Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents Lawyers Protecting The Vulnerable On Florida’s Roads

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are among the most devastating types of traffic incidents. Unlike drivers, who are protected by a vehicle’s frame, pedestrians and bicyclists are exposed and vulnerable. A collision with a car, truck or other motor vehicle can result in catastrophic injuries, long-term disability or even death. These accidents often occur in places where people should feel safe – like sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes. They are frequently caused by negligent or reckless drivers.

At The Tinstman Law Firm, P.A., we have seen the life-altering impact these accidents can have. Our team of pedestrian accidents attorneys brings over 36 years of combined experience to every case. We serve South Florida and offer compassionate, aggressive representation to those who’ve been injured while walking or biking due to someone else’s negligence.

Our pedestrian accidents attorneys represent victims who were hit by larger vehicles while walking or biking. Pedestrians can be struck on sidewalks, in parking lots or while legally crossing the street. Bicyclists are frequently hit while sharing the road or even while crossing at designated bike paths. These accidents often result in serious injury, including broken bones, spinal damage and traumatic brain injuries.

What Causes Bicycle And Pedestrian Accidents?

Many factors contribute to these incidents, but driver negligence is a leading cause. Common forms of negligence that our pedestrian accidents attorneys see include:

• Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Failing to yield at crosswalks
• Driving under the influence
• Ignoring traffic signals or signage

In some cases, poor road design or lack of proper signage may also play a role. Our pedestrian accidents attorneys investigate every angle to determine liability and build a strong case for compensation.

Where Do These Accidents Happen Most Often?

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents frequently occur in high-traffic areas such as:

• Downtown intersections
• School zones
• Residential neighborhoods
• Beachfront roads
• Bike lanes and shared-use paths

These areas are meant to be bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly, yet they often become danger zones due to careless drivers. If you’ve been injured in a Florida motor vehicle accident while walking or biking, our pedestrian accidents attorneys are here to help.

Florida E-Bike Laws And Regulations

Electric bicycles are governed by Florida Statute 316.20655. Currently, since they are still classified as bicycles, you do not need a specific license.

However, the law does give some leeway for local ordinances to create additional restrictions. This could include an age restriction or the requirement of a photo ID. The general restriction that used to exist on a statewide basis was removed, so now only local laws apply.

State law mandates that helmets be used by riders who are under 16 years old. It is advisable for a rider of any age to wear a helmet to help prevent head injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

Regardless of age, someone can ride an e-bike in the same spaces where they would be permitted to ride a regular bicycle, such as the bike lane along the side of a roadway.

Three E-Bike Classes

There are three main classes designated under Florida law, which are as follows:

• Class One: The motor is designed to assist a rider while pedaling, but that motor only reaches a maximum speed of 20 mph.
• Class Two: The motor is controlled through a throttle, but still stops giving assistance at 20 mph.
• Class Three: Motors assist while the rider is pedaling, but the assistance stops at a higher speed of 28 mph.

All three classes can be ridden anywhere that bicycles are already allowed.

Potential New Laws

It is important that riders understand that new laws are being considered, even though they have not passed yet.

For instance, House Bill 243 would create a new category for electric motorcycles. This would apply to an electric bike with a motor of at least 750 W or one that could exceed 28 mph. If this passes, it would no longer be classified as a bicycle.

The bill would also establish licensing restrictions. A person would need a driver’s license or a learner’s permit if riding a Class 3 e-bike. If someone modified an e-bike, the bill would impose a $100 fine for a first offense.

Finally, HB 243 would set up laws regarding e-bike use on sidewalks and shared pathways, and it would require law enforcement agencies to gather data about accidents and report to the state. An electric bicycle safety task force would be created to consider safety regulations, definitions for e-bikes and the enforcement of existing regulations.

Florida Bicycle Laws And Motorist Responsibilities

Florida law treats bicyclists as roadway users with defined rights and responsibilities. Understanding where bicycles can be ridden, how riders must behave and what equipment is required helps reduce risk and clarify liability after a crash.

Bicyclists are generally allowed to ride on public roadways, designated bike lanes and, in many areas, sidewalks unless restricted by local rules. When riding on the road, cyclists must stay as far to the right as is reasonably safe, except when passing, turning or avoiding hazards. On sidewalks and in crosswalks, riders may operate like pedestrians but must yield the right of way and provide an audible signal before passing.

Required conduct for bicyclists includes following traffic signals, traveling in the same direction as traffic and obeying the same control devices as motor vehicles. Riders may travel two abreast when it does not interfere with traffic flow, but single file riding may be required in narrower or congested areas.

Bicycles must also meet certain equipment standards to be legally operated. These include:

• Functional brakes: The bicycle must be able to stop within a reasonable distance under normal conditions.
• Night visibility equipment: A white front light visible from a distance and a red rear reflector or light are required when riding after dark
• General safety condition: Tires, handlebars and other components must be in safe working order

Following these requirements improves visibility and control, which are critical factors in preventing collisions.

Drivers of larger vehicles also have clear duties when sharing the road with bicyclists. Motorists must recognize that cyclists have the same legal right to occupy a lane when necessary for safety.

Key driver responsibilities include:

• Maintaining safe passing distance: Drivers must leave at least three feet of space when overtaking a bicyclist
• Yielding during turns: Motorists must not turn across a cyclist’s path without allowing sufficient time and distance
• Respecting bike lanes: Vehicles should not drive or park in bike lanes except when making a lawful turn
• Observing right of way rules: Drivers must treat bicyclists as they would any other vehicle at intersections and merges

These rules are designed to reduce preventable accidents. When drivers fail to follow them, the risk of serious injury to pedestrians and bicyclists increases significantly. Understanding and applying these laws consistently can help create safer roadways and reduce the likelihood of devastating, avoidable collisions.

Get Help From An Experienced Pedestrian Accidents Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, please contact our Florida personal injury lawyers. We offer free consultations with transparency and no obligation. We can help you pursue compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call us today at 305-832-1412 or visit our contact form page to get started. Let our experienced team of pedestrian accidents attorneys stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.