Hollywood Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicycle accidents on Florida roads all too often turn tragic. Florida leads the nation in bicycle-related injuries and fatalities, and the stakes for cyclists are terrifyingly clear: one moment can change everything. Survivors and families face not just physical trauma but lifelong consequences, including mounting medical bills, diminished mobility, emotional hardship, and uncertainty about the future.
At Ansel & Miller, we bring many years of experience helping bicyclists and their families seek justice in the most serious of cases. Our Hollywood bicycle accident lawyers handle these sensitive and complicated claims with the expertise required to take on insurance companies and negligent drivers, combined with the empathy required to support clients through recovery.
Florida’s Alarming Bicycle Safety Statistics
Florida consistently ranks in the top three most dangerous states for bicyclists, and often as the most dangerous. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 18 people are involved in bicycle crashes every day, including both injuries and deaths. Florida also leads the nation in bicyclist fatalities and injuries.
In 2022, Florida recorded 8,224 bicycle accidents, resulting in 189 fatalities—around 16% of all bicyclist deaths nationwide. The state’s bicyclist fatality rate of 7.6 deaths per million people more than doubles the national average of 2.7.
Some of Florida’s most populous counties are among the deadliest in the country for cyclists. A national study based on NHTSA data found that seven of the top ten deadliest U.S. counties for cyclists are in Florida.
These figures underscore a harsh reality: bicycling in Florida carries serious risks—risks that can be mitigated when drivers obey safety laws and when victims have strong legal advocacy.
State Bicycle Safety Laws: What Drivers Must Know
Florida law treats bicyclists as legitimate road users, but the reality is that many drivers fail to respect that status. Two important legal protections for cyclists are particularly relevant:
The Three-Foot Passing Rule
Under Florida Statute 316.083, drivers must allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. If that space is not available, drivers must wait behind the cyclist until passing safely is possible. Violations are treated as moving infractions. Unfortunately, enforcement is inconsistent, and many drivers remain unaware or dismissive of the law, leading to tragic and avoidable accidents.
Turning and Bike Lanes
Drivers making right turns must yield to cyclists in bike lanes and complete the turn behind the cyclist, not in front of or cutting them off. The Florida DMV also runs annual public awareness campaigns to educate on these and other bicycle safety rules, such as checking for cyclists before opening a car door into traffic to avoid “dooring” accidents, and switching off high beam headlights when a cyclist is approaching.
Despite these laws, enforcement is spotty, and too many tragedies occur when drivers fail to give cyclists their due.
Why No-Fault Insurance Doesn’t Solve the Problem Alone
Florida is a no-fault state, which means injured parties, whether drivers, pedestrians, or bicyclists, initially rely on their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
However, PIP payouts are limited and usually insufficient for serious injuries, which are common in bicycle crashes. That’s where the law provides an exit ramp: if injuries qualify as “serious,” victims can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault party.
This distinction is critical for bicyclists who sustain traumatic injuries. Whether a limb is lost, there’s a long hospital stay, or there’s lasting brain or spinal damage, victims often meet the serious injury threshold, opening the door to broader compensation that fully addresses future costs and suffering. However, the burden rests with the injury victim in these situations to prove their case against the negligent driver in order to recover full compensation.
How Ansel & Miller Supports Bicycle Accident Victims in Hollywood, Florida
Every bicycle accident case we handle starts with careful investigation. We methodically gather crash scene evidence, secure photo and video records, interview witnesses, and obtain police and medical reports. If unsafe passing or a failed turn is involved, we document it, tying it to Florida’s traffic laws.
Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injury, or disfigurement. We work with trusted medical professionals, life-care planners, and economists to calculate the full scope of medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost earnings, and ongoing support needs.
With serious injuries, we pursue justice beyond PIP. We build liability claims under the no-fault exception, carefully crafting arguments to demonstrate that the injured person meets the serious injury criteria and deserves compensation for pain, suffering, and life-altering damages.
Legal Challenges Unique to Bicycle Accidents
Insurers are often quick to shift blame onto cyclists by arguing they were “not visible,” “riding improperly,” or “assumed the risk.” In some cases, they may cite infractions like helmet violations (for minors) or failure to ride single-file (except where lanes allow two abreast).
Ansel & Miller challenges these defenses with detailed evidence. We examine lighting, bike lane placement, visibility cues, and the driver’s view angle. We also cite the Three-Foot Law when failure to provide a safe passing distance contributed to the crash.
Our approach: we treat dangerous behavior that hurts bikers as what it is—not a “fact of life,” but a failure of duty. Our detailed documentation, personal attention, and aggressive advocacy ensure that victims are not left carrying the burden alone.
Catastrophic Impact and Compensation
For many victims, a bicycle crash is the start of a long journey. Hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and home modifications can all take a toll on the body, the spirit, and the wallet.
Ansel & Miller fights for full compensation, including:
- Medical bills past and future
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Rehabilitation, counseling, and home or vehicle modifications
- Wrongful death damages when a cyclist is killed
We build that case convincingly so victims and families can focus on recovery, not financial ruin.
Why Choose Ansel & Miller for Hollywood Bicycle Accident Cases
Our firm stands apart in two important ways:
1. Focus on Serious Cases
We don’t chase minor or quick claims. We take on serious bicycle accident cases that demand resourceful legal work, and we have a proven record of success in serious injury claims.
2. Personal Relationships
Clients are more than files. We invest time in listening, explaining options, and guiding them through what can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies may treat victims as just another number; we treat them as our top priority.
Bicycle Accidents in Florida: A Call for Accountability
Florida’s status as a top state for bicycle fatalities demands legal and cultural change. While public awareness campaigns can help, justice for victims requires legal accountability when drivers fail to follow basic rules like giving three feet of clearance or yielding in bike lanes.
At Ansel & Miller, we stand up for victims and the broader goal of safer roads. With serious injuries, you deserve representatives who understand your rights, Florida law, and insurance realities, and who will fight for the justice you need.
Call Ansel & Miller for Bicycle Accident Representation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash in Hollywood, time matters. Evidence can vanish, and claims strategies must be carefully crafted. You don’t have to face it alone.
Call Ansel & Miller today or contact us online for a free consultation. Let our experience, dedication to serious cases, and personal support help you navigate this difficult chapter and pursue the recovery you deserve.