Bicycle Accident Laws in Miami: Know Your Rights as a Cyclist
Riding a bicycle can be a fun and healthy way to navigate Miami’s roads, but this mode of transportation does come with additional risks that can place the rider in danger. While the threat of injury while riding a bike exists in all states of the union, it’s a particular problem in Florida, which has the highest number of cyclist injuries in the country.
Anybody using Miami’s roads must take proactive steps to ensure that they and others are kept safe, but it’s especially important for cyclists. After all, in an incident involving a motor vehicle and a bicycle, it’s typically the cyclist who sustains more serious injuries.
In this post, we’ll run through what Miami cyclists need to know before they hit the roads. There are specific rules in place aimed at protecting cyclists and others on the road, and understanding exactly what they are — and following them — is an essential first step for maximizing safety. We’ll also run through the steps that cyclists who have been involved in an accident should take.
And don’t forget: if you’ve been involved in an accident on the roads while operating your bicycle, then you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at the Law Office of Cary Woods II today for a free case evaluation.
Florida Bicycle Laws
Miami is still mostly a driving city, but there is an increasing number of cyclists on the road, and lawmakers have put laws in place to increase the safety levels of those cyclists, who are often put in precarious and dangerous situations.
There are bicycle safety laws that apply both to vehicle operators and the cyclists themselves. Most of these laws, regardless of who they apply to, are concerned with keeping cyclists safe since they’re at increased risk of injury and death. However, when correctly applied, all road users benefit.
Let’s start with the bike laws that apply to drivers. These include:
- Drivers and passengers must check for cyclists before opening vehicle doors. Failure to do so may result in a cyclist hitting the opening door or swerving into traffic to avoid collision.
- Drivers may not park or drive in bicycle lanes.
- Cars must allow for at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.
- Understanding that bike operators enjoy the same right to use Miami’s roads as any other vehicle operator.
The final point is arguably the most important. Though cyclists are as entitled to use roads as drivers are, many car operators see things differently and often do not grant cyclists the space and courtesy they extend to other drivers.
Now, let’s take a look at the laws that apply to cyclists, which are designed to enhance cyclist safety and make them as visible as possible to drivers. These laws include:
- Having at least one hand on the bike’s handlebars when in operation.
- Using a light after sunset. This light must be visible from at least 500 feet away.
- Riding on the right side of traffic.
- Attaching a red reflector to the back of the back. A flashing red light, visible from 600 feet away, must be used after sunset.
- Having bike brakes capable of stopping the bike in under 25 feet.
Though following these rules will help to increase a cyclist’s safety on the roads, they won’t do everything. The majority of serious bike accidents in Miami are caused by other drivers. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Miami
As we said earlier, bike accidents happen all over the United States, but they occur at a higher rate in Miami than in most other places. This is due to a number of reasons, the main one being that there are a lot of drivers on the roads. Couple that with poor cycle lane infrastructure, and you have an environment that puts cyclists in harm’s way.
The city has taken steps to minimize contact between cyclists and drivers. They recently approved more than eleven miles of bicycle lanes and also added infrastructure that put a divide between drivers and cycle lanes.
Still, despite these modest improvements, bike accidents remain a real concern in Miami, and that’s largely due to the actions of drivers, who are typically responsible for the city’s most serious biking accidents.
Failure to provide enough space when passing a cyclist is a leading cause of injury. Distracted and reckless driving, as well as failure to yield, are also key contributors to cyclist injuries. There’s also the matter of a lack of experience — though cyclists have been on the roads for many years, many drivers are still unsure of how to operate their vehicles safely when a cyclist is nearby.
How to Protect Yourself on the Roads
You can’t control the actions of vehicle operators, but you can control your own actions. Taking steps to protect yourself is an essential part of staying safe on the roads. In some cases, taking preventative measures can be the difference between suffering a minor injury — or no injury at all — and having to take a trip to the hospital.
Some of the most effective ways that cyclists can protect themselves on Miami’s roads include:
Wear a Helmet
Wearing a quality, well-fitting helmet is essential for minimizing the risk of serious injury while cycling. Even low-speed collisions can be dangerous to the cyclist if they sustain a head injury. Helmets are there to protect the head and really can be the difference between a close call and a disaster.
Follow the Rules
We ran through some of the rules that apply to cyclists above. They’re there to help enhance safety, but that’ll only be the case if the cyclist follows them. Sticking to the right of traffic, maintaining hand presence on the handlebars, and having well-functioning lights on the front and back of the bike will keep you in control of the bike and alert drivers to your presence.
Limit Night Time Riding
If you have the option, it’s best to limit the amount of time you spend cycling on Miami’s roads at night. Once the sun sets, it becomes more difficult for drivers to see cyclists, even when they have lights. Nighttime also sees a greater rate of drivers operating their vehicles while under the influence, which increases the risk of reckless driving.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Miami Bicycle Accident
While it’s important to take steps to minimize the risk of an accident on the roads, there’s always a chance. As we said, Miami is one of the most dangerous cities for cyclists in the country, and accidents can happen even to people who have taken proper precautions.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Miami, take the following steps:
- Ensure your safety. Move yourself to a safe area, and call 911.
- Wait for the police to arrive and cooperate fully.
- Gather any evidence, including photos/videos, written notes, and details of eyewitnesses.
- Exchange information with the other party. Do not admit fault.
- Visit the emergency room.
- Focus on recovering physically and mentally.
- Get in touch with a Miami bicycle accident lawyer to begin working on your personal injury claim.
Common Bicycle Accident Compensation
Following a bicycle accident, your first concern will be to ensure that you fully recover from your injuries. However, it’s also important to begin thinking about putting together your case for compensation. As with all claims, the sooner you begin the compensation process, the quicker you can move on with your life.
Some of the damages you can claim include:
- Loss of earnings, including missed shifts due to recovery and future earning power.
- Any medical bills related to the accident, including ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical expenses.
- Compensation for pain and suffering caused by the accident.
How a Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
You may be offered a compensation package by the insurance company even if you don’t speak to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. However, it’s in your interest to reject whatever amount they offer to you. Insurance companies intentionally offer low payouts because it’s in their best interests to do so. An experienced Miami bicycle accident lawyer will fight your corner and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
Miami Bicycle Accident Laws: There To Protect You
The bottom line on Miami’s bicycle accident laws is this: as a cyclist, you have as much right to be on the roads as anyone else. There are specific laws in place aimed at increasing the safety of cyclists. Alas, drivers don’t always follow those laws, and when they don’t, serious injuries can occur.
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident in Miami, then don’t hesitate to contact the Law Office of Cary Woods II today. We have a wealth of experience in helping cyclists get the compensation they deserve for their injuries, and we’re confident that we’re the right partners you need to fight for justice.
