West Palm Beach Bicycle (Bike) Accident Attorney(s)

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Florida’s nickname, “The Sunshine State,” says it all. Our sunny weather allows for year-round biking, whether it’s kids racing down residential streets, adults commuting to work, or families exploring Palm Beach County’s coastline on two wheels. Unfortunately, what starts as a pleasant day outdoors can quickly turn tragic due to a careless driver, an unsafe road, or defective equipment. At The Law Office of Roger P. Foley, we understand how a bicycle crash can affect not just the rider, but their entire family. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to helping injured cyclists and their loved ones recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether you're in West Palm Beach or any community across Florida, we're here to serve you with honesty, compassion, and tenacity. Just Call Me—Attorney Roger P. Foley—at (561) 746-7076. You can also email us through the contact form on our website. This is a landline, so texting is not available.

Under Florida Statutes § 316.2065, bicyclists are treated as drivers of vehicles. This gives them the same rights and same responsibilities as someone behind the wheel of a car:

1. Cyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals.
2. They must ride in the direction of traffic and stay as far to the right as practicable.
3. Helmets are only required for riders under 16.
4. A white front light and red rear light or reflector are required at night.

Drivers also have obligations:

• They must give at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist (§ 316.083).
• They must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists when turning.
• They must not open car doors into a bike lane (a common cause of "dooring" accidents).

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Cyclists are vulnerable, even when following every safety rule. Common scenarios leading to accidents include:

• Improper Turns: Drivers turning left across an oncoming cyclist’s path.
• Failure to Yield: Especially at intersections or crosswalks.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, using apps, or eating while driving.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Reducing a driver’s ability to stop or react.
• Backing Up Without Looking: In parking lots or residential driveways.
• Side-Swipe and Passing Incidents: When drivers try to squeeze by without adequate space.
• Dooring Accidents: A parked driver opens their door directly into a cyclist’s path.

Even when a car isn’t involved, injuries may still be caused by unsafe road conditions or animals, as we’ll explain below.

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Cyclists can also suffer serious injuries due to:

• Improperly marked or maintained roads
• Construction debris left in bike lanes
• Cracked pavement or potholes
• Defective bicycle parts or improper repairs
• Dog attacks while riding through neighborhoods
• Pedestrians or other cyclists causing a collision

When this happens, you may have a claim against a city, county, contractor, bike manufacturer, or even a negligent pet owner.

These incidents often result in significant trauma. Common injuries include:

1. Road rash, bruising, and deep lacerations
2. Broken bones (arms, legs, collarbone, ribs, hip)
3. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), even with helmet use
4. Spinal injuries, including partial or full paralysis
5. Internal bleeding or organ damage
6. Permanent facial scarring or dental injuries
7. Fatal injuries resulting in a wrongful death claim

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Under Florida Statute § 95.11(4)(a), victims now have two years to file a negligence-based injury lawsuit. This was changed in 2023 from the previous four-year limit.

Other important deadlines include:

• Wrongful death claims: Two years from the date of death (§ 95.11(4)(d))
• Claims against a government entity: Two years, with a required 180-day pre-suit notice (§ 768.28)

Missing these deadlines may mean you permanently lose your right to pursue compensation.

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Florida follows modified comparative negligence, which means:

• You can recover compensation only if you are 50% or less at fault.
• If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
• If you are partially at fault (e.g., 30%), your recovery will be reduced by that percentage.

This makes proper investigation and strong legal representation critical to protecting your claim.

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At The Law Office of Roger P. Foley, we build every case methodically. We gather:

• Police reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Surveillance or dash cam footage
• Photos of the scene, damage, and injuries
• Medical records and expert evaluations
• Crash reconstruction analysis when needed

We focus on showing that the other party owed you a duty, breached that duty, and caused your injuries—resulting in tangible losses.

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Your case may qualify for compensation such as:

• Emergency and long-term medical care
• Surgery, therapy, and rehabilitation
• Lost income or reduced ability to earn
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability
• Property damage (bike, helmet, gear)
• Punitive damages if the driver was grossly negligent (e.g., DUI)

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📊 Infographic: Types of Insurance That May Cover Your Bicycle Accident

Click to expand and view potential sources of compensation after a bike crash.

After a bicycle crash, several types of insurance could offer protection. Depending on the circumstances, we’ll look at:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers up to $10,000 if you or someone in your household owns a vehicle registered in Florida.
• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) – Comes from the at-fault driver’s car insurance policy.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Pays if the at-fault party doesn’t have enough or any coverage.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) – May cover immediate treatment bills.
• Health Insurance – May assist with uncovered expenses.
• Homeowners Insurance – In rare cases (e.g., dog attack while riding), a homeowner’s policy may apply.
• Umbrella Policies – If the at-fault party has a personal umbrella policy, it may offer additional liability coverage.
• Business or Commercial Insurance – If you were hit by a delivery vehicle or commercial operator, their corporate policy could be involved.

We dig into every possible insurance resource to ensure you get the help and compensation you need.

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• Call the police and request an accident report.
• Photograph the scene, injuries, and bike damage.
• Get contact information from witnesses.
• Do not admit fault or guess about what happened.
• Get medical treatment right away.
• Contact our office before speaking with the insurance company.

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If you’re a parent, spouse, or sibling of an injured bicyclist, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Many times, you're left to coordinate care, bills, and paperwork. We’re here to help with:

• Talking directly to insurance companies
• Preserving evidence and managing deadlines
• Filing claims on behalf of minors or incapacitated adults
• Connecting your family with medical or financial resources

Our clients are our neighbors. Whether you’re in Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Belle Glade, or anywhere in Florida, we stand beside your family during this difficult time.

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In Florida, cyclists are as diverse as our communities. Some ride for fitness, others for financial necessity. You may ride because it's your only form of transportation or because it gives you peace of mind. We serve people of every age, income level, race, and background. Whether you’re a working parent, a college student, a retiree, or someone just trying to get through the week—if you’ve been injured, you deserve protection.

We believe that every Floridian has the right to safety, justice, and dignity, no matter where they live or how much money they make. If you feel like the system doesn’t work for you—we want to show you that it can. We’re here to make the law understandable and accessible.

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Legal terms like “modified comparative negligence” or “statute of limitations” can sound intimidating, especially when you're hurting or overwhelmed. You don’t have to understand all the legal jargon—we’ll explain it in plain language.

We believe in making the process as simple and stress-free as possible. We’re here to listen, explain your rights, and walk you through every step. Whether you’re calling on behalf of yourself or a family member, you’ll always be treated with respect.

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Many seniors in Florida rely on bicycles for mobility, exercise, or getting to local stores and appointments. But age can also make cyclists more vulnerable to serious injuries, slower recovery times, and long-term health impacts.

If you or your elderly loved one was injured in a bicycle crash, we can help manage insurance, medical paperwork, and compensation claims. We take the pressure off so families can focus on healing and recovery—not red tape.

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When your child is hit by a car or injured on a bicycle, your world stops. We’ve helped families in Palm Beach County and beyond navigate the medical and legal aftermath of these terrifying situations.

We’ll explain how parents or guardians can bring a legal claim on a child’s behalf. We’ll also work to protect their long-term interests, including their future health and education. Your family’s well-being is our priority.

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Florida is one of the most diverse states in the country, and our clients reflect that. We welcome and respect individuals of every race, religion, nationality, and culture.

Whether you prefer a quiet, respectful approach or want to involve family members or religious leaders in the conversation, we honor your needs. Our team is committed to creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and valued.

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We're not a high-volume law office that shuffles people between departments. We're a small, focused firm that gets to know our clients personally. We’re a Christian-led practice guided by principles of service, truth, and compassion—without being preachy. If you’ve been hurt, you need clear answers and honest help.

We don’t pressure you into signing anything. We explain your options and let you decide. If we can’t help, we’ll do our best to point you to someone who can.

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If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Palm Beach County or anywhere in Florida, we’re ready to help.

📞 Just Call Me—Attorney Roger P. Foley—at (561) 746-7076. You can also email us through our website’s contact form. This is a landline, so texting is not available.

We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you take the next step—whatever that may be.