paul goobie
5 months ago
Practice Area
Bicycle Accident Lawyer Fort Lauderdale FL
Bill Bone serves clients statewide and will travel anywhere in Florida for bicycle cases. This page also serves as a landing page URL for dedicated ad campaigns in Fort Lauderdale.
Our No Risk Pledge
You Pay Us Nothing Unless We Win Your Case
Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront A1A, the Las Olas Boulevard corridor, and the busy US-1/Federal Highway make it a popular cycling destination, but the city also sees heavy bicycle-vehicle collisions from tourist traffic and high-speed arterial roads. BillBone Law Group, based 40 miles north in West Palm Beach, serves injured cyclists throughout Broward County and South Florida. Our No Risk Pledge: You Pay Us Nothing Unless We Win Your Case.
Bill Bone serves clients statewide and will travel anywhere in Florida for bicycle cases. This page also serves as a landing page URL for dedicated ad campaigns in Fort Lauderdale.
Quick Answer
BillBone Law Group, based in West Palm Beach, represents bicycle accident victims in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida. Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, a statewide certification held by only 1% of attorneys. The firm has recovered over $100 million for injured Floridians, including a $9 million bicycle settlement.
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Why Choose BillBone Law Group?
Our unique blend of legal expertise and cycling passion sets us apart from other law firms:
- Proven Success: Recovered millions for Florida cyclists, including a $9M settlement for cyclist with chronic open wound after collision with utility truck, $1.65M jury verdict for cyclist who suffered leg injury resulting in serious infection, and $1.5M recovery in wrongful death stemming from a fatal cyclist accident.
- Cycling Advocacy: Bill Bone, an avid cyclist, sponsors the Bill Bone Racing Team and local cycling events, fostering safer roads.
- Recognized Excellence: Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction held by only 1% of attorneys, and consistently honored by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
- Trial-Ready Advocates: Our experienced litigators are prepared to take your case to trial, ensuring insurers don’t lowball you, unlike settlement-focused firms.
- 24/7 Availability: Reach us anytime, with bilingual staff (English and Spanish) to assist.
- Community Commitment: Active supporters of South Florida cycling events and safety initiatives.
plan of action
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale
Following a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, take these steps to protect your health and your legal claim:
- Seek medical treatment within 14 days. Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital are among the major hospitals serving the Fort Lauderdale area. Florida’s PIP insurance requires you to see a doctor within 14 days. If you miss this window, your $10,000 in PIP coverage can be reduced to just $2,500.
- Call 911 and file a police report. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department responds to cycling crashes. A police report is your official record. Without it, the other driver’s insurance company can deny the accident happened.
- Document everything at the scene. Take photos of your injuries, bicycle damage, the vehicle that hit you, license plate, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks. On corridors like Las Olas Boulevard and A1A, traffic camera footage may be available. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
- Do not admit fault. Florida follows a comparative negligence system under Florida Statutes § 768.81.
- Do not speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement.
- Preserve your damaged bike and gear. Do not repair or discard your bicycle, helmet, or cycling apparel.
- Contact a bicycle accident lawyer. BillBone Law Group serves injured cyclists throughout Broward County and South Florida. Call 561-810-3675 for a free evaluation.
important things you should know
Additional Information
Fort Lauderdale is a city of approximately 180,000 residents in Broward County, known for its beaches, boating canals, and tourism. The city has an active cycling community that includes beachfront riders on A1A, downtown commuters, and recreational cyclists on the Riverwalk and Las Olas Boulevard. Fort Lauderdale has invested in bike infrastructure, including bike lanes on A1A and the Sun Trolley bike-share program, but the heavy tourist traffic, especially during spring break and winter season, creates persistent danger for cyclists.
The most dangerous roads for cycling in Fort Lauderdale include A1A along the beach (heavy tourist traffic, narrow lanes), Las Olas Boulevard (on-street parking creates dooring risk), US-1/Federal Highway (high-speed traffic), and the I-595/I-95 interchange area (complex merging patterns across bike lanes). Broward County ranks among the most dangerous counties in Florida for pedestrians and cyclists, according to Smart Growth America’s “Dangerous by Design” report.
BillBone Law Group is based at 530 S. Quadrille Blvd, Suite 200, in West Palm Beach, approximately 40 miles north of Fort Lauderdale via I-95 (about a 45-minute drive). Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, a statewide certification. We handle bicycle accident cases throughout South Florida, including Broward County. Bicycle accident cases in Fort Lauderdale would be filed in the Broward County Circuit Court (Seventeenth Judicial Circuit). We are admitted to practice in all Florida state courts.
The same Florida laws apply statewide: the 3-foot passing law (§ 316.083), PIP insurance requirements (§ 627.736), the 14-day medical treatment rule, comparative negligence (§ 768.81), and the two-year statute of limitations (§ 95.11(3)(a)). Whether your accident occurred on A1A in Fort Lauderdale or on Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the legal framework is the same, and BillBone Law Group has the experience and Board Certification to maximize your recovery.
For more information, see our guides on what to do after a bicycle accident in Florida, West Palm Beach, Florida statewide bicycle accident page.
Florida Law Citations
Florida’s bicycle laws apply statewide, including in Fort Lauderdale. Key statutes include Florida’s 3-foot passing law, Florida’s dooring law, Florida’s comparative negligence rules, and Florida PIP insurance for cyclists. Our Florida bicycle laws overview covers these statutes in detail.
Fort Lauderdale bicycle crash data: Broward County recorded 890 bicycle crashes in 2023, resulting in 12 fatalities and 837 injuries, according to FLHSMV data. See the FLHSMV Crash Dashboard for detailed crash statistics and trends.
How We Fight for Your Compensation
- Free Case Evaluation — We review the crash details, your injuries, and insurance coverage at no cost.
- Investigation — We collect police reports from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, witness statements, scene photos, traffic camera footage, and medical records.
- PIP Filing — We ensure your PIP claim is filed correctly within the 14-day window to preserve your full $10,000 medical benefit.
- Demand and Negotiation — We build a comprehensive demand package and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Lawsuit Filing — If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit in the Broward County Circuit Court.
- Mediation and Trial Preparation — We prepare every case for trial from day one.
- Trial and Appeal — If mediation fails, we take your case to trial. Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law with 35 years of experience and over $100M recovered.
Types of Compensation
Economic Damages: Medical bills (past and future, including care at Broward Health Medical Center and other local facilities), lost wages, property damage (bicycle repair or replacement, helmet, cycling apparel, lights, GPS computer, and other gear), out-of-pocket expenses.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages: Available when the at-fault driver acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct on Fort Lauderdale roads.
What Sets Our Law Firm Apart From The Rest?
Communication & Teamwork
We have big firm ability and experience, boutique firm creativity, and personal attention.
Clients can rely on us to be approachable, responsive, efficient, and effective. We respond promptly to telephone calls, report regularly on case developments, and stay on top of changes in the law.
Communication is one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of the attorney-client relationship.
Knowing where you stand during a difficult time can be very comforting. We manage cases using a team approach; the client is an integral team member.
Working closely with you as the client, our attorneys quickly analyze the merits of each case, evaluate the underlying facts and law, and develop a strategy.
When the talents of their outstanding support staff join them, they provide clients with truly exceptional legal representation.
We Handle All Types of Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Claims
We represent cyclists injured in Fort Lauderdale with all types of bike-accident claims, including:
Car vs. Bike Collisions
Injuries from negligent drivers failing to yield or distracted driving.
Hit-and-Run
When a driver flees the scene, a crime in Florida.
Dooring
Injury and damage from drivers opening doors into cyclists’ paths.
Road Hazards
Crashes due to potholes, debris, or unsafe road conditions.
E-Bike Accidents
Unique claims involving motorized bicycles.
Wrongful Death
Justice for families who lose loved ones in cycling accidents.
West Palm Beach Bike Accident Map
Interactive bicyclist crash map using FDOT public crash data for the West Palm Beach area. Use the filters below to view crashes by year and severity.
Loading bike crash data...
Source: Florida Department of Transportation, Crashes_All FeatureServer, Bicyclist Crashes layer.
important things you should know
Additional Information
The potential compensation for a bicycle accident claim varies significantly based on the unique details of each situation. Numerous factors influence settlement negotiations or trial verdicts, making it impossible to estimate a specific dollar figure without a thorough case evaluation.
Comparing your situation to others’ settlements or advertised results can be misleading. Every case has distinct circumstances that affect its worth. To receive an accurate assessment of your claim’s value, it’s essential to consult a skilled bicycle accident attorney who specializes in these types of injury cases. A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate your situation based on facts and legal experience rather than speculation.
A seasoned bicycle accident attorney understands how to properly assess all relevant factors that impact case value. They also know which elements insurance adjusters and juries consider when determining appropriate compensation, such as:
- Injured person’s credibility
- Credibility of other parties
- Which party or parties responsible for the bike crash
- Damage to bike
- Nature and extent of injuries
- Cost of medical care and what portion paid by insurance
- Whether injured party has to repay any money that insurance company paid for medical care
- Amount of injured party’s out-of-pocket expenses
- Amount of future medical expenses in the event future medical care is required
- Whether injured party lost income and expected to lose income in the future
- Whether injured party has any prior injuries or pre-existing medical conditions that were not caused by or aggravated by the crash
- Whether injured person is married
- Whether injured person has children
- How the injuries affect relationship with family members
- Cyclists Have the Same Rights and Duties as Motorists: Bicyclists on public roads have all the rights and duties applicable to drivers of vehicles, meaning they must follow traffic rules like stopping at stop signs and yielding right-of-way. This ensures cyclists are treated as equal road users but also holds them accountable to the same regulations. Florida Statutes § 316.2065(1).
- No-Fault PIP Coverage for Cyclists: Cyclists injured in a motor vehicle accident on public roads are covered by the driver’s Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) insurance, requiring treatment within 14 days from authorized providers to access up to $10,000 in benefits. This applies regardless of fault, ensuring medical and wage loss coverage. Florida Statutes § 627.736(1).
- Mandatory Lighting at Night: Between sunset and sunrise, bicycles on public roads must be equipped with a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear light and reflector visible from 600 feet to ensure visibility and safety. Florida Statutes § 316.2065(7).
- Riding on Roadways and Bike Lanes: When traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing, cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when passing, making a left turn, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share with a vehicle. If a bike lane is present, cyclists are not required to use it but may choose to for safety. Florida Statutes § 316.2065(5)(a).
- Helmet Requirement for Minors: Cyclists under 16 years old must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding on public roads. However, failure to wear a helmet cannot be used as evidence of negligence in a lawsuit, protecting cyclists’ legal rights. Florida Statutes § 316.2065(3)(d).
Our proven process maximizes your recovery:
- Free Case Evaluation: We assess your claim at no cost to determine its viability.
- Investigation: We gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- PIP Claim Filing: We navigate Florida’s no-fault system to secure benefits.
- Negotiation: We deal with insurers to exceed PIP limits for a fair settlement.
- Lawsuit Filing: If needed, we file a lawsuit and prepare for litigation.
- Mediation or Trial: We pursue the best outcome, with only about 5% of cases going to trial.
- Appeals: We manage appeals to protect your rights.
We fight for all the compensation to which you may be entitled:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, property damage.
- Noneconomic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: To punish reckless or intentional misconduct.
Settlements may be lump sum or structured, depending on your needs. We ensure coverage beyond PIP limits, including uninsured motorist claims if applicable.
Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida operates under a “no-fault” framework, requiring you to contact your insurance provider immediately after any bike accident involving a motor vehicle, regardless of who caused it. This system requires you to file a claim with your own insurer to cover initial expenses, no matter which party is responsible for the collision.
It’s equally important to consult an experienced bike accident attorney as soon as possible. Florida’s no-fault insurance process is intricate, filled with strict deadlines and technical requirements that can be challenging to navigate without professional guidance. An experienced lawyer will simplify the process, reduce your stress, and work to secure the full compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Under Florida’s no-fault system, your insurance policy is the first resource for covering medical expenses, lost wages, and costs for services you can no longer perform due to your injuries, such as household chores. This applies universally, regardless of fault in the accident.
Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) Coverage
Florida law requires all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection insurance. This coverage ensures that accident victims receive benefits up to their policy limit, regardless of who is at fault. PIP insurance also protects you if you’re injured as a passenger in another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Timing is crucial for a successful PIP claim. You must seek initial medical treatment from an authorized healthcare provider within 14 days of the accident. Missing this deadline, or failing to comply with other technical PIP regulations, could significantly reduce your benefits (from $10,000 to as little as $2,500) or result in a complete denial of your claim.
Authorized providers for PIP claims include medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, hospitals, and emergency medical personnel.
Medical costs and lost income can quickly surpass the $10,000 PIP minimum, even in minor accidents. Once PIP benefits are depleted, you may need to explore additional insurance options, such as health insurance or Uninsured Motorist coverage, or pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance. The interplay between PIP claims, other insurance policies, and third-party liability creates a complex situation that can easily overwhelm accident victims.
Yes! Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. While many states use the term “comparative negligence,” Florida law refers to this as “comparative fault.”
This legal framework assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved—including the injured person (plaintiff) and any defendants. The amount of compensation a plaintiff can recover depends on their degree of responsibility for the accident.
How It Works:
- If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.
- If you are 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation under Florida’s 51% bar rule.
Example:
Suppose a jury awards $1 million in damages but finds the plaintiff 50% at fault for the accident. The plaintiff’s damage award is reduced by their assigned percentage of fault (50%) for a final award of $500,000 ($1,000,000 minus $500,000 = $500,000).
However, if the plaintiff is deemed 51% or more at fault, they receive nothing.
Florida allows injury victims to pursue compensation only if they are no more than 50% at fault. If fault reaches 51%, recovery is completely blocked.
Our No-Win, No-Fee Promise
We work on a contingency fee basis: no fees or costs unless we win. Our free consultations are available 24/7, including evenings and weekends, ensuring you can reach us anytime.
Protecting Cyclists Against Insurance Companies
Insurers often minimize payouts, but our cycling experience and trial expertise counter their tactics. We offer:
Personalized Attention
Work directly with Bill Bone and our experienced team, not junior associates.
Cyclist Perspective
As cyclists, we possess a deep and personal understanding of your experience and fight for your rights.
Stress-Free Support
We handle medical bills, insurance claims, and legal paperwork, keeping you informed.
Contact Us Today For Your Free Case Evaluation
Not Sure If You Have A Claim? If In Doubt, Contact Us
FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
BillBone Law Group, based at 530 S. Quadrille Blvd, Suite 200, West Palm Beach, handles bicycle accident cases throughout South Florida, including Broward County. The office is approximately 40 miles north via I-95. Call 561-810-3675 for a free case evaluation.
Seek medical treatment within 14 days at Broward Health Medical Center or Holy Cross Hospital, call police to file a report, photograph the scene and your injuries, collect witness contact information, do not admit fault, and contact a bicycle accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance company.
Florida’s statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. Cases in Broward County are filed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. You should seek medical treatment within 14 days to preserve your full PIP benefits.
A1A along the beach, Las Olas Boulevard (dooring risk from on-street parking), US-1/Federal Highway, and the I-595/I-95 interchange area are the most dangerous roads for cyclists in Fort Lauderdale.
Yes. Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, a statewide certification. We are admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, including the Broward County Circuit Court. We handle bicycle accident cases throughout Florida and South Florida.
While not legally required, a lawyer significantly increases your chances of full compensation. Insurance companies routinely offer unrepresented cyclists a fraction of what their case is worth. A Board Certified trial lawyer can build your case and take it to trial if needed.
Florida requires uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage on auto policies unless you signed a written rejection. Your UM coverage applies even when you’re on a bicycle. A lawyer can identify all available coverage sources.
Yes. Florida’s comparative negligence system (§ 768.81) allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Case value depends on medical expenses, injury severity, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and insurance coverage limits. BillBone Law Group has recovered settlements ranging from tens of thousands to $9M for injured cyclists.
Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law (held by only 1% of Florida lawyers), an avid cyclist, and has recovered millions for injured cyclists including a $9M settlement and $1.65M verdict. We bring Board Certified expertise to every case in South Florida.
Guidance for Success
So Many Lawyers: How To Choose One?
There are so many West Palm Beach bike accident lawyers that it’s nearly impossible for the average person to identify and choose one truly among the area’s top practitioners. It’s true—in fact, there are far too many … but it’s equally valid that there aren’t enough really good ones. So how do you identify and choose one of the really good ones?
Top Laywer
Bill Bone are consistently recognized by their peers as being at the pinnacle of the profession and thus earns inclusion in Best Lawyers each year.
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Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accidents
Act Now to Protect Your Rights
Florida’s 14-day PIP deadline and two-year statute of limitations make time critical in filing your claim. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Call 561-810-3675 or complete our form to start your path to justice. We’re available 24/7 to assist you, including in Spanish.
If you’re unsure whether you have a valid personal injury case, don’t make that determination alone or let insurers convince you that your claim isn’t worth pursuing. You could unknowingly give up the financial recovery you and your loved ones deserve—and may urgently depend on.
When in doubt, reach out to us.
Our team will evaluate your personal injury claim with expert, unbiased advice—backed by years of experience—at no charge. There’s no risk to you, but the benefits of calling could be life-changing.
