Florida has great weather and is the perfect place to get out and cruise around on your bicycle. Oceanside communities like Pompano Beach are particularly popular for cyclists, and for good reason. The city is beautiful and has plenty of places to park your bike.
However, if you want to enjoy your time cruising around and stay safe, it’s important to learn the city’s bicycle laws. Here’s a look at important bicycle laws in South Florida and some tips for finding a bike accident lawyer in Pompano Beach.
Pompano Beach Bicycle Laws You Need to Know
In Florida, cyclists receive the same rights and privileges as motor vehicle drivers. Since the state provides such detailed rules for those with bicycles, Pompano Beach largely defers to Florida state statutes when regulating bike riders. The top laws you need to know are as follows:
- Do not ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Obey all traffic signals
- Stay alert
- You may use the full lane if the road is too narrow for cars to pass safely
- You may use the full lane when passing or making a left turn
- Use directional hand signals
You have the rights and duties of a pedestrian when riding on a crosswalk or sidewalk, except you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians
You must have a white front light and red rear light when riding between sunset and sunrise
Since you are given all of the same rights and responsibilities as a motorist, you can also be ticketed for violating traffic laws. This means that running a red light or stop sign can result in a traffic ticket, which would carry the same fine as it would if you were driving.
Florida law also establishes some important responsibilities for motorists when they are driving near bicyclists. Drivers are required to give you at least three feet of clearance when passing or driving alongside you. When you are in a bike lane, they are required to yield to you when turning.
Why Awareness Should Be Your Top Priority
Learning and following Florida bike laws is important, but it’s only part of the equation for staying safe while riding around Pompano Beach. The most important thing you can do is stay aware. Pay attention to what is going on around you and the type of lane you are riding in.
You should also pay attention to what drivers are doing. Never assume that someone is going to yield to you just because they are legally supposed to do so. Drivers may not know the law, or they may not even see you.
Is Riding a Bike in Florida Dangerous?
Florida has some tough laws that are meant to help keep cyclists safe while out on the road. Unfortunately, these laws haven’t made the impact that legislators intended. Between 2018 and 2022, Florida ranked as the most dangerous state to ride a bicycle in. During that span, over 1,000 cyclists were killed in accidents.
Florida can definitely be a dangerous place to ride a bike. Busy cities like Pompano Beach have a ton of traffic and plenty of distractions. If a motorist takes their eyes off the road for a split second, it could spell disaster for you.
What to Do if You’ve Been Injured in a Bike Accident
If you get hurt in a bike accident, remember these steps.
Seek Medical Attention
Bicycle versus car accident can lead to injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, compound fractures, and paralysis. If you’re seriously injured, call 911 right away so that the local emergency services provider can route a team to your location.
Even if you don’t think that your injury is that severe, you should still seek medical treatment. The adrenaline and shock of the accident may make it tough to determine how hurt you actually are. A medical provider can examine you for internal injuries and provide valuable evidence if you decide to file a claim.
Document Everything You Can
If you are able, take photographs of everything, including your bike, the other car or bike, streets, any injury that was sustained, and the scene. You should also talk to witnesses and get their contact information. Your attorney may need to follow up with them to determine what happened and review any documents for the development of your claim.
When law enforcement arrives to create a report of the incident, they’ll likely ask you questions. Stick to the basics, such as where you were struck and what your injuries are. Anything you say during the officer’s interview can be used against you during a lawsuit.
Talk to a Bike Accident Lawyer About the Specific Law Near Your
Once you have addressed your medical needs, schedule a consultation with a bike accident lawyer in Pompano Beach. Schrier Law Group offers free consultations so that you can get timely legal advice without worrying about the costs of hiring an attorney.
If you decide to partner with us, we will handle your case using our contingency billing model, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win.
What Are Your Rights After Accidents?
After a bike accident, you might not know where to turn. The good news is that you have rights — you can file a claim against the other party if they acted negligently or violated Pompano Beach laws for bicyclists.
By filing a claim, you can pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The likelihood that your case will be successful and the amount you are eligible to receive will depend on several factors, such as how the accident happened and how skillful your lawyer is.
Schedule a Consultation With a Bike Accident Lawyer in Pompano Beach
A bike accident lawyer in Pompano Beach can help you pursue compensation in the aftermath of a crash. At Schrier Law Group, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to step in and assist in your time of need. Our team has handled numerous bicycle accident claims and is prepared to build a strong case on your behalf.
If you’ve been injured while riding your bicycle in Pompano Beach, call Schrier Law Group to book your free consultation.
