Bicycle Accidents
Houston Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Texas is sadly among the most dangerous states for cyclists nationwide. Between 2010 and 2016, bicycle accident statistics were over 16,000 crashes involving bicyclists in Texas. Those accidents resulted in 9,769 reported injuries and emergency room visits, 5,646 possible injuries, and 362 bicycle accident fatalities. 70% of Texas bike crashes occur at an intersection. The most dangerous counties for bicyclists are Harris, Travis, Dallas, Bexar, and Tarrant.
Unsurprisingly, bicycle riders not wearing a helmet dramatically increased the risk of fatality. It is worth noting that Texas does not require cyclists to wear helmets. The state may recommend bicycle helmets, and certain cities have instated new Texas bicycle laws for children, but as a whole, the state does not have a universal helmet law.
In any traffic accident, there exists the chance of sustaining a severe injury. However, a driver or passenger in a motor vehicle has seatbelts, airbags, and other safety measures to protect them in a collision.
A cyclist or pedestrian has comparatively little to protect them from life-threatening injuries. So, naturally, bike accidents often result in catastrophic injury or worse, as the bike's rider is hit by heavy automobiles and either flipped into the windshield or hurled to the pavement in the path of oncoming traffic.
Cyclists' injuries can be costly to recover from. If the accident was not their fault, they should not be on the hook for those medical expenses.
However, the settlement offered for an insurance claim is often insufficient, providing only a percentage of the finances required for necessary medical treatment. You do not need to accept the offer from the insurer of the motorist. You can do better than whatever is offered by the driver's car insurance policy in a bicycle accident claims.
Recovering Compensation After a Houston Bicycle Accident
If you've been injured - or if you have tragically lost a loved one in a wrongful death - caused by a bicycle crash, you may be eligible to seek compensation from the negligent parties. This can be a challenging task, however, made all the more difficult if you are still recovering from your injuries. You do not need to go it alone against the insurance company. Our Houston bicycle accident lawyers are here for you.
Call The Shariff Law Firm, PLLC today at 713-881-9739 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Houston bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your bicycle accident claim. Together we will help you determine how best to pursue a satisfying outcome for your Houston bicycle accident claim.
How is Fault Determined in a Bicycle Accident Case?
Texas personal injury law operates with a modified understanding of 'comparative fault.' Whoever is determined to be at fault for the accident will be held legally and financially responsible. The court may order that they make payments to any injured parties, such as lost wages or outstanding medical bills.
If more than one party is considered at fault, the law will divide the blame as they see fit. If the court believes that 60% of the blame rests with one party and 40% with another, then the settlement will be divided 60/40.
Under comparative fault, it is possible for the bicycle accident victim to be held partially responsible for the accident that caused their injuries. If their level of fault is above 51%, they cannot recover compensation as a plaintiff in Texas courts.
As your Houston bike accident lawyer, we will examine all the evidence pertaining to your bicycle accident case, review medical records, seek eyewitness testimonies, and review police reports until we feel confident that we've crafted a strong case.
What Are Common Bike Crash Injuries?
Bike crashes can be violent, some of them leaving their bicycle accident victims with wounds that forever alter the trajectory of their lives. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
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Broken bones and fractures
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Concussions
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Cuts
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Dental injuries
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Disfigurement
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Lacerations
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Loss of limbs
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Paralysis
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Ruptured discs
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Soft tissue injuries
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Spinal cord injuries
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Wrongful death
Common causes of Houston bicycle accidents include:
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A car door opens in the path of a biker
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Bikers struck by a car that has driven onto the sidewalk or into protected bike lanes
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Defective bicycle
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Drunk driving
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Reckless driving
What Type of Financial Recovery Could You Make with a Successful Lawsuit?
If you've been injured while bicycling, a Houston bicycle accident attorney may be able to help you recover compensation from responsible parties. Your bicycle accident lawsuit, if successful in court, could net both economic and non-economic damages.
If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, it would be best to hire professional legal representation.
Economic damages
Economic damages that injured cyclists may recover include:
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Lost future income
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Lost wages
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Medical costs
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Physical therapy
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Property damage
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Wrongful death
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages that the injured bike rider may recover include:
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Lost companionship
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Lost quality of life
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Pain and suffering
Questions to ask a Houston Bike Injury Lawyer
When meeting with a Houston bike injury lawyer, it's crucial to ask several key questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Begin by inquiring about their experience and expertise, asking how many years they have handled bike injury cases, the number of similar cases they have resolved, and their track record with cases like yours.
1. Assessment
Seek their initial assessment of your case and the kind of compensation you might expect if you hire them as your Houston bicycle accident lawyer. Discuss their legal strategy and clarify whether they will handle your case personally or if it will be assigned to another attorney.
2. Fee Structure
Understanding their fee structure is vital; ask if they work on a contingency fee basis and if there are any upfront costs. Communication is key, so ask how often they will update you and who your main point of contact will be.
3. Timeline
It's also important to know the expected timeline for resolving your case and any factors that could cause delays. Inquire about their experience with settlements and trials, specifically the percentage of cases that settle out of court versus those that go to trial, and whether they are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
4. Testimonials
Ask for client references and testimonials to gauge past client satisfaction. Additionally, inquire about the resources they have to support your case, such as investigators and expert witnesses, and how they will gather evidence as your Houston bicycle accident lawyer.
5. Post-Case Support
Finally, discuss any post-case support they offer and how they handle situations involving uninsured or underinsured defendants.
6 Steps to Take After a Houston Bike Accident
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Ensure Safety and Call 911: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
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Seek Medical Attention: Get examined by a medical professional, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
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Collect Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved. Gather names and contact details of any witnesses.
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Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your bike, any vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
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File a Police Report: Ensure an official police report is filed, and obtain a copy for your records.
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Consult a Lawyer: Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in bike accidents to discuss your case and protect your rights.
