The Altman Law Firm helps Miami bicycle accident victims pursue fair compensation for their injuries through dedicated and compassionate legal representation.
Free consultation: (305) 373-3730.
The Altman Firm Difference defines our strict focus on catastrophic loss and wrongful death in bicycle accidents, leveraging our legacy since 1998 and Jeffrey S. Altman's status in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We do not operate as a general practice, focusing exclusively on high-leverage bicycle collision litigation.
Riding a bicycle in Miami offers a great way to commute and enjoy the weather, but it also comes with significant risks due to heavy traffic and distracted drivers. When a motor vehicle strikes a cyclist, the resulting injuries are often severe, life-altering, and financially devastating for the victim and their family. The Altman Law Firm understands the physical and emotional toll a bicycle crash can take on your life. For over 25 years, Jeffrey S. Altman has stood by injured cyclists, helping them navigate the complex aftermath of a collision. We handle these matters on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Please note that reading this website does not create an attorney-client relationship.
The legal process begins with a comprehensive consultation where we listen to your story and assess the details of the crash. Next, we initiate a thorough independent investigation to identify all liable parties and available insurance coverages. Once we have gathered the necessary facts, we submit a detailed demand to the at-fault party's insurance company outlining your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. If the insurance carrier refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a formal lawsuit in Florida civil court. Throughout the discovery phase, mediation, and potential trial, The Altman Law Firm keeps you informed at every step so you can make educated decisions about your future.
Several specific Florida laws govern how bicycle accident claims are handled. Under Florida Statute section 95.11, there is a strict statute of limitations that dictates how long you have to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, making prompt action essential. Additionally, Florida Statute section 768.81 outlines the state's comparative negligence standard. This means that even if you are found partially at fault for the crash, you may still be eligible to recover damages, though your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault. While we use these statutes to build your claim, this information is for educational purposes and does not constitute formal legal advice.
Yes. Under Florida Statute § 316.2065(9), a person riding a bicycle on a sidewalk or crosswalk possesses all the rights and duties of a pedestrian, unless local ordinances prohibit sidewalk riding. Drivers exiting driveways, alleys, or side streets must yield the right-of-way to sidewalk traffic. If a negligent motorist fails to check the sidewalk and strikes you, you have the legal right to file an injury claim. Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm examine local municipal codes, driver negligence, and traffic evidence to protect the rights of injured cyclists throughout South Florida.
State laws impose strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury lawsuits. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, making it crucial to consult a legal professional as soon as possible.
Florida Statute § 316.083 requires motor vehicle drivers overtaking a bicycle traveling in the same direction to give the cyclist a minimum safe clearance of at least three feet until safely past. If a motorist sideswipes a cyclist or passes too closely, causing a collision or forcing the rider off the road, violating this statutory requirement provides critical evidence of driver negligence. When drivers fail to yield proper space, The Altman Law Firm evaluates road measurements, vehicle damage, and eyewitness testimony. Jeffrey S. Altman works to demonstrate that the motorist breached Florida traffic safety laws, establishing liability for your bicycle collision damages.
Yes. Under Florida Statute § 627.736, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits apply to bicyclists injured in motor vehicle collisions. Coverage is typically accessed in the following order: 1. Your personal auto insurance policy. 2. A resident relative's auto policy if you do not own a vehicle. 3. The striking driver's PIP policy if you lack household auto coverage. PIP covers up to $10,000 for emergency medical treatment and lost wages, provided you receive medical care within 14 days. Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm assist injured riders in navigating policy priorities to pursue all available medical benefits.
In most dooring collisions, the vehicle occupant who opened the door is legally liable for resulting injuries. Florida Statute § 316.2005 explicitly prohibits opening vehicle doors on the side of moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so without interfering with traffic, including bicycles. Motorists and passengers are legally obligated to check their mirrors and blind spots before opening doors into bike lanes or streets. Jeffrey S. Altman and the team at The Altman Law Firm investigate driver negligence, witness statements, and physical evidence to establish liability when an unexpected car door causes a serious bicycle collision.
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy's uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, even if you were on a bicycle at the time. An attorney can help investigate the incident and identify all potential insurance sources available to you.
Yes. Under Florida Statute § 316.2065(18), an adult bicyclist's failure to wear a helmet cannot be considered evidence of negligence or contributory fault. Under Florida law, bicycle helmets are only legally required for riders and passengers under the age of 16. If a negligent motorist struck you, the insurance company cannot argue that riding without a helmet caused the crash. The Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, helps injured cyclists protect their rights against negligent drivers. While comparative negligence principles under Fla. Stat. § 768.81 apply if you committed a traffic infraction, simply riding without a helmet does not bar your injury claim.
Drivers have a legal duty to share the road and yield the right-of-way to bicyclists occupying designated lanes. If a motorist encroaches into a bike lane and causes a collision, the driver is typically presumed negligent under traffic laws.
If you are struck by a vehicle while riding your bicycle, take these critical steps to protect your health and legal claim: 1. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request emergency medical responders. 2. Preserve your bicycle, damaged helmet, and torn clothing in their post-accident condition without repairing or cleaning them. 3. Photograph the vehicles involved, road layout, visual obstructions, and physical injuries. 4. Obtain the driver's contact and insurance information, along with eyewitness details. 5. Undergo an exam by a physician within 14 days. The Altman Law Firm and Jeffrey S. Altman advise consulting legal counsel before providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
Prioritize your health by calling 911 and seeking medical evaluation right away, even if you feel fine initially. If you are physically able, gather the driver's insurance and contact details, take photos of the scene and your bicycle, and get contact information from any witnesses.
Yes. Under Florida Statute § 627.736, Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers bicyclists injured in motor vehicle collisions. If you own an insured vehicle, your PIP policy pays 80 percent of reasonable medical expenses and 60 percent of lost wages up to $10,000, provided you seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash. If you do not own a vehicle, coverage may extend through a resident relative's policy or the at-fault vehicle's PIP coverage. The Altman Law Firm and Jeffrey S. Altman assist injured cyclists with insurance coordination and pursue third-party claims when bicycle accident injuries exceed statutory PIP coverage limits.
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