Pensacola Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Quick Answer
Florida cyclists have the rights and duties of vehicle operators. When a driver causes a crash, the cyclist may recover through the driver's liability coverage and, importantly, through the cyclist's own household PIP and uninsured motorist coverage even though no car of theirs was involved.
Key Takeaways
- Your household auto PIP typically covers you as a cyclist struck by a vehicle.
- Florida requires drivers to pass cyclists at a safe distance.
- Helmet use is required only for riders under 16 and does not bar recovery.
Where Cyclists Are Struck
Right-hook turns across a bike lane, left turns across an oncoming cyclist, drivers pulling from driveways and side streets, dooring in downtown Pensacola, and unsafe passing on roads like Scenic Highway and Bayfront Parkway are the recurring fact patterns.
Coverage Available to Cyclists
Because Florida PIP follows the person as well as the vehicle, a cyclist with auto insurance in the household usually has $10,000 in PIP benefits after being struck, subject to the 14-day treatment rule, plus potential UM coverage if the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Documenting Fault
Bike computer and GPS data, helmet camera footage, damage patterns to the bicycle and vehicle, roadway markings, and independent witnesses counter the reflexive claim that the cyclist 'came out of nowhere.'