Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer Fighting for Injured Cyclists
If you were hit and injured while riding a bike, you may be eligible for compensation
In Miami, careless or distracted drivers put cyclists in harm’s way, causing bicycle accidents that can change lives in an instant. Being hit by a car while riding a bike often result in severe injuries, leaving victims facing medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress — all through no fault of their own.
At Romanow Law Group, we fight for injured cyclists in Miami and across Florida, holding negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges bicycle accident cases involve, from proving fault to navigating insurance hurdles, our Miami bicycle accident attorney is dedicated to securing justice for victims.
Recovering compensation after a bicycle accident in Florida can be overwhelming, especially when insurance companies try to minimize claims or shift blame onto the cyclist. Romanow Law Group stands up for injured cyclists, pursuing the maximum compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on recovery. Contact Romanow Law Group to see how a trusted Miami bicycle accident lawyer can protect your rights.
FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims in Miami
- What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Miami, FL?
- What types of injuries are most common in Miami bicycle accidents?
- What should I do if my loved one was killed in a bicycle accident in Miami?
- Where are the most common hotspots for bicycle accidents in Miami and the surrounding area?
- How do I prove that another driver was at fault for my Miami bicycle accident?
- Can I recover compensation if my Miami bicycle accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver?
- Are bicycle accidents more likely to result in serious injuries compared to car accidents?
- Who can be held liable for a bicycle accident in Miami?
- What damages can I recover after a bicycle accident in Miami?
- How do bike lane laws in Miami impact liability in a bicycle accident?
- What should I do if I was injured by an opening car door while cycling in Miami?
- Can poor road conditions or hazards cause bicycle accidents, and who is responsible?
- How do Miami’s traffic laws protect cyclists, and what happens if those laws are violated?
- How can I handle insurance companies after a bicycle accident in Miami?
- What steps should I take immediately after a bicycle accident in Miami to protect my claim?
- Why is it important to hire a Miami bicycle accident lawyer for my case?
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Miami, FL?
Being hit by a car while riding a bike in Miami often result from factors beyond the cyclist’s control, many of which are tied to negligence or unsafe conditions. Understanding these causes can help identify who is at fault and whether you have a valid claim for compensation. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Motorists who text, talk on the phone, or fail to pay attention often don’t see cyclists.
- Failure to yield: Drivers frequently ignore the right-of-way at intersections or when turning.
- Unsafe lane changes: Vehicles merging into bike lanes without checking blind spots cause many crashes.
- Dooring incidents: Cyclists can be struck by car doors opened into their path.
If any of these factors led to your bicycle accident, consulting a lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
What types of injuries are most common in Miami bicycle accidents?
Cyclists often face severe injuries due to their vulnerability on the road. These injuries can lead to long-term medical challenges and financial strain, making it essential to understand the potential damages involved. In addition to fractured bones, common injuries in Miami bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even with helmets, TBIs and head injuries can result in lasting cognitive or physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis.
- Fractures and broken bones: Arms, legs, and ribs are especially at risk in collisions.
- Road rash and lacerations: Skin abrasions from sliding on asphalt can lead to infection and scarring.
- Internal injuries: Impact with vehicles or the ground can cause damage to internal organs.
An attorney can help assess the full scope of your injuries and ensure you receive compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other damages.
What should I do if my loved one was killed in a bicycle accident in Miami?
Losing a loved one in a bicycle accident is devastating, and you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under Florida law. Start by gathering evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and photos of the crash site. Crashes on busy streets like Biscayne Boulevard or intersections such as SW 8th Street often involve driver negligence, which can be pursued legally. A wrongful death claim can help recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Consulting a Miami bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through this difficult process and ensure justice for your family.
Where are the most common hotspots for bicycle accidents in Miami and the surrounding area?
Certain areas in Miami are known for frequent bicycle accidents due to high traffic volume, poor infrastructure, or negligent driving. Cyclists should be particularly cautious in these locations:
- US-1 (South Dixie Highway): A major thoroughfare with heavy traffic and limited bike lanes.
- MacArthur Causeway: High-speed traffic and merging lanes create hazards for cyclists.
- Brickell Avenue: Busy intersections and distracted drivers make this area dangerous.
- Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue: A popular route for cyclists but prone to accidents due to tourist traffic.
- Biscayne Boulevard: Heavy congestion and limited cyclist visibility increase risks.
If you were injured in one of these areas, a lawyer can investigate the specific circumstances of your accident and work to secure compensation.
How do I prove that another driver was at fault for my Miami bicycle accident?
Proving fault in a bicycle accident is crucial for securing compensation. This often involves gathering and presenting strong evidence that supports your claim. Key steps include:
- Collecting evidence from the scene: Photos of the accident, road conditions, and your injuries are essential.
- Obtaining witness statements: Eyewitnesses can provide valuable accounts of what happened.
- Requesting police reports: Official reports often include findings about fault and citations issued.
- Analyzing video footage: Traffic or surveillance cameras may have recorded the crash.
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts: These professionals can recreate the accident to show how it occurred.
A lawyer can help gather and present this evidence effectively, giving you the best chance of holding the negligent party accountable.
Can I recover compensation if my Miami bicycle accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver?
Yes, you may still recover compensation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other legal avenues. Police reports and witness statements are crucial for identifying the fleeing driver, but when that isn’t possible, UM insurance can cover your damages. These cases often occur on streets like US-1, where high-speed traffic increases the risk of hit-and-run incidents. A lawyer can help investigate your case, identify available insurance coverage, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Are bicycle accidents more likely to result in serious injuries compared to car accidents?
Bicycle accidents are far more likely to result in serious injuries because cyclists have little protection against the force of a collision. In Miami, congested areas like Brickell Avenue and MacArthur Causeway are particularly dangerous for cyclists, leading to injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones. These injuries often require extensive treatment and rehabilitation, making compensation essential. A Miami bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and pursue the full value of your claim.
Who can be held liable for a bicycle accident in Miami?
Liability in a Miami bicycle accident often extends beyond the driver involved. Negligent drivers are the most common liable party, but other entities such as vehicle owners, local governments (for poor road maintenance), or even bike manufacturers (for defective equipment) could also be responsible. For example, a crash caused by potholes on NW 7th Street may lead to a claim against the city. An attorney can thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation.
What damages can I recover after a bicycle accident in Miami?
After a bicycle accident, victims are entitled to seek compensation for the financial and emotional toll of their injuries. Damages can include:
- Medical expenses: Covers current and future treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time away from work.
- Loss of earning capacity: For long-term disabilities that impact your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your bicycle and other belongings.
An experienced attorney can ensure you pursue the maximum compensation for all your losses, including those insurance companies often overlook.
How do bike lane laws in Miami impact liability in a bicycle accident?
Miami’s bike lane laws are designed to protect cyclists by ensuring they have a designated space on the road and clear rights of way. Drivers are required to respect these lanes, providing at least three feet of clearance when passing. When drivers violate these laws, such as drifting into bike lanes or blocking them, they can be held liable for resulting accidents. A Miami bicycle accident lawyer can use evidence of these violations to strengthen your case and seek compensation for your injuries.
What should I do if I was injured by an opening car door while cycling in Miami?
Being injured by an opening car door, or “dooring,” is a common hazard for cyclists in busy Miami areas like Coral Way or Wynwood. If this happens, document the scene, including photos of your injuries and the car involved, and obtain witness contact information. Florida law places responsibility on drivers and passengers to ensure it is safe before opening a door into traffic. A lawyer can help prove negligence and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Can poor road conditions or hazards cause bicycle accidents, and who is responsible?
Yes, poor road conditions such as potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can cause serious bicycle accidents. In Miami, areas with heavy construction or poorly maintained streets, like parts of Little Havana or Overtown, are particularly risky for cyclists. Responsibility may fall on the local government agency tasked with road maintenance or private contractors if they failed to address known hazards. A lawyer can help investigate your case, determine liability, and file claims against responsible parties.
How do Miami’s traffic laws protect cyclists, and what happens if those laws are violated?
Miami’s traffic laws aim to protect cyclists by ensuring they have designated lanes, clear right-of-way rules, and protections against negligent drivers. For instance, vehicles are required to leave a three-foot buffer when passing a cyclist. When drivers violate these laws, such as by drifting into bike lanes or failing to yield, they can be held liable for resulting accidents. A lawyer can identify specific traffic law violations in your case and use them to strengthen your claim.
How can I handle insurance companies after a bicycle accident in Miami?
Dealing with insurance companies after a bicycle accident can be frustrating, as they often attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the cyclist. Avoid making statements or accepting quick settlements, as these may undervalue your claim. Gather evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and photos of the scene, to strengthen your case. A Miami bicycle accident lawyer can handle communications with insurers, negotiate fair compensation, and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process.
What steps should I take immediately after a bicycle accident in Miami to protect my claim?
Taking the right steps after a bicycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Be sure to:
- Call 911: Report the accident to ensure police create an official report.
- Seek medical attention: Even minor injuries should be documented by a healthcare professional.
- Take photos: Document the scene, your injuries, and damage to your bike.
- Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the driver and collect witness contact information.
- Consult a lawyer: Avoid speaking with insurance companies until you have legal representation.
A lawyer can guide you through these steps and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Why is it important to hire a Miami bicycle accident lawyer for my case?
Bicycle accident claims are often complicated by issues of liability, insurance disputes, and the severity of injuries. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected and handles the complexities of your case so you can focus on recovery. Key reasons to hire a lawyer include:
- Experience with Florida bicycle laws: Lawyers know how to navigate local traffic laws and liability issues.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: An attorney can counter lowball offers and push for fair compensation.
- Proving fault: Lawyers gather evidence and build a strong case against the negligent party.
- Maximizing compensation: They ensure all damages, including long-term losses, are considered.
Having a skilled lawyer on your side can make the process easier and improve your chances of achieving a successful outcome.
Let a Miami bicycle accident attorney help you demand justice
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, Romanow Law Group is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. As a trusted Miami bicycle accident attorney, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to guiding you through every step of the process. With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you can focus on healing while we fight for justice on your behalf. Contact Romanow Law Group today for a free consultation and let us take the burden off your shoulders. Justice starts here.
