Florida law gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators on the road — meaning drivers who hit cyclists are subject to the same liability rules as those who hit other cars.
How Florida Law Protects Cyclists
Under Florida Statute § 316.2065, cyclists have the full right to use public roads. Drivers must:
- Give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing
- Yield to cyclists in bike lanes
- Check for cyclists before opening car doors (the "dooring" rule)
- Treat cyclists at intersections the same as other vehicles
Failure to follow these rules is evidence of negligence in a bicycle accident case.
Does PIP Cover Bicycle Accidents?
This is one of the most common questions cyclists ask — and the answer surprises many people.
If you own a registered vehicle with Florida PIP coverage, your PIP coverage can apply to your medical expenses from a bicycle accident, even though you were not in your car. This is because PIP in Florida is "portable" — it follows the insured person, not just the vehicle.
If you do not own a vehicle, you likely have no PIP coverage available. You would need to pursue the driver's liability insurance directly.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Cyclists
If the driver who hit you was uninsured or had insufficient coverage, your own UM/UIM coverage (from your auto policy) may apply to your bicycle accident as well — just like it does for pedestrian accidents.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Without the protection of a vehicle, serious injuries from bike-car collisions include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries (even with a helmet)
- Road rash and deep lacerations
- Fractured collarbones, arms, and wrists
- Hip and pelvic fractures
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
Helmet Laws in Florida
Florida requires cyclists under 16 to wear a helmet. Adults are not legally required to wear one. However, insurance companies will often try to use helmet non-use as comparative fault in serious head injury cases — even when it's the driver's fault. An attorney can address this defense.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Florida
- Call 911 — get a police report even if the driver offers to handle it privately
- Do not move until police arrive if you may have a spinal injury
- Photograph everything — the vehicle, your bicycle, the road, your injuries, the driver's license plate and insurance card
- Document the scene — skid marks, road conditions, bike lane markings, traffic signals
- Get witness information — bystanders can be crucial in disputed cases
- Seek medical care — bicycle injuries often involve internal trauma that is not immediately apparent
- Do not give a recorded statement to the driver's insurance company
Florida's Two-Year Deadline
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For serious bicycle injuries involving mounting medical bills, acting quickly allows proper investigation while evidence is fresh.
Gonzalez Munoz Law represents bicycle accident victims throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County. Call 305-770-6666 for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.