Getting hit by a car while riding your bike can change everything in an instant. Alongside the physical pain, you may be facing medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about what to do next. While the driver may clearly be at fault, knowing how to hold them accountable isn’t always simple.
Florida law does give injured cyclists the right to seek compensation—but building a strong claim takes more than proving you were hit. Our St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyers will advocate for your legal rights early on - making all the difference in protecting your recovery and moving forward with confidence.
When Can You Sue After a Bike Accident?
If you were seriously injured in a bicycle crash caused by a driver’s carelessness, you may have grounds for legal action. Florida law gives injured cyclists the right to seek compensation in certain circumstances—especially when the harm goes beyond what personal injury protection (PIP) covers.
Florida consistently reports the highest number of bicycle fatalities in the country. In a recent year, the state recorded over 65,000 bicycle accidents and 177 cyclist deaths. Its per capita death rate for bicyclists remains significantly higher than the national average—highlighting just how dangerous the roads can be for riders.
You may be eligible to file a claim when:
- The driver broke traffic laws, such as running a red light or failing to yield
- Your injuries are severe or have lasting effects
- The driver was under the influence, distracted, or driving aggressively
- The crash caused significant disruptions to your health, income, or quality of life
Common Driver Mistakes That Lead to Bike Accidents

Many bicycle accidents are caused by driver error. As cycling has grown more popular—especially since the pandemic—more riders are sharing the road with cars, increasing the risk of collisions. When a driver fails to drive with reasonable care and injures a cyclist, it may support a personal injury claim.
Common driver behaviors that lead to bike crashes include:
Failure to yield: Drivers may not stop or yield to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks, even when the cyclist has the right of way. This often happens at stop signs, right turns on red, or during lane merges—putting cyclists directly in harm’s way.
Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, talking to passengers, or adjusting in-car controls can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even a brief distraction can cause a driver to overlook a cyclist riding nearby, especially in low-visibility areas or during heavy traffic.
Unsafe passing: Motorists who pass too closely or veer into bike lanes fail to give cyclists the safe distance required by law. This behavior can force cyclists off the road or cause collisions, especially when there’s no shoulder or room to maneuver.
Opening doors without checking: Drivers or passengers in parked cars can seriously injure cyclists by opening a door into their path—a scenario known as “dooring.” This often happens in urban areas where bikes share the road with parked vehicles.
Speeding: Excess speed reduces a driver’s ability to see cyclists, react to sudden movements, or stop in time to avoid a crash. The force of impact is also significantly greater, leading to more severe injuries in speeding-related collisions.
Impaired driving: Drugs or alcohol impair a driver’s coordination, reaction time, and ability to judge distance and speed. Cyclists are especially vulnerable to impaired drivers, who may drift into bike lanes or fail to recognize cyclists altogether.
How Florida Law Protects Cyclists
Under Florida law, bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights to the road as drivers. This includes the right to occupy a travel lane, use designated bike lanes, and expect that motorists will drive with caution around them.
Drivers are required to maintain a safe distance—at least three feet—when passing a cyclist. They must also yield to cyclists at intersections and avoid entering bike lanes unless turning or parking when permitted. These legal protections are in place to reduce the risk of collisions and ensure that cyclists can travel safely.
When drivers ignore these rules, and a crash happens, their actions may be considered negligent. This can play a key role in holding them accountable for injuries and losses caused by the accident.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents?
Cyclists have little physical protection when sharing the road with vehicles. As a result, even low-speed collisions can lead to serious injuries. These injuries often form the basis of a personal injury claim and can significantly affect a victim’s daily life, work, and long-term well-being.
While every crash is different, the following are among the most frequently reported injuries in bicycle accident cases:
Head and Brain Injuries
Cyclists involved in collisions may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions, even if a helmet was worn. These injuries can lead to memory problems, cognitive issues, or long-term complications that affect both work and daily function.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken arms, wrists, collarbones, ribs, and hips are common when a cyclist is thrown from the bike or struck directly by a vehicle. Recovery may require surgery, immobilization, and time away from work or physical activity.
Spinal Injuries and Back Trauma
Injuries to the neck, spine, or lower back can result in pain, reduced mobility, or, in more serious cases, nerve damage. These injuries often lead to ongoing physical therapy and impact a person’s ability to perform physical tasks.
Soft Tissue Damage and Road Rash
Torn ligaments, bruising, and skin abrasions (road rash) are common when cyclists are thrown onto the pavement. While some soft tissue injuries heal with time, others may cause lasting discomfort or require extended care.
Psychological and Emotional Effects
Beyond physical injuries, many victims experience anxiety, depression, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress following a serious crash. These emotional impacts may interfere with work, relationships, or the ability to ride again.
What You Can Sue For: Damages Explained
If you were hit by a driver while riding your bike, you can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. In Florida, these recoverable losses—known as damages—can cover both financial costs and the broader impact the accident has had on your life.
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, your claim may include compensation for:
Medical Expenses
This includes the full scope of treatment related to your injuries, such as:
- Emergency and hospital care: Ambulance transportation, ER visits, hospital stays, and surgeries
- Ongoing treatment: Imaging, follow-up appointments, physical or occupational therapy
- Future medical needs: Long-term care or specialist visits tied to your injury
Lost Income
Bike accidents often lead to missed work or long-term changes in earning ability. You may be compensated for:
- Missed income: Pay lost during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- Additional income losses: Bonuses, commissions, or self-employment income
Self-employed workers may need to document losses using tax returns or invoices.
Pain and Suffering
This refers to physical and emotional harm caused by the accident, including:
- Physical pain: Long-term discomfort or limited mobility
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Mental health effects: Sleep disruption, fear of riding again, or PTSD symptoms
Property Damage
You can recover costs for damage to:
- Your bicycle: Repair or replacement
- Personal gear: Helmets, fitness trackers, or safety equipment
- Other items: Phones, bags, or clothing damaged in the crash
Lifestyle and Relationship Impacts
Injuries can interfere with your ability to enjoy daily life or maintain close relationships. Damages may include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in hobbies or physical activities
- Loss of consortium: Strained relationships with a spouse or partner due to injury-related limitations
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You may also be reimbursed for smaller but necessary costs, such as:
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Mobility aids or home modifications
- In-home assistance or caregiving support
Each case is unique. The types and amount of damages you can pursue will depend on your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and supporting evidence. A personal injury attorney can help you assess the full value of your claim and seek the compensation you’re entitled to.
Can You Still Sue If You Were Partly at Fault?
Yes—you may still have a valid claim, even if you think you were partly at fault for the crash. This is where a skilled bike accident attorney comes in. They will ensure you are not unfairly blamed for the accident and fight for the full compensation you are owed.
Your role in the accident may affect the outcome of your case, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from seeking accountability. For example, Florida encourages drivers to be aware of vulnerable road users, including cyclists, through initiatives like its Share the Road campaign, which highlights the importance of safe, responsible driving around bicycles.
A legal team can help assess the situation and advocate for your rights.
Grounds You May Still Have for a Claim
Even if you were partly at fault, you may still have a case if:
- The driver violated traffic laws such as failing to yield, running a red light, or driving in a bike lane
- You were following most safety laws, even if not perfectly (e.g., you weren’t in a designated bike lane but had the right of way)
- The driver was distracted, impaired, or aggressive, and their behavior played the greater role in causing the crash
- The crash caused serious injuries that led to high medical costs, time away from work, and lasting effects
- Insurance companies are minimizing your claim by overstating your role in the accident
What to Do After a Bike Accident
After a bike accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and questions about how to move forward. The steps you take after the crash—not at the scene—can have a major impact on your personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Care Promptly
Seeing a doctor right away helps document your injuries and establishes a clear connection between the accident and your condition. Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately, some injuries take time to appear.
File a Police Report (If One Wasn’t Taken)
If the crash wasn’t documented at the time, filing a report later can still help support your version of events. An official report may also clarify who was involved and what violations may have occurred.
Track All Accident-Related Losses
Keep a record of all accident-related costs, including medical bills, time missed from work, and property damage. Photos of injuries and written notes about how the injury affects your daily life can also help.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and pursue compensation. Each state has their own statute of limitations, which is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. Generally, two to four years is the limit in most states. It’s important to act sooner rather than later, giving your lawyer a better chance of preserving evidence and maximizing compensation.
Why Legal Support Matters When Fault Is Disputed
When fault is unclear or disputed, having legal guidance can make a significant difference. In bicycle accidents, drivers and insurance companies may try to shift blame to minimize their responsibility. This is especially common when the cyclist is accused of violating traffic rules, riding unpredictably, or not wearing visible gear.
Working with a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer can help ensure your side of the story is fully heard. Your legal team can review the facts, gather key evidence—such as traffic footage, witness statements, or professional analysis—and push back against unfair accusations.
Having someone who understands the legal system can protect your rights and pursue a fair outcome after a serious crash.
Schedule a Consultation With a Bike Accident Lawyer
After a serious bike crash, it’s important to understand where you stand. Contacting a bike accident attorney will ensure you the accurate answers to your important accident injury questions. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
A St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer represents injured cyclists and can guide you through every step of the legal process—from understanding your rights to dealing with the insurance company. A personal injury attorney is standing by, ready to help you take the next step forward.