Bicyclists are especially vulnerable on the busy streets of Fort Lauderdale, where collisions with cars, trucks, or other vehicles often cause serious, life-changing injuries. If you or a loved one were hurt in a bicycle accident, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. Anidjar & Levine understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents create, and we are here to help you move forward.
Our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyers work to hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable. We investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and financial losses. As Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers, we focus on protecting your rights so you can focus on healing. From filing claims to negotiating with insurers, our team manages the legal process on your behalf while pursuing the maximum recovery you deserve. Call now for a free consultation.
How Our Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyers Protect Your Rights
After a bicycle accident, many injured riders are surprised at how quickly insurance companies try to minimize their claims. Adjusters may act like they’re on your side, but their real goal is to protect profits, not people. They might pressure you to give a recorded statement, twist your words to assign blame, or offer a settlement that falls far short of what you truly need.
At Anidjar & Levine, our lawyers know these tactics all too well. We step in immediately to shield you from unfair treatment and protect your rights. When you work with us, you won’t have to take stressful phone calls or deal with confusing paperwork from the insurer. You worry about getting better. We take care of everything else.
Investigating The Circumstances Of Your Bicycle Crash
Insurance companies often rely on incomplete or one-sided information to weaken your claim. Our job is to uncover the full truth of what happened. The investigation begins the moment you hire us. Our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorneys will:
- Review police and accident reports from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or the Florida Highway Patrol
- Obtain traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Interview witnesses who saw the crash
- Collect photos, videos, and other physical evidence
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists if needed
- Review your medical records to document injuries
By piecing together a detailed account of your accident, we strengthen your case and make it much harder for insurers to shift blame or deny responsibility. In many situations, this preparation leads to a fair settlement without ever setting foot in a courtroom.
Litigating Your Case
If the insurance company refuses to treat you fairly, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys will:
- File your lawsuit on time and handle all court deadlines
- Gather, organize, and present evidence
- Depose witnesses and prepare expert testimony
- Negotiate with opposing counsel
- Represent you before a judge and jury if necessary
Litigation can be intimidating, but you don’t have to face it alone. We fight aggressively in court so you can focus on healing. Our trial-tested attorneys handle the legal battle from start to finish, always with your best interests at heart.
Putting The “Personal” In Personal Injury
At Anidjar & Levine, we go beyond paperwork and negotiations—we put people first. Our clients receive personalized attention and constant communication throughout the life of their case. When you partner with us, you can expect:
- Direct access to your attorney’s cell phone number
- Frequent updates about your case progress
- Prompt responses to your calls and emails
- Clear, honest answers whenever you have questions
We also provide practical support that eases the burdens of recovery. Need help scheduling medical appointments? We can assist. Need transportation to treatment? We can arrange it. Need your bicycle repaired or replaced? We’ll help with that, too.
Since 2005, our firm has been known for being responsive, accessible, and relentless in our pursuit of justice for accident victims. We pride ourselves on being more than lawyers—we are advocates who guide you through every step of the process. Take back control of your life with a team that fights for you in and out of the courtroom. Call us today to get started with a free consultation.
Common Causes Of Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists in Fort Lauderdale share the roads with heavy vehicle traffic, commercial trucks, and a constant flow of tourists. Unfortunately, even cautious riders face serious risks when motorists act carelessly. Understanding the most common causes of bicycle accidents can help explain how negligence plays a role in many crashes.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. Motorists using cell phones to text, check GPS, or scroll social media often fail to notice cyclists until it is too late. On busy roads like Sunrise Boulevard, a moment of distraction can lead to devastating collisions with riders.
Failure To Yield
Florida law requires drivers to yield the right of way to cyclists in designated bike lanes and intersections. When drivers ignore traffic signals, roll through stop signs, or rush to beat a light, bicyclists are often the ones who suffer the consequences.
Driving Or Parking In Bike Lanes
Fort Lauderdale has made efforts to expand its network of bike lanes, but many drivers still illegally drive or park in them. This forces cyclists into traffic, increasing the risk of sideswipe accidents or collisions with fast-moving vehicles.
Impaired Driving
Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant nightlife, unfortunately, contributes to alcohol-related accidents. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced awareness, all of which put cyclists in extreme danger.
Speeding And Aggressive Driving
Speeding drivers may not have time to react to cyclists, especially in areas with heavy foot and bike traffic. Aggressive maneuvers like tailgating, weaving between lanes, or cutting off cyclists often result in severe crashes.
Tourist Traffic
As a major tourist destination, Fort Lauderdale sees many out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with local roads. Confusion about one-way streets, bike lanes, or local driving customs can lead to sudden and dangerous interactions with bicyclists.
Unsafe Road And Weather Conditions
Fort Lauderdale cyclists also face risks from poorly maintained roads, inadequate lighting, and sudden rainstorms that make surfaces slippery. Potholes, debris, road hazards, and construction zones force riders into traffic, where negligent drivers may fail to give them space.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident In Fort Lauderdale
The moments after a bicycle accident can feel overwhelming. Your health and safety come first, but the steps you take immediately after the crash can also affect your ability to recover compensation later. If you are able, here are the most important things to do:
Call 911 And Get Medical Help
Always contact law enforcement after a crash. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department or Florida Highway Patrol will document the scene in an official accident report, which can serve as vital evidence in your case. Even if you think your injuries are minor, seek medical attention right away — some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.
Stay At The Scene And Gather Evidence
If it is safe to do so, collect as much information as possible:
- The driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance details
- Photos of the vehicles, your bicycle, the road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Contact information for eyewitnesses
This evidence can make a major difference when proving fault.
Avoid Making Statements That Could Hurt Your Claim
It’s natural to want to apologize or minimize what happened, but even casual comments can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police, and do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company without legal advice.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should report the accident to your insurer, but keep the details brief. Let your attorney handle negotiations to avoid falling into common insurance traps.
Contact A Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The sooner you reach out to Anidjar & Levine, the sooner we can protect your rights and begin building your case. Our attorneys can:
- Secure traffic camera footage before it’s erased
- Preserve physical evidence and medical records
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Help you schedule medical appointments and arrange transportation
We understand how stressful life can feel after a serious crash. You worry about getting better. We take care of everything else.
How Long Do You Have To File a Lawsuit After Getting Hurt in a Florida Bicycle Accident?
The time you have to file your bicycle accident lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale depends on various aspects of your situation, including:
- Whether a motorist harmed you in a hit-and-run accident
- Your age on the accident date
- Whether the at-fault party fled the state or provided a fake name
You generally have two years from the accident date to file your lawsuit with the court system, as explained by Florida Statutes § 95.11. The above rules could give you more time, but these exceptions may not apply to you.
Most cases settle long before the two-year deadline. However, we encourage you to seek our help as soon as possible to keep your options open. We also want to get started on your claim while the evidence is easy to gather and memories of the accident are still fresh in people’s minds.
What Happens if I Miss the State’s Filing Deadline?
If the insurance company refuses to pay for your losses, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to get the compensation you need.
If you miss the filing deadline:
- You will not be permitted to file your lawsuit at all.
- Your lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice, barring you from filing it again.
- The at-fault party might not pay for your losses.
When you partner with our South Florida law firm, we will manage your bicycle accident case from start to finish and file it within the appropriate deadline.
Compensation In Your Case Could Include Past, Present, And Future Damages
A serious bicycle accident can disrupt every part of your life — your health, your finances, and even your ability to enjoy day-to-day activities. Florida law allows injured cyclists to pursue compensation when a negligent driver or other party causes them harm. At Anidjar & Levine, our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyers work to make sure no category of loss is overlooked.
Economic Damages: Covering Your Out-Of-Pocket Costs
Economic damages represent the financial costs you’ve had to bear because of the accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room care, hospital stays, surgery, follow-up appointments, prescription medications, and physical therapy.
- Future medical care: Long-term treatment needs, such as rehabilitation, pain management, and counseling for accident-related trauma.
- Rehabilitation costs: Services from occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other specialists who help restore function and independence.
- Lost wages: Income you missed because you were unable to work while recovering.
- Lost earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior job or reduce your ability to earn in the future, you may recover the difference.
- Other expenses related to your accident: This can include transportation to medical appointments, the cost of medical devices such as crutches or wheelchairs, and even the repair or replacement of your bicycle.
At our firm, we don’t just add up the obvious bills. We look at the full scope of your financial losses — now and in the future. Our attorneys work with doctors, vocational experts, and financial specialists to ensure your claim reflects the true cost of your recovery.
Non-Economic Damages: Recognizing Your Pain And Suffering
Not all losses are financial. Many of the most difficult consequences of a bicycle accident can’t be measured in receipts or invoices. Florida law also allows you to recover for non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain caused by broken bones, surgeries, or long-term disabilities.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or loss of sleep following the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in hobbies, exercise, or family activities that once brought you joy.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent physical changes that impact your appearance and emotional well-being.
These damages are highly individualized, which is why our attorneys take the time to understand your unique circumstances. We want the court or insurance company to see more than numbers — we want them to see how this accident has changed your life.
Wrongful Death Damages For Fatal Bicycle Accidents
Tragically, many bicycle accidents in Broward County are fatal. In 2024 alone, 21 cyclists lost their lives in Broward County crashes. For families facing such a devastating loss, Florida law allows the recovery of wrongful death damages.
If your loved one was fatally injured in a bicycle accident, you typically may be able to pursue damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses so your family does not shoulder the financial burden during an already painful time.
- Loss of financial contributions that your loved one provided.
- Loss of household contributions, such as childcare, home maintenance, or other support they once gave.
- Loss of companionship and consortium, recognizing the emotional void left behind.
Under Florida law, certain family members — such as a surviving spouse, children, parents, or the estate’s representative — may bring a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys can help determine who is eligible and guide your family through every step of the process.
We know no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one. But financial recovery can bring stability, cover necessary expenses, and provide a measure of justice for the harm caused by another’s negligence.
How We Work to Maximize Your Compensation
At Anidjar & Levine, maximizing your recovery is our highest priority. We go beyond simply preparing documents and filing claims — we take a hands-on, people-first approach. This includes:
- Helping you connect with top medical care providers in Fort Lauderdale and beyond.
- Arranging transportation to appointments when needed.
- Assisting with repairs or replacement of your bicycle.
- Providing your attorney’s direct cell phone number so you can reach us anytime.
- Sending regular updates so you’re never left in the dark about your case.
We believe that when you’ve been injured, you should focus on healing while we handle everything else. Our role is not only to pursue the maximum compensation available under the law, but also to take back the burdens that keep you from moving forward.
You Can Still Seek Damages Even If You Were Partially Responsible
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, you may still be entitled to compensation even if you share some responsibility for the crash per Florida Statutes § 768.81. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you cannot pursue compensation.
When fault is shared, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but determined to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to assign a greater share of blame to cyclists in order to minimize payouts. Our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyers work to protect your rights by gathering strong evidence, such as:
- Police and accident reports
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Physical evidence from the crash scene
By carefully investigating the details of your case, Anidjar & Levine can challenge unfair fault claims and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Types Of Injuries That Arise From Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accidents
The physical toll of a bicycle accident can be devastating. Cyclists are completely exposed, with little more than a helmet to protect them from a collision with a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds. Unfortunately, this means that bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale often result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Broward County recorded 1,008 bicycle crashes in 2024, resulting in 21 fatalities and 952 injuries. These numbers represent a significant portion of the state’s totals—almost 11% of all bicycle crashes, 10% of all fatalities, and 11% of all injuries across Florida. This data underscores just how dangerous our roads can be for cyclists, particularly in urban areas like Fort Lauderdale where traffic is heavy and bike infrastructure is limited.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Survivors of bicycle accidents often suffer painful, immediate injuries that may require emergency medical care and ongoing treatment. These include:
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruising
- Fractures and broken bones, especially to the arms, wrists, collarbones, and legs
- Road rash and deep lacerations, often requiring stitches or skin grafts
- Internal injuries, including organ damage or internal bleeding
- Head and facial trauma, which can occur even when a helmet is worn
Serious and Long-Term Injuries
Sadly, many cyclists sustain life-altering injuries that affect their ability to work, care for themselves, or enjoy daily activities. Some of the most serious include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): From concussions to severe brain damage, these injuries can cause lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may result in partial or total paralysis.
- Amputations: Severe limb injuries sometimes require surgical amputation.
- Severe scarring and disfigurement: Permanent changes to appearance can carry both physical and emotional consequences.
These statistics and injuries highlight why bicycle accident claims must be taken seriously. Victims often require hospital care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term medical support. At Anidjar & Levine, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers understand not only the medical realities of these injuries but also the financial and emotional strain they create. We help clients connect with top doctors, schedule appointments, arrange transportation, and focus on recovery while we handle the legal battle.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale?
It costs nothing upfront or out-of-pocket to secure our legal help. We believe in providing legal assistance to anyone who needs it, regardless of financial standing. It would be best if you did not decide between paying your medical bills and obtaining an attorney.
Our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyers represent people based on a “contingency fee arrangement.” We take our fees from the settlement or court award you receive. We do not charge our attorney’s fees if your case is unsuccessful.
We know how to build strong cases and win them, but you pay nothing unless we get you compensation.
Our Florida Law Firm Goes the Extra Mile
We understand that after a bicycle accident, you may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and unsure of what comes next. You shouldn’t have to face those challenges alone. At Anidjar & Levine, we are here to answer your questions, provide clear guidance, and stand by your side every step of the way.
When you work with our Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyers, you gain more than legal representation — you gain a team that truly cares about your recovery. From arranging medical appointments to handling stressful conversations with the insurance company, we go above and beyond so you can focus on healing. Don’t let the insurance company dictate your future. Take back control of your life with responsive legal help that puts people first.
Call Anidjar & Levine today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Let us fight for the justice and peace of mind you deserve.
We Can Help.