14-Year-Old Englewood Student Critically Injured After Being Hit by Car Outside Lemon Bay High School

A tragic accident in Englewood, Florida, has left a 14-year-old student in critical condition after she was struck by a car while riding her bicycle to school on Thursday morning. The crash occurred around 7 a.m. near Lemon Bay High School, according to Englewood Fire Rescue and local authorities.

Officials say the driver involved was also a student. The collision was severe enough that emergency responders had to remove the girl from beneath the vehicle before she was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional details regarding the cause or the identities of those involved.

This heartbreaking accident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by pedestrians and bicyclists—especially students—commuting to school in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 6,000 bicycle crashes occur across the state each year, many involving minors.

When a young cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle, the aftermath can be devastating — both physically and emotionally — for the victim’s family. Determining liability and understanding insurance coverage under Florida law is crucial to ensuring the injured child receives the medical care and financial support they need.

1. What Happens Immediately After a School Zone Bicycle Accident

In Florida, accidents involving minors on bicycles are treated with heightened seriousness, particularly when they occur near schools. Following a collision like this, authorities will:

• Secure the scene and ensure all parties receive immediate medical attention.
• Document the crash through photographs, statements, and police reports.
• Interview witnesses, including students, staff, or nearby drivers.
• Investigate road safety factors, such as crosswalk markings, school zone signage, or speeding vehicles.

The findings of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) or local law enforcement investigation will play a critical role in determining fault and future legal action.

2. Liability in Bicycle Accidents Under Florida Law

Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers under Florida Statutes §316.2065. Drivers must yield to bicyclists when required and exercise “due care” to avoid collisions — especially in school zones or crosswalks.

If a driver is found to have acted negligently, they may be held legally responsible for the accident. Common examples of driver negligence include:

• Speeding in a school zone
• Failing to yield to a crossing cyclist
• Distracted driving (e.g., texting or using a phone)
• Reckless driving or failure to observe reduced speed limits near schools

Even when the driver is a minor—as in this case—liability may still fall on the driver’s parents or the vehicle owner’s insurance policy, depending on the circumstances.

3. Filing a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of a Minor

When a child is injured in a bicycle accident, a parent or legal guardian must file the claim on their behalf. In Florida, personal injury claims involving minors are governed by the Florida Guardianship Law (Fla. Stat. §744.301–744.387), which ensures the settlement protects the child’s best interests.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses (both current and future)
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of future earning potential (in severe injury cases)

If the child’s injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, a structured settlement or trust may be established to manage compensation responsibly until the child reaches adulthood.

4. Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Under Florida Statute §768.81, the state follows a comparative negligence system. This means that if the bicyclist was partially at fault—for example, if they crossed outside a designated crosswalk or disobeyed traffic signals—the total compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

However, courts generally recognize that minors lack the same judgment as adults. Therefore, children under 14 are rarely found negligent in such cases, and liability often rests primarily with the driver or other contributing factors (e.g., road design or signage).

5. School Zone Safety Laws in Florida

Because this crash occurred near a school, Florida Statute §316.1895 is especially relevant. It requires reduced speed limits and visible signage in designated school safety zones. Drivers are expected to:

• Slow down to 20 mph or less during posted hours.
• Exercise extra caution near crosswalks, sidewalks, and bus stops.
• Refrain from overtaking or passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians.

If a driver violates these rules, it may significantly strengthen a negligence or personal injury claim against them.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida whose children have been seriously injured in school zone and bicycle accidents. These cases often involve complex questions about driver negligence, roadway safety, and insurance coverage — particularly when the driver is also a minor.

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to determine every contributing factor, including:

• School zone safety compliance
• Driver distraction or impairment
• Poor road design or inadequate signage
• Vehicle speed and point of impact analysis

We fight to ensure injured children and their families receive the full compensation they deserve — not just for immediate medical expenses but also for the long-term impact on their health, education, and quality of life.

If your child or loved one has been injured in a Florida bicycle accident, contact our compassionate and experienced team today. We will help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue justice through a personal injury claim.

We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.