BIKE ACCIDENTS
Bicycle Accident Claims Our Austin Lawyers Handle
Bicyclists using Texas roadways generally have many of the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. When a cyclist is struck, the investigation may focus on whether a driver failed to yield, passed unsafely, opened a vehicle door into the rider’s path, or otherwise failed to use reasonable care.
You can learn more about the rights and responsibilities cyclists have when sharing the road. Bicycle and pedestrian crashes also share many of the same risks because both groups have limited protection from motor vehicles. If you were injured while walking, our Austin pedestrian accident lawyer page explains related legal options.
A driver turning left across traffic or right across a bike lane may fail to see a cyclist before entering the rider’s path. Intersections, driveways, and parking-lot entrances are common locations for these collisions.
A vehicle passing too closely can strike a cyclist or force the rider off the road. The investigation may consider vehicle position, roadway width, available video, witness statements, and other evidence showing how much room the driver provided.
A driver or passenger who opens a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist can cause a serious crash. These incidents often happen along streets with parallel parking next to bike lanes or travel lanes.
Drivers pulling out of side streets, parking lots, alleys, or driveways may fail to notice a cyclist before entering the roadway or bike lane.
Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, construction areas, and poorly maintained bike lanes can contribute to a crash. Claims involving a city or another government entity may involve different procedures and deadlines than an ordinary driver-negligence claim.
Some drivers leave the scene after striking a cyclist. Depending on the circumstances and available insurance, an injured rider may still have options even when the driver cannot immediately be identified. See our Austin hit and run accident lawyer for more information.
TYPES OF INJURIES
Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle crashes can cause injuries ranging from relatively minor wounds to injuries that affect a person’s ability to work, move, or return to normal daily activities.
Scratches and Bruises
Minor injuries to the skin due to friction with the ground or hard surfaces.
Fractures
Fractures in bones such as the clavicle, arms, legs, or ribs may occur, especially in falls or high-energy collisions. While the cyclist’s helmet protects the head, the rest of the body is exposed.
Sprains and Strains
Injuries to soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscles, can occur due to a fall or impact.
Concussions
Brain injuries caused by strong impacts on the head. Cyclists are required to wear helmets to reduce the risk of brain injuries and ensure the helmet is in optimal condition.
Spinal Injuries
Falls or violent collisions can cause injuries to the spine, ranging from sprains to more severe injuries.
COMPENSATION
Compensation You May Be Able to Pursue
The damages available after a bicycle accident depend on the injuries, medical treatment, time away from work, property damage, insurance coverage, and other facts of the claim.
Economic Damages
Medical losses may include ambulance transportation, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, and future treatment related to the injuries.
Medical losses may include ambulance transportation, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, and future treatment related to the injuries.
If the injuries prevent you from working or require time away for treatment, documented lost wages may be part of the claim. Serious injuries may also affect future earning capacity.
If the injuries prevent you from working or require time away for treatment, documented lost wages may be part of the claim. Serious injuries may also affect future earning capacity.
A bicycle accident claim may include repair or replacement of the bicycle, helmet, lights, electronics, clothing, and other damaged riding equipment.
A bicycle accident claim may include repair or replacement of the bicycle, helmet, lights, electronics, clothing, and other damaged riding equipment.
If a bicycle crash causes a death, surviving family members may need to evaluate a potential wrongful death claim. Our Austin wrongful death lawyers page explains this type of case in more detail.
If a bicycle crash causes a death, surviving family members may need to evaluate a potential wrongful death claim. Our Austin wrongful death lawyers page explains this type of case in more detail.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, disability, and disruption to everyday activities may be considered when evaluating non-economic losses. Texas proportionate-responsibility rules may also affect a claim when more than one person contributed to the crash.
Evidence After a Bicycle Accident
Evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. If possible, photographs of the scene, bicycle, vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries can help document what happened.
Other useful information may include:
- The driver’s contact and insurance information;
- Police report information;
- Witness names and contact details;
- Nearby surveillance or traffic-camera footage;
- Medical records;
- Damaged bicycle equipment;
- Repair or replacement estimates.
Dang Law Group can also help identify and gather evidence relevant to liability, injuries, and damages.
Most Texas personal injury lawsuits are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations, although exceptions and other deadlines may apply. Claims involving a government entity may involve additional notice requirements.
Dang Law Group handles personal injury matters on a contingency-fee basis. Attorney fees are generally collected from a recovery rather than charged upfront. Ask us during your consultation how attorney fees and case expenses would apply to your claim.
LEGAL SERVICES
Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Dang Law Group represents people injured in many other types of accidents throughout Austin and Central Texas.
DANG LAW GROUP
Contact Our Austin Bike Accident Lawyers
If you were injured while riding in Austin or the surrounding area, Dang Law Group can review how the crash occurred, evaluate available evidence and insurance coverage, and explain the legal options that may affect your claim.
We offer free consultations and serve clients from our North Austin and South Austin offices. Our team is available 24/7 and can assist clients in English or Spanish.
Schedule your free consultation to discuss your bicycle accident claim.