Melbourne Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The Melbourne bicycle accident lawyer team at Platt, Cole, Russell & Simpson PLLC fights for injured bicyclists across Brevard County who were struck by drivers, harmed on dangerous roadways, or forced into traffic by poor bike lane design.
With more than 20 years of experience, our bicycle accident attorneys in Melbourne, FL, know the bike crash risks along A1A, US-1, Wickham Road, and Babcock Street, and we act quickly to gather key evidence, document injuries, and hold negligent parties responsible to seek full recoveries on behalf of victims.
Call 321-725-3425 or use our contact form for a free consultation with our Melbourne office.
Why Injured Bicyclists Choose Our Bike Accident Lawyers in Melbourne, FL
The experienced bicycle accident lawyers at our Melbourne office have decades of combined experience handling complex bike accident cases across Brevard County. Our Melbourne bike injury lawyers possess a deep understanding of local driving patterns and common road hazards in areas with higher rates of incidents, such as Wickham Road, U.S. 1, and A1A.
Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record for fighting back against insurers who try to minimize the severity of the case. Locals who have suffered injuries trust our law firm’s attention to detail, knowledge of state injury law, and commitment to helping clients receive full recoveries.
Experienced Legal Representation for Bicycle Accident Victims in Brevard County’s Cycling Communities
Our Melbourne bike accident lawyers provide experienced representation for bicycle accident victims throughout Brevard County, including Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Cape Canaveral, Rockledge, and Merritt Island. Our Melbourne bicycle accident law firm handles many cases involving significant accident injuries, complex liability, and insurance disputes. If you’ve suffered injuries, contact our injury law firm for a free consultation.
Common Types of Brevard County Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicyclist Hit By Vehicle in Melbourne, FL
Bicyclists hit by vehicles in Melbourne face serious risks, with an average of 275 Brevard County bicyclist-related collisions occurring annually. When a driver strikes a cyclist, the driver may be held responsible under Florida’s negligence laws. A Melbourne bike accident lawyer can assess evidence like traffic cameras or roadway conditions, establish fault, and pursue bicycle accident claims to secure the compensation you deserve.
Electric Scooter and E-Bike Accidents in Melbourne, FL
E-bike and e-scooter injuries in Melbourne, FL commonly result from collisions with cars, falls from road hazards, or equipment malfunctions. Responsibility may fall on rental companies, negligent drivers, or product manufacturers, depending on how the bicycle crash happened. For experienced legal help, contact a Melbourne e-bike injury attorney from our law firm for a free case review.
Melbourne Bike Lane Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents occur when a driver opens a car door in front of oncoming bicyclists, violating traffic laws that require all drivers to ensure safety before doing so. These dooring crashes often cause serious spinal cord injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and other catastrophic injuries. A Melbourne bicycle accident lawyer from our legal team can investigate the dooring accident scene, prove fault by demonstrating the driver’s carelessness, and negotiate fair settlements for medical expenses and other losses.
Melbourne Bike Path Accidents
Melbourne bike path accidents often involve collisions with pedestrians, uneven surfaces, or poor maintenance, such as cracked pavement or obstructed visibility. These bicycle crashes can cause serious injuries and may result from a city or property owner’s failure to maintain a safe area. Our Melbourne bicycle accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations and file bicycle accident claims to recover financial compensation from the liable party.
Dockless and Rental Bike Accidents
Dockless and rental bike accidents in Melbourne are often caused by faulty equipment, improper placement, or careless drivers or bicyclists. When riders sustain severe injuries, multiple parties may be liable, including:
- drivers, for violating traffic laws,
- rental companies, for poor maintenance, or
- property owners, if unsafe conditions contributed to the bicycle crash.
A Melbourne bicycle accident lawyer from our law firm can identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation through the appropriate personal injury lawsuit or fatal bike accident claim.
Children’s Bike Accidents in Melbourne, FL
Bike accidents involving children in Melbourne frequently occur in high-risk areas where young bicyclists have limited experience in assessing road conditions and driver behaviors. Bicycle crashes can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, requiring immediate medical treatment and lasting medical care. When children are harmed by careless drivers or unsafe street conditions, parents should contact our law firm for a free legal consultation to discuss their child’s case with an experienced Melbourne bicycle accident lawyer.
Melbourne Beach Bicycle Accidents
Melbourne Beach bicycle accidents often result from narrow road conditions, tourists engaging in distracted driving, and frequent stops. When drivers don’t stop, cyclists can suffer life-altering injuries or die. When serious injuries prevent victims from working or put them in financial binds, a Melbourne bicycle accident attorney from our legal team can help by gathering evidence and taking legal action to secure the compensation you deserve for all related losses.
Bike Crashes on MTB Trails in Melbourne and Other Brevard County Bike Trails
Bike accidents on Brevard County trails can occur when property owners or public agencies fail to maintain safe riding conditions, such as clearing debris, repairing erosion, or marking hazardous sections. When this causes bicycle crashes, the responsible party may be held responsible. Our Melbourne bicycle accident lawyer team builds strong cases by investigating conditions, proving negligence, and negotiating with insurers to help secure financial compensation.
Florida Bicycle Laws Specific to Injured Cyclists in Brevard County
Florida bicycle laws include the following:
Florida Statute § 316.2065 states:
- A person riding a bicycle has the same legal rights and duties as drivers operating motor vehicles, including yielding to pedestrians. Bicyclists must give audible signals before passing or overtaking.
- Children under 16 must wear an approved helmet.
- When riding at night, bicycles must have white front lights visible from 500′ and rear red reflectors or lights visible from 600′.
- Working brakes are required under Florida law.
Florida Statute § 316.151 mandates that left turns at intersections require yielding to oncoming traffic.
Under Florida Statute § 316.130, bicyclists must yield to pedestrians in their half of the crosswalk or close enough to be in danger.
For bicycle accidents occurring after March 24, 2023, if you are more than 50% to blame, you are barred from recovering compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, the recovery is reduced by the percentage you’re liable.
Florida Electric Bike Laws
Florida law recognizes three types of electric bikes:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle-assist, up to 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph
These are not considered motor vehicles, and only maximum power outputs of 750 watts are allowed under Florida bicycle safety laws. Additionally, there are no laws prohibiting use on roadways, bike lanes, sidewalks, or shared-use paths.
The same legal rights and duties of traditional cyclists apply.
Florida Statute: Bike Lanes
Cyclists should ride as close to the right-hand curb as possible (except in cases of hazards, turns, or narrow areas) and use designated lanes when available while biking on roadways in Brevard County and throughout the state.
Skilled Melbourne Bicycle Insurance Claims Assistance
Property Damage Liability and PIP Claims for Injured Cyclists in Melbourne, FL
Personal injury protection typically covers medical expenses, hospitalizations, and surgeries. However, PIP claims do not apply to bicyclists hurt in cycling accidents unless they carry a qualifying vehicle insurance policy. If they don’t, they must seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Many insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts, especially when cyclists fail to file police reports promptly. When bicyclists sustain severe injuries, knowing how to deal with insurance company denials, documentation gaps, and policy exclusions becomes essential to recovery. Even when drivers fail to obey traffic laws, skilled insurance negotiations are still crucial for securing the compensation you deserve.
Our Melbourne bicycle accident lawyers help identify the correct coverage sources, whether through liability, uninsured motorist, or PIP claims, to seek fair compensation for medical care and other losses.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists Claims For Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Cyclists
If a bicyclist is hit by a driver with insufficient or no insurance coverage, the cyclist can use uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage from their own policy. This means their own insurance company will pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver can’t.
A Melbourne bicycle accident lawyer can help with uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims by reviewing the client’s policy, identifying available coverage, and handling all communications with the insurance company.
Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing fault or downplaying the severity of the injuries. Our experienced attorneys gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements, to prove fault and help secure fair settlements.
Legal help is essential for fighting back against delays, low settlement offers, or wrongful denials, and for securing full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Melbourne, Florida
The common causes of bicycle accidents in Central Florida include:
- Rear-end collisions (Motorists striking bicyclists from behind)
- Left-cross bicycle accidents
- Right-hook accidents (Drivers turning into bicyclists directly beside the car)
- Drunk or distracted driving
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Dooring accidents
- Failure to yield
- Poor roadway conditions
- Low visibility or lack of proper lighting
How a Melbourne Bike Accident Attorney Can Help Recover Compensation
Bicycle accident victims may be entitled to seek fair compensation if they suffered injuries due to a negligent driver or other party. Financial compensation is divided into two categories: economic damages, which cover financial costs, and non-economic damages, which compensate for intangible harms. An experienced bicycle accident attorney in Melbourne, FL, can help secure the compensation you deserve for both.
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills and hospital expenses
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Bicycle repair or replacement
- Funeral costs in fatal cases
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
Legal Assistance Through the Brevard County Bicycle Accident Claims Process
Most bicycle accident claims in Brevard County can be complex. Our Melbourne bicycle accident lawyers provide skilled legal assistance throughout the process of filing personal injury claims or wrongful death lawsuits. From medical records and necessary evidence gathering to negotiating with insurance companies, our experienced lawyers are committed to helping clients obtain fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Hiring Melbourne Bike Injury Lawyers Who Understand the Importance of Financial Compensation for Lost Income on Tourist Industry Workers in Brevard County
When tourism industry workers are harmed, in many cases, lost wages are critical. The Space Coast tourism industry supports over 46,000 seasonal positions. If life-altering injuries prevent injured bicyclists who are Space Coast tourism workers or seasonal Brevard County government workers from working hard during those key times, having skilled personal injury attorneys who understand how to fairly calculate missed wages is critical.
Our Melbourne bicycle accident lawyer team understands the toll that serious injuries take on Melbourne cyclists and builds strong cases to pursue compensation for all lost income and other related costs.
Wrongful Death Claims
When a loved one is killed in a bicycle accident, family members can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one under Florida law. Our Melbourne bicycle accident lawyers provided skilled legal representation. We work hard to secure maximum compensation for the emotional distress and financial losses caused by the wrongful death.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, can handle all the legal complexities. We’ll gather evidence, obtain witness statements, and analyze the police report to determine and prove fault. From here, our experienced attorneys negotiate with insurance companies to maximize settlement offers. When insurers don’t offer settlements that compensate for the full extent of damages, we’re prepared to take the bicycle accident case to court to fight for the settlement or trial award your family deserves.
Vacation and Out-of-State Visitor Bicycle Accidents
When out-of-state vacationers are hurt, the legal process follows the same framework as in-state insurance claims, with added steps for coordination. Even if the plaintiff lives in another state, the bike accident claim must be filed in Brevard County court.
- Local police file an accident report, and Florida law determines fault.
- Injured parties should seek medical attention immediately (locally).
- If the responsible driver lives in another state, Florida’s substitute service law allows you to serve them through the Secretary of State.
- The victim should document all related costs, including medical bills, lost vacation time, missed flights, and other out-of-pocket expenses, even if treatment occurs after returning home.
- Tourists injured must hire a state-licensed personal injury lawyer to file the case, but out-of-state personal injury attorneys may appear in local courts with court approval through a pro hac vice motion.
If you were injured on vacation in Melbourne, FL, consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney from our law firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims
Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for most bicycle accident claims is two years from the date of the incident. If the accident occurred before March 24, 2023, you have four years to pursue a bike accident claim.
For fatal bicycle accident claims, families have two years from the date of the death.
Personal injury claims against government entities must be filed within three years. Injured parties must submit a written notice and cannot pursue a personal injury lawsuit until the 180-day inspection ends.
For minor victims, this date is tolled until their 20th birthday.
Other statute of limitations exclusions apply for:
- defendant’s absence
- concealment or false identity
- plaintiff’s incapacity
- partial payments or written obligations
- arbitration proceedings
Our Melbourne bicycle accident attorneys ensure that all bike accident claims are filed on time, including those involving government negligence or injuries to children.
Answers to Common Florida Law and Insurance Questions
Do You Need Bicycle Insurance in Florida?
Insurance coverage isn’t required for bicycles under Florida law.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents in Florida?
Yes, auto insurance in Florida can cover bicycle accidents. If the rider owns a vehicle with PIP insurance, their coverage applies first. In situations where a driver hits a cyclist, the driver’s PIP and liability coverage may also apply.
Do You Need a License to Drive an Electric Bike in Florida?
No, you do not need a license to drive an electric bike in Florida.
Can Scooters Ride in Bike Lanes in Florida?
No. Under Florida law, motorized scooters are not permitted here unless specifically allowed by local ordinance.
Are Mini-Bikes Street Legal in Florida?
No, mini-bikes are not street legal in Florida.
Is It Illegal to Ride a Bike On the Sidewalk in Florida?
No, it is not illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in Florida.
Can You Ride an Electric Bike on the Sidewalk in Florida?
Yes, you can ride an electric bike on the sidewalk in Florida.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Melbourne, FL
- Get immediate medical attention, even if bike accident injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Gather evidence from the accident scene if possible, including photos of the bicycle crash, visible physical injuries, road conditions, and any property damage.
- Collect contact information from all parties.
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements to insurers before consulting an experienced lawyer.
- Preserve all medical records, hospitalization records, and physical therapy documentation.
- Keep documentation of missed work and how physical injuries affect daily life.
- Speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Brevard County to handle insurance negotiations and protect your rights. Request a free case evaluation to determine the best course of action for seeking compensation.
Contact Our Melbourne Bicycle Accident Attorneys For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured or a family member was killed in a bicycle accident in Brevard County, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Our Melbourne bicycle accident attorneys are committed to protecting clients’ legal rights and recovering compensation for medical expenses and other losses. Contact our Melbourne office for a free legal consultation, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process.
Call 321-725-3425 or use our online contact form to schedule your free case review.