You see “Share the Road” signs everywhere you go, and the year-round gorgeous Florida weather only encourages everyone to spend time outside on foot or bicycles. However, Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for bicyclists and pedestrians, with accidents consistently higher than the national average. So, while it’s important to remind people to share the road, it’s equally important to be safe and careful whether you’re riding, walking, or driving. Florida bicycle accident attorney Todd C. Passman stands ready to guide you through the aftermath of an accident, ensuring you’re not alone in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.

What the Numbers Tell Us

Last year, there were 6,399 bicycle accidents and 9,514 pedestrian accidents in Florida according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). These accidents resulted in 169 bicyclist fatalities and 768 pedestrian fatalities. Florida consistently ranks in the top three states for bicycle and pedestrian fatalities per capita. More than 60% of bicycle and 75% of pedestrian accidents occur in daylight. So, while the weather is conducive to biking and strolling, the roads are not so much.

Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Florida

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents in many situations. The prevalence of large dashboard screens in new cars and the constant use of mobile phones make it easy for drivers to become distracted. This potential for distraction also contributes to another common cause of bicycle and pedestrian accidents: drivers failing to yield to cyclists or pedestrians at intersections, crosswalks, or while making turns.

Excessive speed frequently plays a role in road accidents. Speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to cyclists and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood and severity of accidents. Along with speed, another regular cause of accidents is impaired driving. Alcohol and drug use continue to be significant factors in many bicycle and pedestrian accidents.

What Should I Do in a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident with a Car?

Generally speaking, if you are involved in a bicycle accident with a car or truck, you should take the same steps as you would in a standard auto accident. First and most importantly, you should give first aid to anyone involved who needs it. At the same time, you or someone at the scene should call the proper authorities to make a record of what happened. You’ll need this for any investigation or lawsuit you may bring.

Being hit by a car while riding a bicycle is extremely frightening, but you should try your best to remain calm and not discuss who was at fault. We also recommend that if you can, you should get the names and contact information of any witnesses, take photos to document the scene and how the accident occurred. Be sure to preserve all evidence, including damaged clothing or equipment.

What Are the Rules of the Road for a Cyclist?

The FLHSMV legally defines a bicycle as a vehicle that has “all of the privileges, rights and responsibilities on public roads (except for expressways) that a motor vehicle operator does.”

Here are their rules for bicyclists:

• Obey all traffic controls and signals.
• Do not ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Stay alert—do not text while biking, and wear headphones or earbuds so you can hear everything around you.
• If you are not traveling at the speed of other traffic, you must use the bike lane, and if no bike lane is available, you must stay on the right-most side of the road.
• You may use the entire lane when making a left turn, passing, avoiding hazards, or when a road is too narrow for you and a car to share safely.
• Use directional hand signals to show other drivers that you are about to turn.
• Never attach yourself or your bike to any vehicle on the roadway.
• If you are riding on a sidewalk or crosswalk, you have all the rights and duties as a pedestrian. However, it would be best if you yielded the right-of-way to pedestrians.
• Between sunset and sunrise, you must have a white light visible from 500 feet on the front of your bicycle, a red reflector, and a red light visible from 600 feet on the rear. Be seen – wear neon or fluorescent colors and wear something reflective when riding any time during the day.
• All bicyclists and passengers under age 16 are required to wear helmets. However, it is recommended that all bicycle riders wear helmets, no matter their age.
• When riding with others, you may not ride more than two side-by-side unless it is part of a roadway reserved for bicycles; you must ride single file if you and the other rider impede traffic.

Tell Us What Happened. We Can Help.

The Law Office of Todd C. Passman handles bicycle accident cases in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Stuart, Okeechobee, Florida, and surrounding areas.

If you, a family member, or a friend have suffered a personal injury or lost a loved one due to a death in a bike accident with a car, SUV, or truck, please get in touch with Todd Passman today. He can be reached at (772) 465-9806 or you may fill out the contact form on this page. Someone will get back to you right away.