Bicyclist Airlifted After Being Struck by Car in Englewood: Legal Rights

A serious bicycle accident in Englewood on December 10 resulted in a cyclist being airlifted to a trauma center after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Dearborn Street and Indiana Avenue, according to local officials.

The crash prompted a major emergency response involving multiple agencies, underscoring the severity of the victim’s injuries and the dangers bicyclists face on Florida roadways.

Englewood Area Fire Control, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and Sarasota County Emergency Services responded to the scene just after the collision was reported.

Because of the cyclist’s critical condition:

• The Englewood Plaza parking lot was secured for a Bayflite medical helicopter landing
• A medevac crew transported the injured bicyclist to a trauma center
• Officials emphasized that the rapid, coordinated effort played a crucial role in providing life-saving care

Emergency responders noted:

“Today’s trauma alert showed how strong our teamwork is across agencies. This kind of cooperation helps us deliver fast, safe care when every second counts.”

No additional details about the driver, the cause of the crash, or the cyclist’s condition were immediately released.

Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for bicyclists. Intersections like Dearborn Street and Indiana Avenue are especially risky due to turning vehicles, limited visibility, and high-traffic patterns.

Common causes of bicycle crashes include:

• Driver failing to yield at intersections
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Low visibility or improper lighting
• Impaired driving
• Unsafe passing or misjudging distance

When a cyclist is struck by a car, even at moderate speeds, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic, often requiring air transport and trauma-level care — as occurred in this Englewood crash.

Victims Have Legal Options After a Bicycle Accident

Even when more facts are still emerging, injured cyclists — or their families — may have important legal rights.

Potential claims may involve:

1. The At-Fault Driver

If the driver violated traffic laws, failed to yield, or acted negligently, they can be held liable for:

• Medical expenses
• Long-term treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability

2. PIP and UM/UIM Coverage

Florida’s unique insurance laws allow injured cyclists to access:

• PIP benefits (even without a vehicle)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable

These benefits can be critical when the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured, or flees the scene.

3. Third-Party Liability

Sometimes other parties share responsibility, including:

• Vehicle manufacturers (mechanical failure)
• Government entities (dangerous road design or signage issues)
• Commercial companies (if the driver was on the job)

A thorough investigation is essential to preserve all possible avenues of recovery.

What Injured Cyclists Should Do After a Crash

If you or someone you love was hurt in a bicycle accident, take these steps:

✔️ Seek immediate medical attention
✔️ Preserve damaged bike parts, helmet, and clothing
✔️ Request the police report once available
✔️ Document injuries, pain levels, and medical visits
✔️ Avoid giving statements to insurance companies
✔️ Contact an experienced Florida bicycle accident attorney

With traumatic injuries, early legal involvement is crucial to securing evidence and protecting your claim.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Supports Bicycle Accident Victims

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we intentionally maintain a limited caseload to give every client:

• Direct access to highly experienced attorneys
• A thorough, immediate investigation
• Support obtaining medical records, crash reports, and witness statements
• Aggressive representation against insurance companies
• The highest level of care during the recovery process

Our attorneys have recovered millions for injured Floridians, including cyclists struck by negligent drivers. We take on complex, serious cases — even those rejected by other firms — and fight tirelessly for the justice victims deserve.

You pay nothing unless we win.

Bicycle crashes often lead to life-changing injuries. If you or a family member was impacted by the Englewood incident or any similar crash in Sarasota County or throughout Florida, contact us today.