Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries, and when drivers fail to share the road responsibly, cyclists are left to deal with the consequences. Andrew Pickett Law is proud to serve Melbourne with aggressive, trial-ready legal representation for serious personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Melbourne’s roadways, including Wickham Road, US-1, and Eau Gallie Boulevard, see a steady mix of vehicles and cyclists. With scenic routes along the Indian River Lagoon and growing bike traffic through areas like Viera, Suntree, and downtown Melbourne, the risk of collisions increases when drivers fail to stay alert. Even a low-speed impact can cause serious harm to a cyclist.
Call Andrew Pickett Law in Melbourne today to schedule your free consultation.
What You Need to Know About Bicycle Laws in Florida
In Florida, bicycles are legally considered vehicles. This means cyclists have the same rights, and responsibilities, as drivers under Florida Statutes §316.
Drivers must:
- Provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist
- Yield appropriately at intersections and bike lanes
- Remain alert for cyclists in shared lanes
Cyclists are also required to:
- Follow traffic signals and signs
- Use lights and reflectors when riding at night
- Ride in designated bike lanes when available
When these rules are ignored, serious accidents can occur. Determining who violated the law is often central to a bicycle accident claim.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Melbourne
Bicycle accidents often stem from driver negligence, particularly in areas with high traffic or limited bike infrastructure.
Frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Unsafe lane changes
- Drivers turning without checking for cyclists
- Speeding in residential or mixed-use areas
- Dooring incidents (opening a car door into a cyclist’s path)
In busy corridors like West Melbourne and near shopping centers, these risks are even more pronounced.
Injuries Cyclists Often Suffer
Cyclists are highly vulnerable in collisions, often sustaining serious injuries even when wearing protective gear.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe road rash and soft tissue injuries
These cases frequently involve catastrophic injuries, requiring long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.
Andrew Pickett Law handles complex injury claims involving brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death resulting from negligence.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
After a bicycle accident, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation.
Here’s a practical checklist:
1. Seek medical attention immediately – Even if injuries seem minor
2. Call law enforcement – A police report is critical
3. Document the scene – Include your bike, the vehicle, and surroundings
4. Collect witness information
5. Preserve your bicycle and gear as evidence
6. Avoid speaking with insurance companies without legal advice
7. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible
Medical treatment from facilities like Holmes Regional Medical Center or Palm Bay Hospital often becomes key evidence in these cases.
Common Challenges in Bicycle Accident Claims
Bicycle accident cases often involve disputes over visibility, right-of-way, and fault. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize claims by shifting responsibility onto the cyclist.
Common challenges include:
- Claims that the cyclist was not visible
- Arguments about lane positioning or traffic compliance
- Disputes over whether proper safety gear was used
- Comparative fault reducing compensation
Andrew Pickett Law approaches these cases with a detailed, evidence-driven strategy designed to counter these arguments.
Not sure where to start? Andrew Pickett Law is here to guide you.
How to Know When You Should Contact a Lawyer
Bicycle accidents often involve serious injuries and complex liability issues. You should consider contacting a lawyer if:
- You required emergency medical care
- You suffered head injuries, fractures, or internal damage
- The driver denies responsibility
- Insurance companies contact you quickly
- You are unable to return to work or normal activities
Even when fault seems obvious, insurance companies may still attempt to reduce or deny your claim.
Speak with a trusted Florida trial lawyer, contact Andrew Pickett Law now.
Melbourne ZIP Codes We Serve
- 32901 – Downtown Melbourne / Crane Creek
- 32903 – Indialantic / Barrier Island
- 32904 – West Melbourne
- 32934 – Wickham Park / North Melbourne
- 32935 – Eau Gallie / Croton Road Corridor
- 32940 – Viera / Suntree Area
How Andrew Pickett Law Builds Strong Bicycle Accident Cases
Building a strong bicycle accident case requires more than basic documentation. It involves a careful reconstruction of events and a clear presentation of liability.
Andrew Pickett Law focuses on:
- Reviewing accident reports and witness statements
- Securing surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Evaluating road conditions and visibility factors
- Calculating full damages, including future care needs
Every case is prepared with trial in mind, ensuring a strong position whether negotiating or litigating.
Why Bicycle Accidents Can Have Long-Term Impact
A serious bicycle accident can affect your physical health, financial stability, and quality of life. Recovery may involve surgeries, physical therapy, and extended time away from work.
Florida’s comparative negligence rules allow compensation to be reduced based on fault. Insurance companies often use this to their advantage, which is why having a trial-ready lawyer matters.
Proper legal representation ensures your case is supported by evidence and a clear legal strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
Do cyclists have the same rights as drivers? Yes. Under Florida law, bicycles are treated as vehicles.
What if I wasn’t in a bike lane? You may still have a valid claim, depending on the circumstances.
How long do I have to file a claim? Generally, Florida allows two years from the date of the accident.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault? Yes, but your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Talk to a Melbourne Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Bicycle accidents require careful legal handling and a clear understanding of Florida traffic laws. You deserve representation that reflects the seriousness of your injuries and your future.
Andrew Pickett Law represents clients throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Village, and across Brevard County with a focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, call Andrew Pickett Law today for a free consultation.
More Personal Injury Services in Melbourne
In addition to representing families in slip and fall accident cases, Andrew Pickett Law handles a wide range of accident and injury cases throughout Melbourne and Brevard County, including:
Map of Melbourne, Florida
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Courtney LaChapelle
I had an auto accident back in September, and went to Andrew Pickette Law to get a case going for my medical expenses I was having to deal with. I was working closely with Vonda and Tiffany Whitehouse through the last several months. We’ve finally come to the conclusion of my case and I am so thrilled with the outcome. These ladies have been here for every question and concern that I’ve had during this process. This is an exceptional law office and would recommend anyone seek out their services. You’re getting someone that is from our area, knows Florida laws, and truly gets to know their clients.
Luke Dow
Andrew has established his firm as a pillar of excellence in personal injury space. He and his team have a track record of successful outcomes, they’ve earned their reputation as one of the most reliable legal practices in the area. Highly recommend Andrew Pickett Law.
Sneha Das
I had a great consultation with Ashley, she was very compassionate and walked me through the entire signing process. She explained everything clearly and was very patient and understanding, as it was my first time going through anything like this. She made me feel reassured and that I am great hands with Andrew Pickett Law!
Ella-Louise Steensma
Andrew Pickett Law firm has been so helpful already, Ashley S has been so kind and helpful answering all my questions! She is understanding of what you need and helps you get it!
Tony Burns
Known Andrew for years and if you’re looking for a great attorney, he’s your guy!
Amy Crotty
Ashley was super helpful and walked me through the steps I needed to get my case started. She was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.
Brandi LEMA
Vonda has been really great she’s so sweet she stays on top of things and keeps you notified of everything!! Andrew Pickett is the BEST LAW FIRM I’ve ever dealt with hands down!!!
Feliciano Lopez
Andrew Pickett law was very helpful and made the process very easy and smoothly I really appreciate the help they gave us and how they sincerely cared and that in itself means a lot I highly recommend them
Helen Keiller
I was sent a short notice to Andrew Law firm . Hailey – Intake Called me back with so much patience and concern for what happened to me . Feels so much warmer and care . They gives me more information about what I need to do for help. Very appreciate even they are not able to help me. Thanks again for her time and compassionate . Thanks Hailey – Intake
Rockeisha J
Ms.Ashley And Ms.Hailey Was A Huge Help With Myself In My Daughter , They Was Very Patient When We Ranned Cross A Few Hiccups , They Were Very Respectful And Dedicated Too Helping Us As Much As They Could Not Only Helping In Having Patience But A Listening Ear With Plenty Support In A Time Of Need They Where Great And Very Upfoward
Erin Hussey
So far, Pickett law, and Ashley in particular have been amazing. They work so quick and are very responsive. I was in an accident Friday and called Friday evening after business hours and they contacted me first thing Monday morning to let me know they were working on my case. I feel safe having this firm in my corner.
Margarita Eberline
Andrew Pickett is an exceptional attorney and an even more incredible advocate for his clients! I had the pleasure of hosting him on The Care Sandwich Podcast, where he shared his journey and passion for helping those who’ve been wronged.
Andrew’s compassion and expertise truly set him apart, he’s not just a lawyer, he’s someone who genuinely cares about making a difference. If you’re in need of a personal injury attorney who will fight for you every step of the way, Andrew is the one to call. Highly recommend!
Sue Padgett
I have had nothing but a pleasant experience with Ashley as my first time dealing with an attorney and their staff. She helped make sense out of a lot of unknowns and questions I had. She is a joy to speak to and quick to respond to you, either after a phone call or text. I hope my whole experience with this group will be as comfortable as it was speaking with Ashley. I’m sure it will be.
Primo Garcia
For almost 2 yrs Mr. Pickett and his team worked endlessly on my case. They showed tremendous dedication and drive. Lindsey was always staying in contact and always reassuring me that they got this so don’t worry. Today I get a call stating we WON, all I can say is thank God that Andrew and Lindsey took my case because without them I don’t know what would have happened. God bless them both I love you guys.
Rose Harper
Pickett Law has exceptional trial attorneys and compassionate team members. I highly recommend Pickett Law for any accident and injury accident cases in Florida.
Megan Thomas
Excellent trial law firm. Andrew is a wealth of knowledge and works hard for his clients.
Jenn Gc
Outstanding law firm and great trial lawyer! Andrew and his team are some of the best in the business.
ranojoy guha
I had a chance to work with Andrew, he’s an incredible trial attorney and a wonderful human being.
kristie escalera
I love his dedication to the community.