Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Ready to Support Injured Cyclist in Jacksonville, FL

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Jacksonville bicycle accident attorneys at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. are dedicated to helping injured cyclists recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences, and our legal team is here to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver or injured because of unsafe road conditions, our firm can help you navigate the legal process and hold the responsible party accountable.

Bicycle accidents often lead to costly medical bills. Let a skilled Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. fight for your recovery. Call (904) 295-1050 or reach out online.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and understanding the common causes can help in preventing them.

Here are some of the most frequent ones:

• Distracted driving or riding: Cyclists or drivers not paying attention to their surroundings can lead to collisions. This includes texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions.
• Failure to yield: Many accidents occur at intersections when either the cyclist or the driver fails to yield the right of way.
• Dooring accidents: This happens when a parked car's door is opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
• Poor visibility: Riding at night or in low-light conditions without proper lights or reflective gear can make cyclists hard to see.
• Speeding: Both cyclists and drivers traveling at excessive speeds can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of accidents.
• Road hazards: Potholes, debris, uneven surfaces, or wet roads can cause cyclists to lose control.
• Improper lane usage: Cyclists riding against traffic, weaving between cars, or not staying in designated bike lanes can lead to accidents.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use by either the cyclist or driver can impair judgment and reaction times.
• Mechanical failures: Issues like brake failure, chain problems, or tire blowouts can lead to loss of control.
• Aggressive driving or riding: Tailgating, cutting off, or other forms of aggressive behavior can escalate into accidents.

Florida Bicycle Laws

Florida has several bicycle laws designed to protect cyclists and other road users. These laws are intended to promote safety and clarify the rights and responsibilities of everyone on the roadway.

Here are the key points:

• Bicycles are vehicles: In Florida, bicycles are legally considered vehicles. This means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
• Riding on the road: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. They are required to use a bike lane if one is available. If no bike lane exists, they should ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Riding two abreast: Cyclists can ride two abreast (side by side) in a single lane, but they must not impede traffic when doing so. If the road is narrow, they should ride single file.
• Helmet requirements: Cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a properly fitted helmet that meets federal safety standards.
• Lights and reflectors: When riding between sunset and sunrise, bicycles must have a white light on the front, visible from at least 500 feet, and a red light and reflector on the rear, visible from 600 feet.
• Signaling: Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns or stops: left arm straight out for a left turn, right arm straight out (or left arm bent upward) for a right turn, and left arm bent downward to signal stopping or slowing down.
• Crosswalks and sidewalks: Cyclists are allowed to ride on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinances. When on a sidewalk or crosswalk, cyclists have the same rights and duties as pedestrians and must yield to pedestrians.
• Prohibited actions: Cyclists cannot attach themselves to a moving vehicle. They must not carry more passengers than the bike is designed for. Wearing headphones or earbuds in both ears while riding is prohibited.
• DUI laws: Florida’s DUI laws apply to cyclists. Riding a bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
• Passing laws: Motorists must give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing.

How Our Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

After a serious bicycle crash, you should not have to manage medical care, insurance pressure, and legal deadlines on your own. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we guide you step by step, taking on the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery and your family.

Here are some ways our bicycle accident lawyer supports you: 

• Case Evaluation and Legal Strategy: We begin by listening to your account of the crash, whether it happened on Atlantic Boulevard, San Jose Boulevard, Beach Boulevard, or in Downtown Jacksonville traffic. We explain how Florida personal injury laws apply to bicycle accidents, review available insurance coverage, and outline a clear strategy tailored to your situation.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our team obtains police reports, traffic camera footage when available, witness statements, and vehicle damage documentation. When liability is disputed, we consult accident reconstruction professionals and analyze roadway conditions, bike lane markings, and driver behavior, including distracted or impaired driving.
• Medical Documentation and Injury Analysis: Bicycle collisions often result in serious harm, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, and significant soft tissue damage. We collect and review your medical records, consult with medical professionals when needed, and evaluate how your injuries may affect your future treatment, work capacity, and daily life.
• Insurance Negotiations and Claim Management: Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto cyclists or minimize injuries. We handle all communications with adjusters, prepare detailed demand packages, and push back against unfair settlement tactics, so your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.
• Trial Preparation and Court Representation: We prepare every case as though it may go to trial in Duval County. If a fair resolution is not offered, we are ready to present your case before a jury and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

With the right legal team, a bicycle accident claim becomes more than paperwork and deadlines. It becomes a structured path toward accountability, financial recovery, and the support you need to move forward.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries and Their Impact

Bicycle collisions often leave riders with injuries that are very different from those suffered in typical car crashes. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, cyclists are more likely to experience direct impact with the road, a parked car, or another fixed object. These injuries can require treatment at local hospitals in Jacksonville and follow-up care with specialists, which quickly adds up in cost and time away from work or family.

Many riders experience fractures in the arm, wrist, collarbone, or leg from trying to brace during a fall. Others suffer soft tissue injuries, such as torn ligaments or damage to the shoulder or knee, that may limit mobility for months. Head and brain injuries are also common when a cyclist is struck by a vehicle, even if a helmet was worn, and these can lead to problems with memory, concentration, or mood that affect daily life in ways that are not always visible.

More severe collisions may cause spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, or permanent scarring. These conditions can change the type of work a person can perform or prevent them from returning to their previous job altogether. When we evaluate a claim, we look beyond the initial emergency treatment and consider future surgeries, therapy, and long-term needs so that any settlement or verdict reflects the full impact of the crash on your health and quality of life.

Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident in Jacksonville

After a bicycle accident in Jacksonville, you may face mounting medical bills, missed work, and long-term rehabilitation. Fortunately, Florida law allows injury victims to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we help clients recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, therapy)
• Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Disability and disfigurement

Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What to Expect From the Bicycle Accident Claims Process

Understanding the general timeline of a claim can make the process less stressful. After we are retained, we begin by notifying the insurance companies that we represent you, so they stop contacting you directly. We then gather records, photographs, and other documents, and we may visit the crash scene in Jacksonville or the surrounding Duval County communities to better understand how the collision occurred.

Once we have a clear picture of your medical condition and how the crash has affected your work and daily activities, we typically prepare a demand letter outlining your losses and the legal basis for your claim. Many cases resolve through negotiation, but if the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, the next step may involve filing a lawsuit in the appropriate Florida court. Even after a lawsuit is filed, a settlement remains possible, and we continue to evaluate options that support your goals.

Throughout the process, your role is to follow your doctors’ recommendations, keep us informed about changes in your condition, and provide information when we request it. We handle the legal strategy and case preparation, but we also rely on your input to tell the story of how the crash has changed your life. By combining your day-to-day experience with our knowledge of Florida personal injury law, we work to present a strong, well-documented claim on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When you are severely injured on your bicycle, do not hesitate to call our office for a free case evaluation. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Jacksonville will go over the details of your case to determine what is the best step for you to take legally to pursue the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and damages. We are dedicated, experienced, and eager to take on this case for you. 

You deserve clear answers and support. Speak with a compassionate Jacksonville bicycle accident lawyer at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.. Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us for a free consultation.

FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Jacksonville

Should I Talk to the Other Party's Insurer?

The very worst thing you can do for your bicycle accident case would be to take a call from the liable party’s insurance company and give them a recorded statement. You have no legal obligation to answer questions from the insurance company of the person who caused your accident. They will call you shortly after your accident and try to convince you to give them a recorded statement in which they will ask you questions that back you into a corner and force you to answer in ways that would negatively affect your case. We highly suggest not answering their calls.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Jacksonville?

If you're involved in a bicycle accident, prioritize your safety and well-being. Call 911, seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor, document the scene with photos, gather witness contact information, and avoid discussing fault. Then, contact a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Florida?

Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident (as of March 2023). However, waiting too long can weaken your case. It is best to consult an attorney right away so that important evidence is preserved.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes, you may still recover compensation, especially if you are over 16, since Florida law does not require helmets for adults. However, the defense may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries, which could affect the amount of your compensation.

What If the Driver Who Hit Me Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you carry it. An attorney can help you explore all available avenues for recovery.

Not sure what to do after a bike accident? Get Our Free Bicycle Accident Guide and learn your options. For legal guidance tailored to your case, call (904) 295-1050 to schedule a free case review.