How Do I Handle a Bicycle Crash Injury in Miami?

If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle crash in Miami, you should seek medical attention immediately and document what happened as clearly as possible. Then, it’s essential to explore your legal options to pursue compensation through insurance or legal action.

Whether another vehicle hit you or a pedestrian was involved, Florida law offers multiple avenues for bicycle crash victims to recover damages. At The Morgan Law Group, a Miami bicycle accident attorney will advocate for individuals who were injured in bicycle crashes, helping them recover from the moment the bicycle crash happens to securing financial compensation for their injuries.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Crashes in Miami

Bicycle riders have little protection compared to those in cars or trucks, so even a seemingly low-speed impact can cause significant injury. 

Some of the most common bicycle crash injuries include:

• Head injuries – Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe injuries cyclists face, especially when not wearing proper bicycle safety gear.
• Fractures – Arms, wrists, shoulders, hips, and legs are often broken or fractured in crashes.
• Spinal injuries – Herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and long-term back issues can result from hard falls or high-speed impacts.
• Soft tissue damage – Torn ligaments, sprains, and deep bruises are painful and may require extensive recovery time.
• Lacerations and road rash – Open wounds from pavement contact can become infected or lead to scarring.

While physical injuries are most apparent, psychological trauma from the crash shouldn’t be overlooked. In some cases, these emotional injuries are also compensable.

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Crash Injury in Miami?

Handling a bicycle crash injury in Miami properly starts at the scene and continues until your case is resolved. Each step is important to protect both your health and your legal rights.

1. Seek Medical Care

Call 911 or request emergency medical services if you’re seriously hurt. Even if you feel okay, it’s crucial to get examined. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.

2. Call Law Enforcement

Always report the crash to the Miami-Dade Police Department or local authorities. An official report provides documentation of the incident, which will be important when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit.

3. Collect Evidence at the Scene

If you’re physically able, gather evidence. 

This includes:

• Photos of the scene, vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
• Contact and insurance information of the driver or pedestrian involved.
• Witness statements or contact details.

4. Preserve Damaged Equipment

Keep your bike, helmet, and clothing in the condition they were in post-crash. These may serve as evidence of impact or severity.

5. Consult a Bicycle Accident Attorney

Before talking to any insurance companies, consult a bicycle accident attorney. Legal representation ensures you don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to and helps prevent common pitfalls that could harm your claim.

Proving Liability in a Bicycle Crash Injury Claim in Miami

To recover damages from the at-fault party, you’ll need to prove they were negligent. That means showing the person owed you a duty of care, breached it, and caused your injury as a result.

Florida uses a modified comparative negligence standard. If you were partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. This is one of many reasons why involving injury attorneys in Miami can strengthen your case and protect your interests.

How Can I Claim for My Injury After a Miami Bicycle Crash?

Bicycle injury claims in Miami can be filed in a few different ways, depending on who was at fault and how severe your injuries are.

Insurance Claim

Florida follows a “no-fault” insurance system, meaning that if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, you may help pay for your medical expenses after a crash, regardless of fault.

But if you don’t own a vehicle or don’t have PIP coverage, you may:

• Use the at-fault driver’s PIP (if they’re insured)
• Use your health insurance for treatment
• File a claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance if your injuries are serious and exceed PIP limits.

Pedestrian-involved bicycle crashes or crashes involving uninsured drivers may require additional legal steps. In either case, legal advice from a bicycle crash attorney is critical to determine the most strategic approach.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If your injuries are serious, defined under Florida law as permanent injury, significant disfigurement, or permanent loss of bodily function, you may bypass the no-fault system and file a lawsuit.

A personal injury lawsuit allows you to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

It’s also important to act within Florida’s deadline to file an injury claim. Missing this deadline may bar you from any recovery.

What if the At-Fault Driver in Miami Left the Scene?

If the driver flees after a crash, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: If you carry this on your auto insurance, you may be able to use it, even though you weren’t driving at the time.
• Civil investigation: An attorney may work with private investigators or request footage from local businesses or traffic cameras to identify the driver.

It’s also worth noting that hit-and-run crashes may qualify for punitive damages due to the reckless and unlawful nature of the act.

Let Our Miami Attorney Handle Your Bicycle Injury Claim 

Handling a bicycle crash injury in Miami requires more than just medical care; it demands a careful, strategic approach to your legal and financial recovery. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, injured in a dooring incident, or harmed due to unsafe road conditions, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Don’t try to manage the legal system alone. If you’re unsure about what to do next, our dedicated injury attorneys at The Morgan Law Group offer trusted legal counsel to crash victims across South Florida. 

Your recovery starts with knowing your rights. Call us today at (305) 614-5235 or contact us using our online form for a free case evaluation about your bicycle crash injury at our office in Miami.