rules, drivers may still argue you contributed to the crash.

Your Duties as a Bicyclist Matter in a Claim

Your actions before the accident can become part of the case. Insurance adjusters may look at things like:

• where you were riding (road vs. sidewalk vs. bike lane)
• whether you followed traffic signals
• visibility conditions at the time

This doesn’t automatically mean you’re at fault. But these details are often used to argue shared responsibility.

Florida’s Comparative Fault Rule Applies

As we’ve mentioned, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule.

What that means in practice that you can still recover compensation if you were partly at fault, but not more than 51% at fault.  Your recovery may be reduced based on your share of fault.

Serious Injuries Open the Door to a Full Claim

PIP coverage is limited. If your injuries are serious enough, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault party for additional damages. That can include full medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Whether your case qualifies depends on the nature of your injuries and how they affect your life.

Time Limits Apply to Bicycle Accident Claims

Florida Statutes of Limitations set deadlines for filing personal injury claims. In most negligence cases, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Waiting too long can limit your ability to recover compensation.

Bicycle accident claims are not just about what happened; they’re about how the law applies to those facts. That’s why these cases often require a closer look from the start.

Once you understand how the law works, the next step is looking at what your claim may actually be worth and how those damages are calculated.

Types of Compensation Available

The compensation you’re eligible to receive from your personal injury case depends on the nature and extent of your injuries. There are several types of damages from which you can seek compensation in a motor vehicle injury case:

• Economic: These are measurable losses with a monetary value. Common examples include medical expenses, rehabilitative care, property damage, lost wages, mental health treatment, and prescription medication.
• Non-Economic: These are intangible losses that affect a person’s well-being but have no direct monetary repercussions. Common examples include pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional trauma, scarring and disfigurement, amputation, and loss of companionship or consortium.
• Punitive: In rare cases involving gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded to hold the at-fault party accountable and discourage similar behavior. These are not tied to your direct losses and are subject to limits under Florida law.
• Wrongful Death: If a bicycle accident results in fatality, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional impact of that loss.

At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our bike injury lawyers will discuss the details of your case and give you an estimate based on similar cases that they’ve handled. 

Whose Insurance Pays After a Bicycle Accident in Florida?

After a bicycle collision, one of the biggest questions is: who actually pays for this?

The answer depends on how the crash happened and what insurance coverage is available, and it’s not always as straightforward as people expect.

Your Own PIP Insurance May Pay First

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your PIP insurance may cover some of your medical expenses, even if you were not driving a car.

This can apply depending on your coverage, such as your own auto insurance policy or a household member’s policy. There are important requirements, including seeking medical care within a limited time after the accident. Missing that window can affect your benefits.

The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance May Cover the Rest

If a driver caused the crash, their bodily injury liability insurance may be responsible for your damages. This can include remaining medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering (if injuries meet legal thresholds). This is where most bicycle accident claims focus on proving the driver was at fault and holding their insurance accountable.

What If the Driver Has No Insurance?

This happens more often than people think. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options through your own UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) or a household policy that extends to you. These policies are designed for situations exactly like this.

Depending on how the accident happened, there may be additional insurance involved. Each situation changes how the claim is handled. And insurance companies will look for ways to minimize what they pay, even when coverage exists.

Understanding which insurance applies is just the first step. The next question is how much your claim may actually be worth and how to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

How Our Miami Bike Accident Lawyers Help, Step by Step

After an accident, it can feel like everything hits at once. You may be in pain, missing work, dealing with medical appointments, and getting calls from the insurance company before you even know how serious your injuries are. That’s where we step in.

1. We listen to what happened and explain your options
   Your case starts with a conversation. We listen to what happened, ask the right questions, and help you understand whether you may have a claim. We also explain what to expect, what to avoid, and what the next steps may look like.
2. We step in between you and the insurance company
   You should not have to deal with adjusters while you are trying to recover. Our personal injury attorneys take over communication with the insurance providers, so you are not pressured into giving statements, signing forms, or accepting less than your case may be worth.
3. We gather the evidence before it disappears
   Bike accident cases often come down to details. Our investigators work to collect the crash report, photos, witness information, medical records, and any other evidence that can help show how the accident happened and who was at fault.
4. We build your case around the full impact of the crash
   This is not just about one emergency room bill. We look at how the accident has affected your health, your work, your daily routine, and your future. That includes medical treatment, lost income, pain, and the ways the injury has changed your life.
5. We deal with fault arguments and blame-shifting
   Drivers and insurers often try to blame the cyclist. They may say you were hard to see, outside the bike lane, or partly responsible. Our experienced Miami bicycle accident lawyers push back with facts, evidence, and a clear strategy to protect your side of the story.
6. We identify all available insurance coverage
   These cases are not always as simple as filing one claim. We look at what coverage may apply, whether through PIP, the at-fault driver’s insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, or other policies that may come into play.
7. We handle the negotiation for you
   Insurance companies do not usually offer fair compensation right away. We negotiate on your behalf and present the evidence in a way that supports the full value of your claim, not just the amount the insurer wants to pay quickly.
8. We prepare your case as if it may need to go further
   Some claims settle. Others need more pressure. From the start, we handle your case with that in mind, so you are in a stronger position if the insurance company refuses to do the right thing.

You focus on getting better. We handle the legal side. We stay in touch, explain where things stand, and make sure you have answers when you need them.

Our job is to protect your claim, take the pressure off you, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward. While every case is different, we work to put you in the strongest position possible from day one.

You don’t have to take our word for it. See how our bike accident attorneys have helped others in situations similar to yours and what they had to say about working with our team.

Get Expert Representation from a Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer

After a bicycle accident, the stress adds up fast — medical bills, missed work, and insurance companies already looking for ways to pay less. You don’t have to deal with that on your own.

We step in early, handle the insurance company, and build your case the right way so you can focus on getting better. From the first call, we give you clear answers and a plan — no pressure, just guidance on what makes sense for your situation.

You can meet us at our Miami office at 150 SE 2nd Ave, Suite 338, Miami, FL 33131, or we can talk by phone or come to you if needed. We’re available 24/7, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Call today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about what happened and what your next step should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sue if you get hit by a car on a bike?

Yes, if you’ve been hit by a car while riding a bike, you may be eligible for compensation related to your injuries. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we’ve helped over 32,000 injury victims obtain justice by holding negligent parties accountable and awarding victims the maximum compensation they’re owed under Florida law. Our case results speak for themselves.

Does car insurance cover bicycle accidents?

In no-fault states like Florida, car insurance typically covers cyclists injured in accidents with motorists through uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection. Additionally, cyclists may be covered by personal health insurance or bicycle-specific coverage through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.

In Florida, drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). The state requires initial claims to be filed through the policyholder’s insurance. Due to the high rate of uninsured drivers in Florida, uninsured motorist coverage is highly advisable. When filing an insurance claim, cyclists must have made contact with the at-fault vehicle, and a police report must be filed.