Boca Raton Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Boca Raton Bicycle Accident Attorneys

South Florida's warm climate and flat terrain make it one of the most popular regions in the country for cycling. Unfortunately, Florida also leads the nation in fatal bicycle accidents. When a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle, the consequences are almost always severe because riders have virtually no protection from the force of impact.

At Roselli & McNelis, our trial attorneys have represented injured cyclists and the families of those killed in bicycle accidents for decades. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable for the devastating injuries they cause.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Boca Raton

Most bicycle accidents in South Florida are caused by motor vehicle drivers who fail to share the road safely. The most frequent causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on their phone, or adjusting GPS navigation often fail to see cyclists sharing the roadway, leading to devastating collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Motorists who ignore cyclists' right of way at intersections, when making turns, or when entering traffic from driveways cause a significant number of bicycle accidents.
• Dooring Accidents: When a parked driver opens their car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist, the resulting collision can cause severe injuries including broken bones and head trauma.
• Unsafe Passing: Florida law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. Drivers who pass too closely or at excessive speeds put cyclists at extreme risk.
• Right-Hook Collisions: A common and dangerous scenario where a driver passes a cyclist and then makes a right turn directly in front of them, cutting off their path.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Impaired drivers have diminished awareness and reaction times, making them far more likely to strike cyclists they would otherwise see and avoid.

Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Because cyclists lack the structural protection that vehicle occupants have, bicycle accident injuries tend to be severe and life-altering:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, a cyclist struck by a vehicle can suffer concussions, skull fractures, and severe brain injuries that cause permanent cognitive impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a vehicle collision can cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and in the most severe cases, partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Cyclists commonly suffer fractures to the collarbone, wrists, arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs when thrown from their bicycle or struck by a vehicle.
• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Sliding across pavement can cause deep abrasions that require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring.
• Internal Organ Damage: The blunt force trauma of a vehicle impact can cause internal bleeding, organ lacerations, and other life-threatening internal injuries.

Florida Bicycle Laws You Should Know

Understanding Florida's bicycle laws is important for protecting your rights after an accident. Key provisions include:

• Bicycles Are Vehicles: Under Florida Statute 316.2065, bicycles are legally defined as vehicles. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers on the road.
• Three-Foot Passing Law: Florida law requires drivers to maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle. Violations of this law are strong evidence of negligence.
• Helmet Requirements: Florida requires helmets for cyclists under age 16. While adult cyclists are not required to wear helmets, the absence of a helmet does not bar you from recovering damages.
• Comparative Negligence: Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation under Florida's comparative negligence law. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Damages Available to Injured Cyclists

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and all future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: Income lost during your recovery period, as well as diminished future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and the overall impact of your injuries on your daily activities.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your bicycle and any cycling equipment damaged in the accident.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Road rash, surgical scars, and other visible injuries may entitle you to additional compensation for permanent changes to your appearance.
• Wrongful Death: If a cyclist was killed in the accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of support, and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Roselli & McNelis for Your Bicycle Accident Case?

Bicycle accident cases require attorneys who understand the specific laws protecting cyclists and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims. Here is why injured cyclists throughout Florida, Texas and the United States choose our firm:

• Civil Trial Lawyers: Our attorneys are among the top 1% of Florida lawyers certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial Law.
• Proven Track Record: We have recovered multi-millions of dollars for accident victims across South Florida, including bicycle accident cases involving catastrophic injuries.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. You will never pay attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you.
• Personalized Representation: You work directly with our experienced trial attorneys, not junior associates or case managers. We know your name and we know your case.