Bicycle Accident Lawyer Palm Beach County

Cyclists in Palm Beach County often share the road with distracted or reckless drivers, putting them at risk for severe injuries. At Weston & Pape, our bicycle accident lawyers fight for the rights of injured riders and work to secure full compensation for their medical bills, rehabilitation, and other damages. We understand the challenges cyclists face when seeking fair treatment from insurance companies and will advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Let our experienced team handle your case while you focus on recovery. Contact Weston & Pape today at 866-943-4021 for a free consultation.

Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

Cycling is a popular activity in Palm Beach County, offering exercise, transportation, and recreation. However, sharing the road with motor vehicles and navigating busy streets can create significant risks for bicyclists. Accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and long-term disability. When a bicycle accident occurs due to another person’s negligence, Florida law allows injured cyclists to pursue compensation for their losses.

Recovering damages after a bicycle crash requires understanding your legal rights, gathering evidence, and taking the proper steps to protect your claim. While each accident is unique, there are general guidelines that can help injured bicyclists navigate the process.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

The first step after any bicycle accident is to address your health. Even if injuries appear minor, it is essential to seek prompt medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or ligament damage, may not be obvious right away. Immediate treatment ensures your health is prioritized and establishes a documented medical record linking your injuries to the accident.

Medical records serve as critical evidence in a personal injury claim. They detail the type and extent of injuries, the treatment provided, and the anticipated recovery. Delaying medical attention can raise questions about the severity of the injuries, which may affect the amount of compensation you can recover.

Report the Accident

In Florida, bicyclists involved in accidents should report the incident to law enforcement if there is injury, death, or property damage over $500. Filing a police report creates an official record that can help establish the facts of the accident. Include details such as the date, time, location, and circumstances surrounding the crash.

If the accident occurred on private property, inform the property owner or manager about the incident. Provide a factual account of what happened without admitting fault. Proper reporting helps protect your legal rights and provides documentation that may be useful in insurance or legal proceedings.

Document the Scene and Collect Evidence

Gathering evidence immediately after a bicycle accident is crucial. Take photographs or videos of the scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, signals, and any obstacles that may have contributed to the crash. Capture images of your bicycle, helmet, and personal property that was damaged.

Collect contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements can be instrumental in confirming details and supporting your claim. Evidence collected promptly is more reliable, as conditions can change, and memories can fade over time.

Identify the Responsible Party

Determining who caused the accident is a key component of a personal injury claim. In Florida, liability may fall on a motor vehicle driver, property owner, or another individual whose negligence contributed to the crash.

Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

Drivers failing to yield the right of way
Distracted driving, such as using a phone while driving
Running red lights or stop signs
Speeding or reckless driving
Poorly maintained roads or hazards like potholes and debris

Identifying the responsible party allows you to hold them accountable for their actions and seek compensation for your losses.

Understand Florida Bicycle Laws

Florida law provides specific rules for bicyclists, including the right to use the road safely and the obligation to follow traffic signals and signs. Understanding these regulations is important when pursuing a claim, as comparative negligence may affect the outcome. Florida follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. For example, if a bicyclist is found to be 20% responsible for a crash, their compensation will be reduced by that percentage.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After a bicycle accident, contact your own insurance provider, such as health or bicycle insurance, and inform them of the incident. If a motor vehicle was involved, the driver’s auto insurance may also be relevant. Provide basic facts without admitting fault. Insurance companies often investigate claims thoroughly, and anything you say may be used to limit compensation.

Consulting with an attorney before speaking to insurers can help protect your rights. Lawyers can manage communication with insurance adjusters and ensure that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that does not fully cover your damages.

Calculate the Damages

Recoverable compensation after a bicycle accident can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses, such as:

Medical expenses, including hospital visits, surgery, medications, and therapy
Lost wages due to missed work or reduced earning capacity
Repair or replacement of a damaged bicycle and personal property
Costs for transportation related to medical appointments

Non-economic damages address the physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident. In cases of permanent injury or long-term disability, compensation may also account for future medical care and lifestyle changes.

Gather Professional Support

In some bicycle accidents, expert testimony may be necessary to strengthen a claim. Accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or road safety experts can provide valuable insight into how the accident occurred and the severity of the injuries. These professionals can offer objective evidence that supports your version of events and helps establish liability.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Bicycle accident claims can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies or multiple parties. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Palm Beach County can guide you through the legal process, evaluate your case, and help pursue fair compensation.

An attorney can assist with:

Investigating the accident and collecting evidence
Communicating with insurance companies and responsible parties
Calculating current and future damages accurately
Filing a lawsuit if necessary and representing you in court

Having professional legal support can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome and reduce the stress of navigating the claims process on your own.

Know the Statute of Limitations

In Florida, personal injury claims must generally be filed within four years from the date of the accident. Failing to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation. Acting promptly ensures that your claim is preserved and that critical evidence remains available.

Get Back on Track With an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured while cycling in Palm Beach County, Florida, the bicycle accident attorneys at Weston & Pape are ready to help you fight for justice. We know how devastating these accidents can be and the challenges victims face when dealing with insurers and medical expenses. Our team is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. You shouldn’t have to face recovery alone—let us handle the legal burdens while you focus on healing. Call 866-943-4021 today for a free consultation with a dedicated bicycle accident attorney.