Miami, FL — Cyclist Hospitalized After Car vs Bicycle Crash

Miami, FL (November 12th, 2024) – A bicyclist is in critical condition after a car vs bicycle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning. The injured victim was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center.

The 60-year-old man was struck by a vehicle while bicycling in the area of 22nd Street and 27th Avenue. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the bicycle accident. The driver involved reportedly stayed at the scene to cooperate.

Common Causes of Car vs Bicycle Accidents in Florida

Many bicycle accidents result from factors like driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, and faulty equipment. Cycling is a popular and eco-friendly way to get around, but bicyclists face serious risks, especially in areas with high traffic or limited bike lanes. Some of the most common causes of bicycle-car collisions include:

Driver Negligence

Often, driver negligence is to blame when bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles. Common issues include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and improper lane changes. Motorists who aren’t paying attention or respecting cyclists’ right of way may pose serious dangers on the road. A bicycle accident lawyer may aid in determining if a driver’s negligent actions caused a crash.

Road Hazards

Poorly maintained roads, potholes, debris, and lack of dedicated bike lanes make certain routes particularly dangerous for cyclists. Hazardous conditions can cause bikes to swerve, skid, or stop abruptly, leading to accidents.

Faulty Equipment

Defective bicycles or bike components, such as brakes, gears, or frames, can lead to accidents. When defective bike parts cause crashes, the manufacturer or retailer may be liable for any resulting injuries or damages.

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, and ice create slippery roads that increase the likelihood of accidents. Poor visibility due to dog or low light can also make it harder for drivers to see cyclists, especially if they are not wearing reflective gear.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Given the limited protection that bicycles provide riders, bike accidents often result in severe injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries resulting from bicycle crashes include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are a major concern in bicycle accidents, especially if the cyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet. Concussions and other brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical abilities.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Crashes with vehicles or falls from bicycles can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones. Fractures often require extensive treatment and recovery time, which may affect victims’ ability to work and perform other day-to-day tasks.

Soft Tissue Damage

Torn ligaments, sprained muscles, and deep bruises are common injuries in bicycle accidents. While these soft tissue injuries may seem minor, they can lead to chronic pain or restricted movement.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Accidents that result in spinal cord damage can lead to partial or full paralysis. As such, victims’ quality of life and ability to work may be drastically affected.

Determining Liability in Florida Car vs Bicycle Accidents

After a bicycle accident, understanding who is responsible is key to determining compensation. An experienced Clearwater personal injury lawyer may assess the circumstances of a crash to help bicyclists understand their options.

When the Driver Is at Fault

If a driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving or failing to yield, caused the accident, they are typically liable for the damages. Most bicycle accident cases involve driver error as a primary factor.

When the Cyclist May Share Fault

Sometimes, a cyclist’s actions may contribute to a bicycle crash, such as if they were riding against traffic or ignoring traffic signals. In such situations, the state’s comparative negligence law may affect the case’s damages and outcome.

What Is the Role of Comparative Negligence in Biking Accident Cases?

Like other states, Florida has a modified comparative negligence law that takes effect in cases when victims or other parties share in fault for an accident. As such, bicyclists injured in bike-car crashes can still seek compensation, even if they share some fault. Provided their level of fault does not exceed 51%, as assigned by a judge or jury, they can still pursue a case. Any damages awarded, however, will generally be reduced by a percentage proportional to their level of fault.

What Damages Can Bicycle Accident Victims Recover in Florida?

Those injured in bicycle accidents may be eligible for various types of compensation. They may seek to recover damages for their economic and non-economic losses, including:

Medical Expenses

Through a bicycle accident lawsuit, victims may recover compensation for the costs of any associated medical care they have incurred, or may incur in the future. For example, they may obtain damages for the costs of emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Some injuries resulting from bicycle accidents prevent victims from returning to work, temporarily or permanently. In such cases, they may be entitled to compensation for their lost wages or lost earning potential. 

Pain and Suffering

It’s common for the serious injuries that result from bicycle accidents to cause physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress. Although not as easily quantified as other losses, those injured in bike crashes are entitled to financial compensation for such damages. 

Why Hire a Clearwater Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Bicycle accident cases can be challenging to prove, especially when liability is disputed. Therefore, it may benefit those injured in such wrecks to work with personal injury lawyers experienced in bicycle accident cases. 

An attorney may aid with gathering and preserving evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and medical records. Further, legal representatives will handle the negotiations with the insurance companies, striving to achieve a full settlement. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, a bicycle accident lawyer will represent clients in court, advocating on behalf of their rights and pursuing the maximum compensation.

Florida bicycle accidents can take a heavy physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families. If you’ve been injured in such a crash, however, you don’t have to pursue compensation alone. At Magazine & Light Law Group, our board-certified lawyer, Jim Magazine, has aggressively pursued financial justice for clients like you since 1990. To learn more about your options, contact us today at 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association