BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER HOUSTON
PRACTICE AREAS
Houston Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bicycling is popular in Houston and throughout Texas. Cyclists ride on the streets of Houston every day, and like motorcyclists, are left vulnerable on the street. When involved in a crash, bicyclists are left with serious injuries. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer Houston with Reich & Binstock will dedicate their time and efforts to fighting for fair compensation for injured bicycle accident victims.
At Reich & Binstock, we are committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation for those involved in bicycle crashes. We understand that suffering severe injuries in a bike crash can be a harrowing experience. You may hesitate to ride your bike again, even after your bicycle accident claim concludes. With the help of a Houston bicycle accident lawyer with our firm, you can focus on healing your body and mind while we recover compensation on your behalf. To schedule your free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney, call our office at 713-622-7271 today.
What to Do if You Are Hit by a Car
Picture this: the weather is beautiful, the sun is shining, and it’s a perfect day to ride your bike. You strap on all your safety gear before heading out the door, and your bike ride starts as it normally does. However, this time, a motor vehicle near you fails to obey bicycle traffic laws, which leads to a bicycle accident. You now find yourself splayed out on the road, unsure of whether you’re injured or just stunned. What should you do now?
Your first step should always be to stay at the accident scene and call the police. Do not say anything about the accident to others, especially not the person who hit you with their car. Anything you say could be taken down and used against you by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Only speak with law enforcement officers about the crash, as they will note your version of events in their report.
Although many police officers will automatically begin to write up a police report, not all officers do this. Ask how you can get a copy of the police report from the accident, as you can use this as important evidence in your case. Gather the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene. If your injuries prevent you from doing this, ask someone else to do it for you.
You should also take pictures and videos of the scene, the damage to your bicycle, and any visible injuries you suffered. Lastly, we strongly recommend working with a Houston bike accident lawyer for your case. Motor vehicle drivers often try to deny liability in these cases since cycling laws are often very strict with serious penalties. However, working with a lawyer can give you the edge you need in your injury claim.
Common Types of Bike Accidents in Houston
Most bicycle accidents and bicycle accident fatalities occur in urban areas, even though urban areas are more likely to have established bike lanes. Unfortunately, no matter how much caution a bicycle rider or car driver exercises, accidents can still happen. Below, we outline the most common types of bike accidents that our Houston bicycle accident lawyers see.
Side Swiping
Side-swiping occurs when a motorist traveling in the same direction as the cyclist hits them with the side of his or her car.
Dooring
This occurs when a motorist opens the car door into the path of the cyclist, causing the cyclist to hit the door.
Left-Hand Turn Impacts
Left-hand turn impacts occur when a motorist making a turn fails to see the cyclist in the bike or crossing lanes.
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end crashes occur when a distracted motorist hits a cyclist from behind.
Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents in Houston
Houston bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries to bicycle riders. Further, bicycle accidents that involve a cyclist being struck by a car or other vehicle can result in serious debilitating injuries and even death. In many of these situations, the accident is the result of some sort of negligence by the motorist.
The most common bicycle accident injuries include the following.
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial fractures
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Fractured ribs
- Internal injuries
- Pelvic fractures
- Road rash
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible injuries that an injured bike rider could suffer. An injured cyclist can still file a personal injury claim to seek compensation if they suffer injuries other than those listed above. Contact a Houston bicycle accident attorney to learn more about initiating a bicycle accident case.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Houston?
Houston bicycle accidents commonly occur at stoplights, right-hand turns, and stop signs.
The cause of Houston bicycle accidents is most commonly attributed to one or more of the following:
- right-of-way confusion
- distracted driving
- driving under the influence
- failure to yield or obey traffic signs
- ignoring traffic signs
- poor visibility
- speeding
- careless or reckless driving
Driver Distraction Can Be Devastating For A Cyclist
In the modern age of cellphones and other gadgets, the use of which may increase the incidence of distracted driving, the roads may be more dangerous than ever for cyclists. A brief glance away from the road can cause a driver not to see a cyclist or not to have enough time to avoid a potential collision with an individual riding a bicycle.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Houston?
According to important bicycle accident statistics from the Houston area, the total number of bike wrecks has steadily decreased since 2017. In 2017, there were 408 bike crash cases. Since then, the number of bicycle crashes lowered to 337 in 2021. Although there has been a slight increase in bike crashes in 2022, the overall trend is still positive for Houston cyclists.
Is Cycling Safe in Houston?
It’s well known that bicycles and motorcycles aren’t as safe as enclosed motor vehicles are on the road. However, cycling as a whole is very safe, especially in cities that are accustomed to the presence of cyclists. More bicycle lanes and more awareness are part of the key to cyclist safety. Additionally, Houston has specific laws that aim to lessen the chances of bike and car collision cases.
Below, we include a few bicycle safety tips on how you can stay safe while biking in Houston, TX.
- Always check your gear before you head out on your bike. You should always check your seat height, tire inflation, reflectors, rear-view mirrors, and other bike parts.
- Wear high-visibility clothing. This includes neon colors, reflective materials, and bright clothing. If possible, plan to ride during the day.
- Always wear a helmet, regardless of the length of the ride. Be sure to properly fit the helmet before riding.
- Follow all relevant traffic laws regarding bike lanes and bicycles. Always ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic, stay alert, use hand signals when turning, and always check both ways before merging with traffic.
What Does a Houston Bicycle Accident Settlement Include?
The medical bills generated from serious bike accidents could place considerable financial strain on accident victims. That’s why we recommend working with a bike accident attorney for your claim. If you file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages that resulted from a bicycle accident in Houston, your compensation may include the following damages:
- disability
- lost wages
- medical expenses
- pain and suffering
- property damage
How Long Do I Have to File a Bike Accident Claim in Texas?
You have two years from the date of the bike accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in the state of Texas. If your bike accident claim involves property damage, you may have up to five years to file.
How Can Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help?
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney for your Houston bicycle accident case can give you a tremendous edge when it comes to holding all responsible parties accountable for your injuries. Car accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians have the potential to turn into very serious and complex personal injury cases. Working with a Houston bicycle accident lawyer can help ensure that you take all the necessary steps to give your case the best possible chance of success.
When you work with our attorneys for your personal injury claims, we will help you with your claim in the following ways.
- Give you legal advice on how to proceed, as well as advise you on all your options.
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Fight against the insurance company and the defendant during the litigation process.
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to strongly support your claim with evidence.
- Negotiate on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
How Do I Prove the Driver Was at Fault in a Bike Accident?
If you file a personal injury lawsuit for a bicycle accident in Houston, a jury will determine the liability of each party involved. To prove the other person is liable for the accident, the court will look over the facts presented for your case. The following forms of evidence will help your Houston bicycle accident lawyer strengthen your case and prove the defendant’s fault.
- Police reports
- Photographs of skid marks, road conditions, property damage, and injuries
- Records of medical expenses
What if I Was Partially Liable for My Bicycle Accident?
Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that, even if you were partially to blame for your accident, you could still file a claim against the other party. However, you are barred from seeking compensation for your injuries if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident.
For example, let’s say that a jury finds that you are 20% to blame for the accident. Whatever award you receive from the lawsuit will be reduced by 20%, as this is the percentage you are at fault. Another term for this system is “proportionate responsibility.”
How Long Does It Take to File a Bike Accident Lawsuit?
This largely depends on the complexity of the case itself. It also depends on how long it takes the injured victims to recover. It is difficult to determine an approximate time frame without looking at the facts of your case. We strongly recommend speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX about your claim.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Houston
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, the Houston bike accident lawyers at Reich & Binstock can help. Contact one of our experienced bicycle accident attorneys for a free consultation to determine whether damages may be recoverable. Either use our electronic contact form or call 713-622-7271 today.
There is never a fee unless we recover on your behalf.
