May 29, 2020
Bicycle Accident Insurance Investigation in Florida
Table of Contents
Riding a bicycle in Florida can be a great way to stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be dangerous, especially in cities where drivers often fail to watch for cyclists. When an accident happens, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Medical bills, insurance calls, and confusing legal processes can make it hard to know what to do next.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Florida, one of the first major challenges you may face is dealing with the insurance companies. Understanding how a bicycle accident insurance investigation works and how to protect yourself during it can make all the difference in your recovery and your right to fair compensation.
How Does Bicycle Accident Insurance Investigation in Florida Work?
After a bicycle crash, an insurance company, either yours or the driver’s, will quickly begin investigating the incident. Their goal is to determine who was at fault and how much compensation (if any) they should pay.
However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to protect the company’s profits, not your well-being. They may sound friendly or helpful, but their job is to minimize payouts.
As part of their investigation, insurance adjusters will often:
- Request a recorded statement about what happened.
- Ask for access to your medical records.
- Try to get you to admit partial fault.
- Delay the claim to pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
Without legal representation, it’s easy to say something that can later be used against you even if you weren’t at fault.
Should You Talk to the Insurance Company After a Bicycle Accident?
This is one of the most common and most critical questions after a bike crash. The short answer is: not without speaking to an attorney first.
If your own insurance company asks for a statement, you may be required to cooperate under the terms of your policy, but it’s best to consult a lawyer before saying anything. Your attorney can either guide you through the statement or handle communication on your behalf to make sure your words are not twisted against you.
If it’s the at-fault driver’s insurance company calling, you should not speak to them at all. Their adjusters follow scripts designed to elicit answers that shift blame away from their insured driver and reduce your potential compensation. Even a simple “I’m feeling better” can later be used to argue that your injuries weren’t serious.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you’re involved in a bicycle crash in Florida, here are the steps you should take immediately to protect yourself and your claim:
- Call 911 and file a police report.
Always ensure the accident is documented officially. The report will serve as key evidence during the insurance investigation. - Seek medical attention right away.
Even if you feel fine, some injuries like concussions or internal trauma might not show symptoms immediately. Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your claim. - Gather evidence at the scene.
Take photos of your injuries, the bicycle, the vehicle involved, and the surrounding area. Get the contact details of any witnesses. - Do not admit fault or apologize.
Simple statements can be misinterpreted as admissions of liability. - Contact a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Your lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies and begin collecting the evidence needed to build your case.
Common Insurance Tactics to Watch Out For
Insurance companies use many strategies to reduce what they pay victims. Some of the most common include:
- Offering a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Requesting unnecessary documents to slow down the claim process.
- Arguing shared fault under Florida’s comparative negligence laws.
- Misinterpreting medical records to suggest your injuries were pre-existing.
An experienced attorney can identify these tactics immediately and push back with the right legal tools and evidence.
Your Rights Under Florida Law
In Florida, injured cyclists may be covered under multiple insurance sources:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required in Florida and can cover a portion of medical bills even if you were partially at fault.
- Liability coverage from the driver who caused the crash.
- Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) if the driver lacks sufficient insurance.
A knowledgeable attorney will evaluate every potential coverage source to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Why You Need an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accident cases require specialized knowledge. The laws governing cyclists’ rights, vehicle responsibilities, and Florida’s no-fault insurance system can be complex. An experienced Miami bicycle accident lawyer will:
- Conduct an independent investigation of the crash.
- Obtain traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports.
- Work with medical and accident reconstruction experts.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Get Help from AccidentLawFirm.com
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident in Florida, don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. At AccidentLawFirm.com, our team of experienced attorneys fights for injured cyclists throughout Florida. We know how these insurance investigations work, and we know how to protect your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call AccidentLawFirm.com now; your recovery starts here.