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Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accident cases are often subject to unique challenges. To begin with, many drivers, especially in Texas, have misunderstandings about the law concerning bicyclists.

For example, many drivers (and bicyclists) believe that it is–without a doubt–illegal for bicyclists to travel on the sidewalk.

However, there is no provision in the Texas Transportation Code requiring that bicycles travel on the roadway. Fortunately, the Texas Department of Transportation recognizes that there is no state law prohibiting bicycles from traveling on the sidewalk.

Although, individual towns and cities may have their own restrictions on sidewalk bicycling.

Undoubtedly, Texas is one of the best states in the U.S. to hit the road on your bicycle. From Gulf Coast forests and prairies to the Great Western High Plains and the Guadalupe Mountains region, the state offers a breadth of stunning land to explore.

Sadly, Texas is also among the least bike-friendly states, ranking 27 overall.

In 2021 alone, 2,266 Texas traffic crashes involved bicyclists, causing 92 deaths, 11 of which occurred in Houston.

Unfortunately, bicyclists are not protected by steel frames and seatbelts like those who ride passenger vehicles. This leaves bicyclists vulnerable to severe injuries.

These injuries can be life-changing, resulting in overwhelming medical bills and lost wages. Not to mention the physical and emotional energy it takes to recover.

Fortunately, Texas laws allow bicyclists to collect damages for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, the party at fault may be liable for your medical bills, injuries, pain, trauma, and other damages. And the right bicycle accident law firm can help you collect them.

If you need a bicycle accident lawyer, then our Houston attorneys at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help you get back on your feet.

We understand that a bicycle accident can turn your life upside-down, and we will fight to get you every penny you deserve.

We have won millions in injury settlements for our clients. Our skilled attorneys never shy away from battle and prepare each case with the expectation that it will go to trial.

But we also understand the mental and emotional toll bicycle injuries take and, above all, are mindful of the people behind each case file. Maintaining a client-focused practice is our primary priority, and your happiness equals our success.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

In Texas, 78% of all fatal bicycle crashes occurred in urban areas like Houston. According to the United States Department of Transportation, the top factors in bicycle crashes are failure to yield the right of way and bicyclists not being visible.

Other frequent causes of driver negligence-influenced accidents include:

  • Speeding;
  • Drunk driving;
  • Distracted driving;
  • Fatigued driving;
  • Changing lanes without signaling;
  • Failing to share the road with bicyclists, and
  • Failing to look for bicyclists before making a right-hand turn.

But drivers are not always at fault for bicycle accidents. Texas has stringent bicycle rider laws that not everyone follows. Common cyclist behaviors that cause crashes include:

  • Distracted riding:
  • Failing to use bicycle lanes when available;
  • Riding between traffic lanes;
  • Crossing an intersection during a red light;
  • Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles;
  • Riding at night without proper reflectors and lights, and
  • Biking while under the influence.

Some accidents have nothing to do with the bicyclist or the vehicle driver. Bicycle and safety equipment defects can cause a crash or injury.

Pedestrians can act unsafely. And hazardous road conditions such as cracks in the road, uneven pavement due to contstruction, or obstructed street signs can be a recipe for disaster.

Not all bicycle accidents are straightforward. And sometimes, more than one thing can be responsible for an accident.

A Houston bicycle accidents lawyer can investigate your crash, work with you to determine the cause of your accident, and identify the liable parties—helping to ensure you receive the settlement you need to move on with your life.

Types of Bike Accident Injuries

In a bike accident, small injuries, significant injuries, and multiple injuries can all be devastating. While any injury can take its toll, these are the most common types of injuries bicyclists suffer:

  • Cuts and bruises;
  • Whiplash;
  • Muscle, ligament, joint, and cartilage damage;
  • Broken and fractured bones;
  • Head and brain injury;
  • Neck injury;
  • Spinal cord injury;
  • Amputation;
  • Paralysis; and
  • Wrongful death

If you are in a bike accident, please seek medical attention immediately. Prompt medical care can limit the injury’s severity and prevent potential complications.

Afterward, consulting with an experienced bicycle accidents attorney can make all the difference in collecting fair compensation from the responsible party.

What Type of Compensation Can I Get for Bike Accident Injuries?

Bike accidents can be financially and emotionally costly. With medical bills, emotional stress, and lost income, many accident victims worry they will not be able to get by.

Fortunately, a skilled attorney can help bicycle accident victims collect compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses;
  • Future medical needs;
  • Rehabilitation;
  • Lost wages;
  • Reduced earning capacity;
  • Physical impairment;
  • Disfigurement and scarring;
  • Chronic pain;
  • Emotional suffering, and
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

It is also good to keep in mind that to collect compensation in Texas, you must file your injury claim within two years of the date of your bicycle accident. If you do not, you may lose the right to obtain a settlement.

Contact Our Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, Armstrong Lee & Baker will fight for the settlement you need and deserve. We understand bicycle injuries and the pain and suffering they cause, and as your advocates, we will:

  • Help you determine the cause of your bike accident and all financially responsible parties;
  • Help you determine what your bicycle accident case is worth;
  • Deal with difficult insurance companies, who are likely to try to manipulate you into taking a low offer; and
  • Go to trial on your behalf if necessary.

Having an attorney on your side will help ensure that insurance companies take you seriously. Let the compassionate and skilled attorneys at Armstrong Lee & Baker advocate for you and the settlement you’re entitled to so you can focus on recovery.

Call us now at 832-402-6637. We offer free consultations and never take a fee unless we win.