Being struck by a car while riding a bicycle can be highly traumatic and impose life-altering consequences. It can be very overwhelming to deal with the financial and legal aspects. That’s why knowing what to do immediately after a bicycle accident in Florida can help protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your legal claim.Â
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, we work closely with experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Orlando to help victims navigate the complexities of car-versus-bicycle accident claims. Call us at: +1 (321) 599-4318 to schedule a free consultation in Florida.Â
Key TakeawaysÂ
- Call 911 to seek immediate medical attention if you are hit in an accident.Â
- Document bicycle accident scenes by taking photos and collecting witness information, and get the other driver’s vehicle details to support your claim.Â
- Florida’s bicycle accident laws should be considered in insurance policies and compensation claims.Â
What should I do in the first few minutes after a car accident?Â
In the first few minutes, make sure you’re ok. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you will likely be able to determine exactly what you can do. Your safety matters the most right now. If you are in the middle of the road with cars going 60mph, getting out of traffic and moving to safety is key.
After you are in a safe position, ensure that you gather the necessary evidence and information for your lawsuit.Â
Should I call the police if I have minor injuries?Â
Yes, you should call the police even if your injuries seem minor. Calling the police and reporting the accident acts as an official record. Many bicycle injuries may seem minor initially but can progress gradually. Assuming an injury is minor can delay your treatment, which in turn can affect your compensation claim.Â
Apart from calling 911 for immediate emergency help, reporting the accident to the police while you are on the scene or a few moments after you are safe serves as your official record.Â
Other Steps to Take after a Bicycle Accident in Florida
After you are safe, certain actions need to be taken within the first 72 hours or the first 4 to 5 days after the accident. Taking the following steps can strengthen your claim:Â
1. Document the Scene
Photograph your injuries, the accident scene, and the damage done to your vehicle. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain the driver’s insurance details, vehicle information, and license plate number.Â
2. Follow through with Medical CareÂ
Getting a medical checkup for your injuries within 24 hours for serious injuries and at least within 72 hours for minor injuries is important to challenge any intentional negligence claim from at-fault parties.Â
Following through with medical care is important both for proper recovery and for acknowledging the seriousness of your injuries and the level of attention you are actually giving to recovery, rather than manipulating the insurance claim amount.Â
Florida is a no-fault state; your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will cover your initial medical bills, even if you were riding your own bicycle. However, PIP only applies to registered motor vehicle owners in Florida.Â
Consulting an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Orlando can help you navigate Florida’s state laws.Â
4. Do not Admit any fault or Sign Waivers
Avoid speculating who caused the accident. Never sign any documents or provide recorded statements to the other party’s insurance companies without consulting legal counsel. Any statement can be used against you to reduce your compensation amount.Â
5. Preserve EvidenceÂ
Evidence acts as a strong pillar for your lawsuit. Preserve the evidence that you have gathered or that your attorney has gathered. Tampered evidence can backfire and reduce your chances of success.Â
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Document the Scene | Photograph your injuries, the accident scene, and the damage done to your vehicle. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain the driver’s insurance details, vehicle information, and license plate number. |
| 2. Follow through with Medical Care | Get a medical checkup within 24 hours for serious injuries and within 72 hours for minor injuries. Continue your medical care to support your recovery and document your injuries. |
| 3. Navigate Florida’s Insurance System | Florida is a no-fault state. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your initial medical bills if you are a registered motor vehicle owner. Consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Orlando to understand Florida’s laws. |
| 4. Do not Admit any fault or Sign Waivers | Do not admit fault. Never sign documents or give recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company without consulting legal counsel. |
| 5. Preserve Evidence | Preserve all evidence collected by you or your attorney. Do not tamper with any evidence, as it can reduce your chances of success. |
What are my rights if the driver drives away?Â
Hit and run is a common case faced by bicycle accident victims in Florida. That is why click a picture of the at-fault party’s license plate as soon as possible. Even if you don’t get it 100% right, the more information you have, the better.Â
Bicycle accident laws vary from state to state. Our lawyer in Florida will discuss it with you and track the license plate during the investigation, which can help in suing the at-fault party.Â
What should I do if the at-fault driver’s insurance company calls me?Â
It is very normal for your at-fault driver’s insurance company to call you. Attend the call because ignoring it may be considered avoidance and used against you.Â
Do not give any recorded statements or accept any settlement offer. Avoid any informal conversation with the agent or any person who wants to know what you encountered in the accident. Any form of claim or statement can be manipulated and used against you.Â
What if the driver has no insurance?Â
Yes, you can still recover compensation through your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), even if the driver has no insurance. Many motorists may falsely claim that they have no insurance, so verify it via your lawyer. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover under your Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.Â
You may wonder whether you will still receive compensation. The answer is yes, you can still receive your compensation. Many injured cyclists are compensated through uninsured motorist coverage or other available insurance policies, depending on the facts of the case.
For details, you can consult our blog post titled What happens if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
What’s the most important thing to remember?Â
The most important thing to remember after a bicycle accident is to seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem to be minor. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away, and prompt medical care protects both your health and any future injury claim.
Get Help from a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in FloridaÂ
Injured in a bicycle accident? Our Florida bicycle accident lawyers can assist you with the requirements of handling insurance claims. If you are wondering about the cost, our attorneys offer Free Consultation. On a contingency basis, you only get to pay once we win your case; the rest, our team will guide you through.