I used to defend drivers who hit cyclists.Now I represent the people on the bike.
Florida roads are hard on cyclists. When a driver hits you, their insurer’s first move is to ask what you did wrong. Dark clothing, no light, riding in the road.
I used to make those arguments. Now I take them apart.
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The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
In a car crash, your own PIP pays first: up to $10,000 if a doctor finds an emergency medical condition. Fla. Stat. § 627.736
Cyclists have the same rights on the road as drivers, with some added rules like a front light and rear reflector at night. Fla. Stat. § 316.2065
A driver passing a cyclist must leave at least three feet. Fla. Stat. § 316.083
If you have a car insurance policy with personal injury protection (the part of your own car insurance that pays medical bills no matter who caused the crash), it can cover you when a car hits you on your bike. Get treatment within 14 days.
Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
Most negligence claims arising after March 24, 2023 must be filed within two years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11
Call anyway. I’ll give you my honest take. Fault is often split, and you may still have a claim. I can also share names of PIP doctors my past clients spoke highly of. The choice is always yours.
I know the blame script. Insurers try to shift fault onto the cyclist because every percent of fault cuts what they pay. I lock down the facts early: scene photos, video, the bike’s damage, your lights and gear, and witness statements. That protects the value of your claim.
I know where the money is. Many cyclists don’t realize their own car insurance can help. Your PIP and uninsured motorist coverage can apply even when you were on a bike. I find every policy that covers you, which means more money available to you.
I handle your property damage claim at no charge. Good bikes and gear are expensive. I handle that claim for you and charge nothing for it.
I handle your case personally. Not a case manager. You call or text, I answer.
Steps that protect your claim.
Call 911 and get a crash report.
Get checked by a doctor within 14 days.
Don’t repair or toss your bike, helmet, or lights. Photograph them.
Save any ride data from Strava, Garmin, or a bike camera.
Get names and numbers of witnesses.
Don’t give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurer. Call me first.
My office is on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. You don’t have to come to me. I’ll meet you at the office, at your home, or at the hospital. Most clients handle everything by phone, text, and email.
Bring what you have: photos, the exchange form, insurance letters, medical bills. It doesn’t need to be organized. That’s my job.
Call or text me at (813) 547-4707.
What your claim can include
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Often, yes. Your PIP and uninsured motorist coverage can apply. I review your policy for free.
Your uninsured motorist coverage may pay. Report it to police right away.
Yes. The insurer may argue it made injuries worse, but it doesn’t end your claim.
Call me. I will give you my honest take. Fault is often shared, and you may still have a claim. I can also share names of PIP doctors past clients spoke highly of. The choice is yours.
Yes, at no charge.
Nothing unless we win. My fee and case costs come out of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026