- By: David J. Zappitell
- Zappitell Law Firm
- Sep 24
- Comments (0)
Injured while riding a bike in Delray Beach? A bicycle accident can turn a peaceful day on A1A or Atlantic Avenue into a painful, confusing, and potentially deadly ordeal.
If you’ve been injured while cycling through neighborhoods like Tropic Isle, Lake Ida, or along the beachfront up and down A1A in Boca Raton or anywhere in South Florida, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do next, including steps to protect your health, your rights, and your potential compensation.
How do I know so much about personal injury cases involving bicycles? I’m bicycle accident attorney David Zappitell, and I’m Board Certified by the Florida Bar in the area of Civil Trial Litigation as well as a Super Lawyer, and I’ve won millions of dollars for accident victims like you.
Why Bike Riding in Delray Beach Can Be So Dangerous
Delray Beach is known for its bike-friendly charm, but that doesn’t always translate into bike-safe infrastructure or safety.
From the busy traffic on Federal Highway to the narrow lanes on George Bush Boulevard, many cyclists share roads with impatient or distracted drivers. Despite efforts by the City of Delray Beach to improve safety, bike accidents in South Florida remain a serious issue.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, over 3,800 bicycle crashes were reported between 2011 and 2022. These numbers have continued to rise in recent years, with over 650 crashes in 2023, approximately 724 in 2024, and already 184 crashes reported in just the first quarter of 2025. Many of these involved severe injuries or fatalities, and Delray Beach is no exception.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Health
Your first step after a bicycle accident in Delray Beach is simple: get medical attention.
Even if your injuries seem minor, internal damage or delayed symptoms (like concussions or whiplash) can surface days later. Emergency care facilities near downtown Delray Beach, such as Delray Medical Center, are equipped to handle accident-related trauma.
Be sure to keep all medical records, prescriptions, and discharge instructions. These documents will be vital if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Step 2: Document the Scene
If you are physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Include:
- Your bicycle’s visible damage
- The vehicle(s) involved, including license plates
- Traffic signs or signals
- Road conditions near the scene
Also, gather contact information for any witnesses. Their statements may support your claim later on.
“Photographic evidence and witness accounts can make or break a case,” says David Zappitell. “The more details you preserve, the stronger your position will be.”
Step 3: File a Police Report
Always call the Delray Beach Police Department to report the accident. Florida law requires this if injuries or significant property damage occur.
A formal police report creates an official record and may include the responding officer’s assessment of who was at fault. This is critical for establishing liability in a bicycle accident in Delray Beach case.
Step 4: Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters (Yet)
Insurance companies will likely contact you soon after the accident.
Be polite, but do not agree to recorded statements or quick settlements. These early offers rarely account for the full extent of your injuries, lost wages, or long-term effects.
Instead, contact a trusted personal injury lawyer who understands the local landscape, including specific bike laws in Delray Beach, from helmet regulations to road-sharing protocols.
Step 5: Consult an Experienced Local Attorney
When your future is on the line, experience matters.
At Zappitell Law Firm, we’ve helped countless victims of bicycle accidents in Delray Beach and surrounding areas like Highland Beach, Kings Point, and Gulf Stream. Our office, located in the heart of the Pineapple Grove Arts District, offers personalized legal guidance backed by over 30 years of trial experience.
What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Settlement?
In Florida, personal injury settlements from bicycle crashes vary widely.
The range falls between $300,000 and $1,000,000, depending on:
- Severity of injury
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages or inability to return to work
- Whether the driver was negligent or reckless
- Availability of insurance coverage
Catastrophic injury cases – such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury – often result in higher settlements.
We’ve handled bicycle accident cases that led to seven-figure recoveries. Every case is unique, and we take the time to build it thoroughly.
Delray Beach Bicycle Safety Laws: Know Your Rights
Zappitell law treats bicycles as vehicles. That means cyclists must:
- Obey traffic signs and signals
- Ride in bike lanes when available
- Signal when turning
- Use lights at night
- Wear helmets (if under 16)
But it also means drivers must respect cyclists’ right to the road.
If a driver’s negligence from speeding, texting, or failing to yield caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation under Florida’s personal injury laws.
Don’t Wait, Time Limits Matter
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. Delaying could cost you your right to recover damages.
Let us help you take action today.
Why Choose Zappitell Law Firm?
Zappitell Law Firm isn’t a billboard mill or settlement factory. We’re a boutique litigation firm that offers personalized attention, real trial experience, and proven results.
- Over 30 years of legal experience
- Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
- Located locally in Delray Beach – we know the roads, intersections, and legal environment
“Injured cyclists deserve more than sympathy,” says Zappitell. “They deserve justice. That’s what we deliver.”
FAQs: Bicycle Accidents in Delray Beach
What should I do immediately after a bike accident?
Get medical help, call the police, document the scene, and contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident.
Is Zappitell Law Firm located in Delray Beach?
Yes. Our office is in Pineapple Grove, and we serve clients across Delray Beach and South Florida.
Take Action Today
So if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, or the surrounding areas, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Let the team at Zappitell Law Firm help you recover what you deserve.
Simply click here or give us a call at (561) 330-6330.
About the Author
David J. Zappitell is a Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and the founder of Zappitell Law Firm in Delray Beach. With decades of experience representing victims of car accidents and other personal injury cases, David has been recognized among the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 for his dedication to justice and client advocacy.
