Gainesville Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle Accidents in Alachua County

Whether you ride for fun or as your primary means of transportation, biking comes with its fair share of risks. Unfortunately, no matter how safe they are, cyclists cannot always predict what others will do—and they cannot always avoid accidents.

If you or someone you love was hit by a car while cycling or was injured in any other type of bicycle accident, reach out to our team at the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. right away. From our Gainesville office, we represent injured cyclists throughout Florida, providing dedicated representation and aggressive advocacy throughout the entire legal process. We truly care about you and your recovery, and our team will do everything possible to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are owed.

Call our office today at (855) 933-3881 or submit an online contact form to request a free initial consultation with one of our Gainesville bicycle accident lawyers.

Florida Bicycle Laws You Should Know

Anyone who rides a bike should be aware of and follow all applicable bicycle laws. These laws are in place for your own safety, as well as the safety of others on the road.

Below, we have outlined some important Florida bicycle accident laws:

• Helmets: Anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Helmets must be approved bicycle helmets and must fit and be worn correctly. All bicycle helmets must have a strap that secures the helmet to the head and must meet federal bike helmet safety standards.
• Lights: Anyone who rides a bike in Florida during the evening, night, or early morning hours must have the proper bicycle lights mounted to their bike. These include a headlight that can be seen from at least 500 feet away and a taillight and reflector visible from at least 600 feet.
• Riding on Sidewalks: In general, bicyclists are permitted to ride on sidewalks in Florida except in municipalities where doing so is specifically prohibited. When riding on sidewalks (or in crosswalks), cyclists must yield to pedestrians and must alert pedestrians before passing.
• Being Pulled by Vehicles: It is unlawful—and extremely unsafe—to hang onto or be pulled by a car or any type of motor vehicle while on a bike in Florida. While you are not permitted to be towed by another vehicle, you may tow an approved bicycle trailer/semitrailer.
• Bicycle Lanes: Only areas that have been marked with Florida’s official striping/markers and signs are considered bicycle lanes. When a bike lane exists, cyclists should travel in it. Motorists are permitted to enter bicycle lanes, but they must yield to cyclists when doing so.
• Sharing the Road: Bicyclists are permitted to share the road with motorists and use the full lane (though they should use bike lanes when possible). Bicyclists should always ride as far to the right as possible for their own safety.
• Hand Signals: Cyclists should know and use appropriate hand signals when sharing the road with motorists, pedestrians, and other bicyclists. This is especially important when sharing the roadway or using the full lane.

Bicyclists have the same rights—and responsibilities—as anyone else who operates a vehicle on public roadways. If you are found to have violated bicycle laws, your right to recover compensation could be affected.

What If You Were Partly at Fault for an Accident?

Often, insurance companies will attempt to prove that an accident victim was partially (or fully) at fault for an accident to avoid paying out personal injury claims. After a bicycle accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may argue that you were not following the state’s bicycle laws or that you were not wearing a helmet, which could be used to show that you were being negligent.

Because Florida follows a rule of pure comparative negligence, shared fault does not bar you from recovering compensation—but it does limit the amount you can recover. For example, if you were injured in a bike accident after being hit by a distracted driver, but you were riding outside of a designated bike lane at the time, the insurance company may argue that you were being negligent by not using the bike lane. If the jury decides that, based on this evidence, you were 30% at fault for the accident, your total recovery will be reduced by 30%. This means you will only be able to recover up to 70% of the compensation you would have otherwise received.

Helping You Fight to Maximize Your Recovery

At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we understand that bicycle accident victims tend to sustain severe, catastrophic injuries. You are likely facing massive medical bills and weeks or even months off work. Your injuries may even be disabling, and you may never be able to work again.

Our Gainesville bicycle accident attorneys know that you need fair compensation so that you can get back on your feet—and that’s just what we fight for. With well over a century of combined experience, we have the resources, skill, and knowledge to effectively advocate for the maximum recovery you are owed. Throughout the process, we will be there to take your call 24 hours a day and assist you 7 days a week. As your neighborhood attorney, we truly care about you and will do everything we can to help you maximize your settlement or obtain a fair jury verdict.

Injured in a bike accident in Gainesville? Our team is ready to fight tooth and nail for you. Call (855) 933-3881 today to request a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.