Whether you are biking to and from work, enjoying a scenic weekend ride, or cycling as a way to spend time with family and friends, many Texans find joy in taking to the road on two wheels. Sometimes, though, an enjoyable bike ride can turn into a true nightmare. The CDC reports that while bicycle rides account for only 1% of all trips taken, bicyclists account for over 2% of people who die in a crash involving a motor vehicle.
A bicycle accident can sideline you for a long time, resulting in serious injuries. If you suffered a bike accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Speak with a Texas bicycle accident lawyer at The Francis Firm today.
What Are Some Common Types and Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents happen in various ways and as a result of various causes. For example:
- Negligent driving. Whether it’s failing to check blind spots, following too closely, opening a door negligently and striking a biker, or failing to yield, many bicycle accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of other drivers on the road.
- Not complying with traffic laws. This can include failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, taking an illegal turn, or not staying in the proper lanes. Breaking traffic laws suggests that the driver was negligent in causing the accident, but you will need to prove each element of liability and damages.
- Speeding. When drivers don’t obey the law regarding maintaining a safe speed, they can cause serious injuries to bikers on the road.
- Distracted or impaired driving. Whether it’s being distracted by electronics, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simply being drowsy or sleepy on the road, distracted or impaired driving is a huge factor in bike accidents. In fact, the CDC reports that about one-third of crashes that result in a bicyclist’s death involve alcohol by the motor vehicle driver or bicyclist.
- Unsafe road conditions. In some cases, a bike accident occurs as a result of preventable road hazards or dangerous road conditions, some of which are the fault of another party.
In addition to vehicle-bicycle collisions, bike accidents can involve colliding with another bike or even a pedestrian, as well as being injured while riding on a bike as a passenger.
What Are Some Common Bike Injuries?
The injuries suffered as a result of a bike accident can run the gamut. They include concussions, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, some of which can result in long-lasting health problems.
Back, neck, and shoulder injuries are also common, and in some of the most serious cases, the spine may be impacted, which can cause catastrophic issues, including paralysis. Bike accident victims can suffer internal bleeding or injuries to vital organs, as well as broken or fractured bones. Minor injuries are also common, including cuts, abrasions, and other skin injuries. In the most serious cases, a bike injury results in wrongful death.
After a bicycle accident, it is imperative that you seek out the medical care you need. Even if you feel fine at first, serious injuries can take time to develop, leading to long-lasting complications. Get checked out at the scene by emergency medical personnel, or go to a hospital or your doctor. Often, victims of a bike accident will incur significant financial costs as a result of their injuries, including the costs of medical treatment, hospital stays, and even lost income if they are unable to return to work. General damages are also common, including chronic pain and suffering and an overall decline in life quality after the accident.
What Do You Need to Know About Texas Bike Laws?
First, understand that bikers in Texas are responsible for obeying applicable traffic laws, including specific laws that pertain to bicycles in the state. For example, children must wear a helmet while riding, all bikes must have proper brakes and safety equipment, and no rider may transmit more people than the bicycle was meant to carry. There are laws regarding safe operations, including the need to ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway whenever you are riding more slowly than the rest of traffic. Additionally, note that specific cities, towns, and localities may have their own laws and traffic rules regarding bicycles.
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, you will likely need to establish a claim for negligence. This means you will need to prove that the party responsible for the accident breached a duty of reasonable care, causing your injuries directly. In order to recover compensation for your losses, you will need to establish both liability and damages. This can be a complicated process, and you will greatly benefit from consulting with an experienced Texas bicycle accident attorney, who will discuss your legal rights and options and offer legal advice unique to your claim.
How Can a Texas Bicycle Accident Lawyer at The Francis Firm Help with Your Case?
For the past 20 years, our attorneys at The Francis Firm have used our knowledge and expertise to represent the victims of bicycle accidents in Southlake, Fort Worth, and throughout the State of Texas. We will negotiate with the insurance companies to obtain a fair and reasonable settlement offer. When you hire The Francis Firm for your bicycle accident claim, you won't pay us any legal fees or costs until we recover money for you. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, do not risk attempting to handle the claim on your own. Let the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Francis Firm help you understand your rights, and get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve. We will provide the legal expertise and financial resources necessary to fight the other party and their insurance company and pursue justice for you. Contact us today at 817-617-8639.