Serving all of Florida
Florida Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I spent nearly 20 years defending insurance companies in crash cases. Now I use everything I learned to fight for you.
— Emanuel Galimidi, former insurance-defense attorney
Main office in downtown Miami · Consultations across Florida by phone or video
Can I recover if a car hit me on my bike in Florida — even if I share some blame?
Usually yes. In Florida, cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers (§ 316.2065), and drivers must pass you at a safe distance of at least 3 feet (§ 316.083) — a violation can support negligence per se. You generally have 2 years from the crash to sue (§ 95.11(5)(a)). Contact is not required: a driver who forces a crash with a too-close pass can still be liable. If you own a car or live with a relative who does, your own PIP (§ 627.736) may pay first even though you were riding, and you can pursue the at-fault driver for full damages once your injuries meet the serious-injury threshold (§ 627.737). Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault and barred only if you are more than 50% at fault (§ 768.81). And if the driver had no insurance, your own uninsured-motorist coverage can step in.
Florida bicycle accident — the facts that matter
- Deadline to file
- 2 years from the crash (§ 95.11(5)(a))
- 3-foot passing law
- Drivers must give cyclists at least 3 feet (§ 316.083)
- Fault rule
- You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault
- What it costs
- Free consultation · no fees or costs unless you recover
What they do
How insurers try to blame the cyclist
Bike cases get a special playbook — because shifting blame to the rider is the cheapest way to cut what they pay.
Blame the rider
They argue you ran a light, rode against traffic, or weren't visible — to push fault onto you under the 50% bar.
‘No contact, no case’
They claim that because the car never touched you there's no claim — even though a close pass that forces a crash can still be liability.
The quick, low offer
A fast check before your injuries are fully known — designed to close the file for a fraction of its value.
What to do
After a bicycle crash in Florida
Report & document
Call 911, and photograph the scene, the car, its plate, and your injuries.
Get treated quickly
See a doctor promptly — within 14 days if you're claiming PIP.
Preserve the bike & gear
Keep your bicycle, helmet, and damaged gear unrepaired — they're evidence.
Talk before you give a statement
Don't give the driver's insurer a recorded statement first — get advice.
Florida bicycle law
The rules that decide your claim
Cyclists are ‘drivers’
Under § 316.2065, cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of vehicles on Florida roads.
The 3-foot rule
§ 316.083 requires drivers to pass at a safe distance of at least 3 feet; a violation can support negligence per se.
The 50% fault bar
Under § 768.81, your recovery is reduced by your share of fault and barred only if you are more than 50% at fault.
2-year deadline
Florida generally gives you 2 years from the crash to file an injury lawsuit (§ 95.11(5)(a)).
A recent result
Paid in full.
Bicycle accident · confidential settlement
One of several recent recoveries handled by the firm. Each case is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See more case results →Client reviews
What clients say
“Mr. Galimidi took on my case after I totaled my car in an accident. He always got back to me the same day with answers and updates. I highly recommend him.”
— Jacqueline Earls · Google“He stood firmly by my side with expert guidance and genuine encouragement. We won the case — and his integrity and trustworthiness impressed me most.”
— Domineque Martindale · Google“Simply the best of the best. So honest, and always reachable — he gives you all the advice and all the angles, then uses his knowledge for your best outcome.”
— Eden Alush · Google“His long experience working for the other side — the insurance companies — is absolutely invaluable when negotiating a payout.”
— Victor · AvvoIndividual results; outcomes vary by case. Reviews are from the firm’s Google and Avvo profiles.
Questions people ask
Florida bicycle accident FAQ
Do I have a case if the car never actually hit me?
Possibly yes. Florida law does not require contact. If a driver's unsafe pass or maneuver forced you to crash, that can still be negligence — often supported by the 3-foot passing law (§ 316.083).
How much room must a driver give a cyclist in Florida?
At least 3 feet when passing, under § 316.083 — in a shared lane or a marked bike lane. If they cannot pass safely at that distance, they must wait behind you.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as you are found 50% or less at fault. Under § 768.81 your recovery is reduced by your share, and barred only if you are more than 50% at fault.
Does PIP cover me if I was on a bicycle?
Often yes. If you own a vehicle or live with a relative who does, your own PIP may pay first even though you were riding. You can also pursue the at-fault driver once your injuries meet the serious-injury threshold (§ 627.737).
What if the driver who hit me had no insurance?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can apply even though you were on a bike — it follows you, not the vehicle.
Tell me what happened. The consultation is free.
You'll talk to a senior attorney who spent nearly 20 years on the other side — not a case manager. No fees or costs unless you recover.
Call 786-442-2873