paul goobie
5 months ago
Practice Area
Bicycle Accident Lawyer West Palm Beach FL
Our No Risk Pledge
You Pay Us Nothing Unless We Win Your Case
Wellington’s equestrian community and residential roads make it a peaceful cycling destination, but busy corridors like Forest Hill Boulevard and Wellington Green Drive see regular bicycle-vehicle collisions, especially during equestrian season when traffic surges. BillBone Law Group, based 12 miles east in West Palm Beach, has recovered millions for injured cyclists across Palm Beach County. 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 Wellington.
Quick Answer
BillBone Law Group, based in West Palm Beach at 530 S. Quadrille Blvd, represents bicycle accident victims in Wellington and throughout Palm Beach County. Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, held by only 1% of attorneys. The firm has recovered over $100 million for injured Floridians statewide.
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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 West Palm Beach
Following a crash in West Palm Beach, take these steps to strengthen your claim:
- Seek medical treatment within 14 days. West Palm Beach has several emergency care options near popular cycling routes, including St. Mary’s Medical Center on 45th Street, JFK Hospital on 53rd Street, and the emergency room at Good Samaritan Medical Center on Dixie Highway. 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. Even if you feel fine, get checked, adrenaline masks serious injuries.
- Call 911 and file a police report. The West Palm Beach Police Department responds to cycling crashes throughout the city. A police report is your official record that the crash occurred and documents who was involved. Without it, the other driver’s insurance company can deny the accident happened. Florida law requires reporting crashes involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500.
- 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 busy West Palm Beach corridors like Okeechobee Boulevard and Dixie Highway, traffic camera footage may be available but disappears quickly. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers immediately.
- Do not admit fault. Florida follows a comparative negligence system under Florida Statutes § 768.81, meaning fault can be shared between parties. Even a simple “I’m sorry” at the scene can be twisted into an admission of fault. Let the police report, evidence, and your lawyer handle the narrative.
- Do not speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may call you within days of the crash, asking for a recorded statement. You are not legally required to give one. Anything you say can and will be used to reduce or deny your claim.
- Preserve your damaged bike and gear. Do not repair or discard your bicycle, helmet, or cycling apparel. These are physical evidence of the crash’s severity. Your attorney may need them for accident reconstruction, expert analysis, or trial exhibits. Local bike shops like Bike Tech on Military Trail can provide repair estimates that document the force of impact.
- Contact a West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyer. BillBone Law Group is based at 530 S. Quadrille Blvd, Suite 200, in downtown West Palm Beach, minutes from the courthouse and the areas where most cycling accidents occur. Call 561-810-3675 for a free evaluation.
important things you should know
Additional Information
Wellington is a village of approximately 65,000 residents in western Palm Beach County, known internationally for its equestrian community, the Winter Equestrian Festival, and polo. The village has an active cycling community that includes recreational riders on the residential roads around the equestrian areas, commuters using Forest Hill Boulevard, and families riding the Big Blue Trace trail system. Wellington’s wide residential streets and relatively low traffic volume make it one of the more cycling-friendly communities in Palm Beach County, but the equestrian season brings a massive influx of seasonal visitors and international tourists who are unfamiliar with local cycling patterns.
The most dangerous roads for cycling in Wellington include Forest Hill Boulevard (especially between US-441 and the mall), Southern Boulevard (high-speed traffic connecting to West Palm Beach), and the retail area around Wellington Green Drive during peak shopping and equestrian seasons. The intersection of Forest Hill Boulevard and US-441 is one of the highest-crash intersections in the western Palm Beach County area.
BillBone Law Group is located at 530 S. Quadrille Blvd, Suite 200, in downtown West Palm Beach, approximately 12 miles east of Wellington via Southern Boulevard. This is about a 20-minute drive, and our attorneys regularly handle cases in the Palm Beach County court system, which serves Wellington. When you hire BillBone Law Group for a Wellington bicycle accident, you get a firm that knows the roads, the traffic patterns, the PBSO Wellington substation, and the county court system.
Palm Beach County consistently ranks among the top counties in Florida for bicycle accidents and fatalities. Wellington, while more cycling-friendly than some Palm Beach County cities, still sees a significant share of crashes due to the equestrian season traffic surge and the high-speed corridors that connect the village to the rest of the county. The year-round cycling weather in South Florida means bicycle accidents happen in every season.
Wellington bicycle crash data: Palm Beach County reported 654 bicycle crashes with 11 fatalities in 2023, according to FLHSMV data. Wellington’s extensive equestrian trails and growing cycling community face risks on Forest Hill Boulevard and Southern Boulevard. See the FLHSMV Crash Dashboard for detailed crash statistics and trends.
For more information, see our guides on what to do after a bicycle accident in Florida, most dangerous streets for cycling in Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach.
Florida’s bicycle laws apply statewide, including in Wellington. Key statutes include Florida’s 3-foot passing law, Florida’s dooring law, Florida’s comparative negligence rules, and Florida PIP insurance for cyclists.
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 West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Claims
We represent cyclists injured in West Palm Beach 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 Wellington
BillBone Law Group is located at 530 S. Quadrille Blvd, Suite 200, in downtown West Palm Beach, just blocks from the Palm Beach County Courthouse. Call 561-810-3675 for a free case evaluation. Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and has recovered millions for injured cyclists in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County.
Seek medical treatment within 14 days at a local hospital like St. Mary’s or JFK, 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, following the March 2023 tort reform. You should seek medical treatment within 14 days to preserve your full PIP benefits. Cases are filed in the Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
Okeechobee Boulevard (especially between I-95 and downtown), Dixie Highway (dooring risk from on-street parking), Southern Boulevard (high-speed traffic), and Blue Heron Boulevard (heavy truck traffic) are among the most dangerous roads for cyclists in West Palm Beach.
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 in West Palm Beach can build your case, handle insurance communications, and take your case to trial at the Palm Beach County Courthouse 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, including your own policy and household family members’ policies.
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. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
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.
Yes. We handle bicycle accident cases throughout Palm Beach County, including Lake Worth, cycling safety tips for Palm Beach roads, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Riviera Beach.
Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law (held by only 1% of Florida lawyers), an avid cyclist who rides the same West Palm Beach roads where accidents happen, and has recovered millions for injured cyclists including a $9M settlement and $1.65M verdict. Our office is in downtown West Palm Beach, minutes from the courthouse.
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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West Palm Beach 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.
