Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer - Injured Cyclist Claims

Bicycling in Miami is both a popular mode of transportation and a way of life, but it also comes with risks. Miami-Dade County consistently ranks among the most dangerous areas in Florida for cyclists. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Miami-Dade reported 918 bicycle crashes in 2022, resulting in 17 fatalities and 844 injuries. With busy intersections, limited bike lanes, and high traffic volume, cyclists are often vulnerable to negligent motorists.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Miami bicycle accident lawyers are committed to protecting injured cyclists and holding careless drivers accountable. Whether you’re an avid commuter, recreational rider, or tourist on a bike rental, we know how devastating these accidents can be, and how to fight for your full compensation.

Understanding Florida Bicycle Laws

Florida law considers bicycles as vehicles, granting riders many of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Key Florida bicycle laws include:

Bike Lane Usage: Cyclists must use designated bike lanes when available, staying as far right as possible on the road.
Lighting Requirements: Bicycles operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a front white light and a rear red reflector/light.
Helmet Law: Riders under 16 are required by law to wear a helmet.
Passing Distance: Motorists must maintain at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist.

These laws are designed to promote cyclist safety and reduce accidents. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware, or choose to ignore, these rules, putting riders at risk.

Learn more from the Florida Bicycle Regulations provided by FLHSMV.

For broader pedestrian-related protections, see the Florida Department of Transportation’s Safety Office.

Other Contributing Factors in Bicycle Accidents

Low visibility: Riding at night without proper lights or reflectors increases risk.
Aggressive driving: Speeding or tailgating near cyclists puts lives at risk.
Negligent commercial drivers: Delivery vans and trucks often overlook cyclists in blind spots.

Weston’s bike-friendly design can’t eliminate these dangers, especially on roads like Weston Road and Bonaventure Boulevard, where traffic volume is high.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Miami

Bicycle accidents can occur in various settings, from quiet neighborhoods to congested intersections. Common causes include:

Distracted Driving: Texting, calling, or adjusting the radio causes drivers to miss cyclists sharing the road.
Right Hook Collisions: Occur when a motorist turns right at an intersection and cuts off or strikes a cyclist.
Dooring Accidents: Drivers or passengers open their car door into the path of a moving bicyclist.
Speeding and Aggression: Reckless driving on roads like Biscayne Boulevard and Coral Way increases the danger for cyclists.
Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to see and react to cyclists.

Each of these scenarios involves a potential breach of duty by the motorist, and our legal team is trained to prove liability through accident reconstruction, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony.

Explore more about motorist liability and similar cases on our car accident page.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Miami

If you’re involved in a bicycle crash, following these steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:

Call 911 and Seek Immediate Medical Care – Even minor injuries can escalate. A prompt medical report is essential for your case.
Don’t Admit Fault – Statements made at the scene can be used against you later.
Gather Evidence – Take photos of the scene, your bicycle, visible injuries, and any vehicles involved.
Collect Witness Information – Bystanders may offer critical support for your version of events.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Miami – Early legal advice ensures your claim is protected from the start.

Visit our Contact Page to speak with a legal professional 24/7.

For serious injury cases, check our wrongful death claims representation pages.

Bicycle Accident Injuries and Their Impacts

Injury Type	Typical Causes	Medical Treatment	Long-Term Impact
Head Injuries (TBI)	Collisions, falls, no helmet	CT scans, rehab, surgery	Cognitive/memory/motor deficits
Broken Bones	Direct impact with vehicle or road	Casting, surgery, physical therapy	Loss of mobility, chronic pain
Road Rash	Sliding/skidding on pavement	Cleaning, antibiotics, skin grafts	Scarring, infection risk
Internal Bleeding	Blunt force trauma	Surgery, blood transfusion	Organ damage, life-threatening
Spinal Cord Injuries	High-speed impacts, flips	Immobilization, surgery, rehab	Paralysis, permanent disability

Visit our medical malpractice page if your injuries were worsened by negligent medical care.

Who’s Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Liability depends on the facts of the case. Potentially liable parties include:

Negligent Drivers – Failure to yield, distraction, or intoxication can lead to fault.
Commercial Vehicle Operators – Delivery trucks or rideshare drivers may carry higher liability coverage.
Government Entities – Poorly maintained bike lanes or road signage may create claims against the city or county.

Our attorneys know how to identify all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.

To learn more about public property claims, visit our premises liability page.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Miami-Based Legal Team – Our attorneys live and work in the South Florida area, giving us in-depth knowledge of local traffic conditions, court procedures, and the unique challenges faced by Miami cyclists.
Responsive Service – We understand that accidents don’t follow business hours. That’s why our legal team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, guide you through the next steps, and ensure you never feel left in the dark about your case.
Aggressive Representation – Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue bicycle accident claims or shift blame to the cyclist. We challenge those tactics head-on using detailed investigations, expert witnesses, and data-driven arguments to pursue full and fair compensation.
Results-Driven Approach – With millions recovered for past clients, we measure success by the impact we make in your life, helping you secure the resources needed to recover, rebuild, and return to normal.
Free Consultation, No Upfront Fees – We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay a dime unless we successfully win or settle your case. It’s our way of ensuring legal help is accessible to all Miami cyclists, no matter their financial situation. Review our case results and testimonials to see how we’ve helped other injured clients.

Compensation Available to Injured Bicyclists

You may be eligible for compensation covering:

Medical bills (past and future)
Physical therapy and rehab
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage to your bike or gear

Explore similar claims on our personal injury law page.

Talk to a Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was hit while biking in Miami, do not try to handle the aftermath alone. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we’re here to fight for you.

Call 954-365-5639 now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.

Rafaeli Law PLLC – Fighting for Cyclists. Standing for Justice.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I sue for a bicycle accident in Miami if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes, you can still seek compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, it may impact the value of your claim if head injuries are involved.

2. How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Florida?

In most cases, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

3. Is a driver always at fault in a bicycle accident?

Not necessarily. Fault depends on the facts, but motorists often bear responsibility, especially when violating right-of-way or passing laws.

4. What types of compensation can cyclists recover after an accident?

Cyclists may be eligible for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

5. Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered a settlement?

Yes. Early offers often undervalue your case. A bike accident lawyer can ensure you're treated fairly.

6. What if the accident involved a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft?

You may have a claim against both the driver and the rideshare company. Learn more on our rideshare accident page.

7. What if I was hit by a car while riding in a bike lane in Miami?

Drivers must yield to cyclists in bike lanes. A violation can form a strong basis for a personal injury claim.

8. Can I recover damages if a pothole or road hazard caused my crash?

Possibly. The City of Miami or another entity may be liable for failing to maintain safe roadways.

Schedule a Consultation

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

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