Clearwater Florida Bicycle Accident FAQs
These FAQs will help you better understand Florida's cycling laws, safety tips every cyclist should know, common injuries cyclists sustain, the different types of bicycle accidents and general questions on how the personal injury claims process works. Our FAQs are updated frequently by our team of local experts on behalf of Clearwater bicycle accident attorney, Jim Dodson.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle collision as a result of someone’s carelessness on the road, we are here for you. We have a special commitment and passion for holding drivers responsible for bicycle accidents. Jim Dodson, a cyclist himself has over 25 years experience successfully representing cycling cases and wrongful death claims. You need to feel certain that you can turn your bicycle injury case over to a lawyer who cares about you. If you have immediate questions and want to speak to a bicycle accident lawyer, call our office at 888-815-6398 to schedule a time to discuss your accident case. There is never a fee for a consultation.
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Does the 3-Foot Rule Apply to Other Bicycle Riders Passing Other Cyclists? Jim Wheeler from the Sarasota Manatee Bike Club called me a week or so ago and had a question. He had been riding with his weekly group when they were passed by another group of riders. His concern was the passing riders did not announce their approach and passed, in his view, dangerously close to them. His question was whether the “3 foot” rule applied to riders. My answer may surprise you.
Let’s start by looking at the statute language that applies. First, Fla Stat 316.003 defines a “driver” as any person who drives… a vehicle. A “vehicle” is defined as every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported… upon a highway. A “highway” is virtually every way open for vehicle traffic. A “bicycle” includes every vehicle propelled solely by human power. This means a bicycle is a vehicle.
Section 316.083 requires the driver of every vehicle passing another vehicle going in the same direction to give an appropriate signal (this means to warn other drivers of the intent to move left and can be given by hand). The three foot rule requires “the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle… must pass at a safe distance of not less than three feet between the vehicle and the bicycle…”
Two things: first, in my view the 3 foot rule applies to “people on bicycles.” Second, the rule is the minimum for us and for vehicles passing us. The law says “a safe distance of not less than three feet.”
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
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I was Hit By a Car on My Bicycle. Will I Have to Pay Out of Pocket for My Medical Bills? If you are hit by a car in Florida while riding your bicycle, your medical bills will be covered by No-Fault Insurance, also known as Personal Injury Protection or PIP. In Florida, PIP pays up to $10,000 in medical bills. This coverage will come from the policy you carried on your own car or from a policy carried by a family member with whom you resided on the date of the accident. If neither you nor a family member owned a car, then you would be covered under the PIP coverage on the car that hit you.
We get calls from injured cyclists who have PIP on their own auto policy, but who are concerned because they carry a deductible of $500 or $1,000. If you carry a deductible on your PIP coverage, your insurance company will deduct the amount of the deductible against the medical bills they receive for payment under the policy. This means if there is a $500 deductible, you will have to pay the first $500 in medical bills. You are still entitled to the full $10,000 in PIP benefits, but the first $500 will be your responsibility.
There are several ways to handle a deductible so you will not have to write a check to the doctor or hospital. Feel free to call us to talk about your concerns and how we can help.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
If I Hire You as My Lawyer for My Bicycle Accident, Will It Cost Me Money Up Front?
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What Cities in Florida Do You Handle Bicycle Accident Cases? I handle cases all over the State of Florida. My main office is in Clearwater, but I have multiple satellite offices along the Gulf Coast and in Central Florida. I will come to you when it’s needed.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
Why is It Important to Hire an Experienced Cycling Accident Lawyer?
Do I Have to Come to Your Office to Discuss My Cycling Accident Case
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Why is it Important to Hire an Experienced Cycling Accident Lawyer? A former client told me he felt it was the best decision to hire a cycling lawyer because “you’re one of us, you see the world through my eyes.” Only a cyclist understands how and where cyclists ride, what damage to a carbon frame means, and what it means when you’re unable to ride like you had before being injured in a crash. As a cycling lawyer, I’m in the best position to make an insurance adjuster or a jury understand the consequences suffered by an injured rider. I understand traffic laws that affect cycling; many of these laws are misunderstood by claims adjusters as well as the police.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
Do I Have to Come to Your Office to Discuss My Cycling Accident Case?
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Will I have to Go to Trial for My Florida Cycling Accident Case? Probably not; the vast majority of cases are settled without a trial. It is important, however, for the insurance company to believe your lawyer is willing to try your case, if necessary. It keeps them honest. Yet, each client makes the decision whether to accept a settlement or take their case to trial.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Will My Bicycle Accident Case Take Up A Lot of My Time?
If I Hire You as My Lawyer for My Bicycle Accident, Will It Cost Me Money Up Front?
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If We Meet at My House to Discuss My Cycling Accident Case, Who will Come? If we decide to have a meeting at your home, I would usually come alone. I may bring along a legal clerk or paralegal to help with document sharing and note-taking so I can have a one-on-one discussion with you. I will never bring a stranger into your home.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
In What Areas of Florida Do You Handle Bicycle Accident Cases?
Why is It Important to Hire an Experienced Cycling Accident Lawyer?
Do I Have to Come to Your Office to Discuss My Cycling Accident Case?
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Do I Have to Come to Your Office to Discuss My Cycling Accident Case? It isn’t necessary to come to our office. Many clients do and many clients do not. When necessary, I will come to you. Some clients like to drop in with documents they receive because they live close to the office whereas other clients may live out of the area and prefer email to in-person visits. All of our documents are stored electronically so we can work with clients wherever they are.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Will My Bicycle Accident Case Take Up A Lot of My Time?
In What Areas of Florida Do You Handle Bicycle Accident Cases?
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How Much of My Time Will My Cycling Accident Case Take? Not typically. I understand the importance of your time. You hire me so I can take care of your claim while you recover and go on about your life. We will meet for an initial interview and then, typically, communicate by phone or email regardless of how close or far away you are to our office. I will need your hands-on participation if your case goes to trial.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
If I Hire You as My Lawyer for My Bicycle Accident, Will It Cost Me Money Up Front?
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How Long Does it Usually Take to Settle a Florida Cycling Accident Claim? There is no standard timeline for settling a case. It depends on many factors, such as how badly you were injured, how long it takes for you to heal, and when your doctor is able to understand what your medical needs will be in the future. The more serious your injuries, typically the longer the period of medical treatment. Regardless, it is best to wait until you have healed from your injuries before settling; once you settle, your claim is over.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
After a Bicycle Accident, Is a Lawyer Really Necessary?
Should I Call a Lawyer Even if I want to Handle My Own Cycling Case?
If I Hire You as My Lawyer for My Bicycle Accident, Will It Cost Me Money Up Front?
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What Factors Determine if I Have a Good Cycling Accident Case? There are a lot of factors that go into knowing whether your cycling accident is a "good"case. It isn't practical to try to describe all the factors that would apply in making that decision. Honestly, the best way to find out is to simply call and talk to me and tell me your situation. I'll be happy to explain whether I believe you have a case at all, and specifically whether it's something you could handle on your own or whether you should consider hiring an experienced cycling accident lawyer. There is never any fee for discussing your case.
Have You Been Injured In A Bicycle Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Florida bicycle accident you should speak with an experienced bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 727.446.0840 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
Here are some other questions you might have about your cycling accident:
How Soon Should I Call a Lawyer After a Cycling Accident?