Florida Law Gives Riders the Same Rights as Drivers
In Florida, a bicycle is treated as a vehicle. Under Florida Statutes section 316.2065, a person riding a bike has the same rights and duties as the driver of a car. You have a right to be on the road, and you are expected to follow its rules. After a crash, insurers look closely at what both the driver and the rider did.
What Drivers Owe You
- Yield to you at intersections and when turning.
- Leave enough room when passing.
- Check for riders before turning across a bike lane or opening a car door.
Lane Rules for Riders
Where there is a marked bike lane, riders are generally expected to use it. Otherwise, riders generally keep as far right as is practical, with exceptions such as passing, getting ready to turn left, avoiding hazards, or a lane too narrow to share side by side. Always ride with traffic, not against it.
Lights, Helmets and Sidewalks
At night, Florida law calls for a white light on the front of your bike and a red light on the rear. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a properly fitted helmet. On sidewalks and crosswalks, yield to people on foot and give an audible signal before passing. E-bike riders have the rights and duties of bicycle riders; see our guide to Florida e-bike accident laws.
This is general information, not legal advice. A bicycle accident attorney in Sarasota can review how these rules apply to your crash.
Where Bicycle Crashes Happen Around Sarasota and Venice
Many bike crashes happen where riders and drivers cross paths. Around Sarasota, Venice and the rest of Southwest Florida, common risk spots include:
- Busy intersections, where drivers turning right or left cut across a rider. Multi-lane roads such as US 41 (Tamiami Trail) add more turning traffic.
- Driveways and plaza exits, where drivers look left for cars and miss a rider coming from the right.
- Trail crossings, where the Legacy Trail and other paths meet a road and drivers may not expect a rider.
- Roundabouts, where merging drivers can lose track of a rider.
- Bridges and causeways to the beaches, which can have narrow shoulders.
- Downtown and beach streets lined with parked cars, where doors can open into a rider’s path.
A broken signal, faded markings or a pothole can also play a part, and someone other than the driver may share responsibility. See our guide to dangerous intersections in Sarasota.
Riding in or around Venice? Visit our Venice bicycle accident lawyer page. Gerber Law has offices in Sarasota and Venice and helps riders throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.
Seasonal Riders and Visitors
Each winter brings more cars, more riders and more people still learning the area. Some visiting riders ride against traffic or on sidewalks where they should not, and some drivers are not used to sharing the road with bikes.
If you were hurt while visiting, you have the same rights on Florida roads as a full-time resident, though your auto policy may have been written in another state. A Florida bicycle accident lawyer can help sort out which coverage applies. We offer free consultations in person, by phone and virtually, so you can stay involved after you head home. Read our safety tips for snowbird cyclists and our article on protecting your rights after you head home up north.
Which Insurance Actually Pays After a Bicycle Crash
More than one policy may apply after a crash with a car. Every policy is different, but the layers often work like this.
The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Coverage
The driver’s bodily injury liability coverage is often the main source of compensation, and it can reach losses that PIP does not. Some drivers carry little or none, which is why the next layers matter.
Your Own PIP Coverage
Florida is a no-fault state. Even on a bike, the PIP on an auto policy may pay part of your medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. You must get medical care within 14 days to qualify, and PIP limits can run out fast. Learn more in our guide to Florida’s PIP law.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
UM coverage can help when the driver had no insurance, too little insurance, or drove away. It may come from your own auto policy or, in some situations, a household member’s policy. Have the policy wording reviewed before you assume either way.
Health Insurance
Health insurance may cover treatment beyond PIP, and your health insurer may ask to be repaid from a settlement.
Gerber Law only represents injured people and has never represented insurance companies. A Sarasota bicycle accident lawyer at our firm can review every policy that may apply and handle the adjusters. Call (941) 484-2700 for a free consultation.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
Will my car insurance help if I was hit while riding my bike?
Often, yes. Because Florida is a no-fault state, PIP on an auto policy may pay part of your medical bills and lost wages even though you were on a bike. Get medical care within 14 days to protect those benefits.
Can I still recover if the driver says I was partly at fault?
Possibly. Under Florida’s comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, and a person found more than 50 percent at fault generally cannot recover. Learn more about Florida’s comparative negligence rule.
What if the driver left the scene or had no insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage may help when a driver has no insurance, too little insurance or cannot be found. Report the crash to police and keep the report number.
Does it matter if I was not wearing a helmet?
Not wearing a helmet does not, by itself, end a claim. Florida’s helmet requirement applies to riders and passengers under 16, but an insurer may still raise the issue, so tell your lawyer early.
What should I do right after a bicycle crash?
Get to safety, call 911 and see a doctor. If you can, photograph the scene, your bike and the vehicle, get witness names, keep your bike as it is and talk with a lawyer before giving an insurer a recorded statement.
How much does it cost to talk with Gerber Law?
Nothing. Consultations are free, and there are no fees or costs unless we win. We are available 24/7 and can come to your home or hospital. Call (941) 484-2700.
