Boy on Bike Seriously Injured After Being Hit by Car in Palm Harbor

A tragic crash in Palm Harbor left an 11-year-old boy from New Port Richey with serious injuries after being struck by a car Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. near Florida Avenue and County Road 1 (Omaha Street). Investigators said the boy was riding his bicycle westbound on Florida Avenue when he failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the intersection.

At the same time, a 17-year-old girl driving a Honda CRV was traveling north on County Road 1. The front left of the SUV struck the boy, throwing him from his bicycle. Emergency responders rushed him to a local hospital with serious injuries. His current condition has not been released.

The teen driver was not injured and remained at the scene to cooperate with investigators. FHP has not announced whether charges or citations will be issued, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Florida consistently ranks among the top states for bicycle crashes and fatalities, in part due to high traffic volume and the mix of residential and commercial roads. Children are especially vulnerable because of their smaller size, limited visibility, and inexperience in navigating traffic rules.

Even when a bicyclist may contribute to a crash — for example, by failing to stop at a stop sign — Florida law applies comparative negligence. This means liability can be shared between the bicyclist and the driver. If a driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to exercise proper caution around a child, they may still be held partially or fully responsible.

Potential Injury Claims After a Bicycle Accident

In cases like this, families often face overwhelming medical expenses. A child with serious injuries may require:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Ongoing rehabilitation or physical therapy
• Long-term care or adaptive equipment if injuries cause permanent limitations
• Psychological support to cope with the trauma of the crash

The boy’s family may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Lost earning capacity if the injuries affect his long-term health
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

Because a minor was involved, additional legal protections may apply, and any settlement would typically need to be approved by the court to ensure it benefits the child.

Who Could Be Held Liable?

Even though initial reports suggest the child failed to stop, the driver of the vehicle still owes a duty of care — especially when approaching intersections where children are likely to be present. Liability could also be influenced by:

• Whether the driver was speeding or distracted
• Whether visibility at the intersection was obstructed
• Whether signage or road design contributed to the crash

If the driver is found partially at fault, their auto insurance may cover damages through bodily injury liability coverage. The boy’s family may also turn to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or other available policies for additional compensation.

For families facing situations like this, consulting an experienced Florida personal injury attorney is critical. An attorney can:

• Investigate the crash scene and police report
• Gather witness statements and surveillance footage
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached

This tragic accident is a reminder of the importance of both driver awareness and child safety education. Bicycle accidents can change lives in an instant, and families deserve support and justice when negligence plays a role.