A bicycle offers freedom, until you’re struck by a vehicle. You may be recovering from injuries caused by someone else's carelessness, and the medical bills that go with it. A Texas bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath and fight for the compensation you need.
If a car injured you while biking in Texas, contact DFW Injury Lawyers today for a free case consultation at (972) 440-2320.
Why Choose DFW Injury Lawyers for Your Texas Bicycle Accident Case
You need an attorney who understands the specific challenges cyclists face on Texas roads. DFW Injury Lawyers focuses on helping injured people like you get back on their feet.
Dedicated Representation
At DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the catastrophic injuries involved in bike crashes and the evidence needed to build a strong claim. We know how devastating the impact can be for cyclists and their families. We build robust cases to recover fair compensation for our clients.
Our Texas bike accident lawyers work hard to hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Your recovery is our priority. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
We Represent Clients Across All of Texas
DFW Injury Lawyers proudly represents injured cyclists throughout the entire state of Texas. We assist clients in Houston, Austin, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Amarillo, and everywhere in between.
Our firm has the resources to manage cases effectively regardless of your location in the Lone Star State. If you need a dedicated Texas bicycle accident lawyer, our team is ready to assist you.
Experience With Texas Roads and Cycling Laws
Texas has specific laws outlining the rights and responsibilities of cyclists and motorists. We know how Texas traffic codes apply to situations like yours, including rules about safe passing distances and where cyclists can legally ride.
We investigate how local road conditions or traffic patterns might have contributed to your accident. Whether your crash happened on a busy urban street in Dallas or a rural road near Waco, we understand the environment.
Our local knowledge helps us establish fault and strengthen your claim for damages. Call DFW Injury Lawyers at (972) 440-2320 for a free consultation.
Compensation You Can Seek With a Texas Bicycle Accident Attorney
When a driver's negligence causes your bike accident, Texas law allows you to seek compensation for your various losses. Your Texas bicycle accident attorney works to identify and recover all potential compensation.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills often pile up quickly after a serious bicycle accident. You can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical costs related to the crash.
This includes:
- Emergency Services: Ambulance transportation and emergency room treatment
- Hospital Stays: Costs associated with inpatient care, surgeries, and hospital facilities
- Doctor Visits: Bills from physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare providers
- Future Care: Estimated costs for ongoing treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medications, and necessary medical equipment
Keep detailed records of all your medical treatments and expenses. These records are vital for proving the extent of your medical damages.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and any other earnings you missed during your recovery period.
Sometimes, bike crashes result in long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to earn a living in the future. If your capacity to work is reduced, you can seek damages for this loss of future earning potential.
Bike Damage and Other Property
You’re entitled to compensation for repairing your bike or its fair market value if it's beyond repair. This also applies to any other personal property damaged in the accident, such as your helmet, clothing, phone, or computer.
Pain, Suffering, and Life Changes
Texas law allows you to seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional anguish, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and inconvenience caused by the accident and your injuries.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Texas Cycling Accident
Interacting with insurance adjusters after a bike crash can be tricky because their job is to protect the insurance company's bottom line, not yours. A Texas bicycle accident attorney understands adjusters' tactics and can shield you from unfair practices.
Why You Need Legal Representation
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they’re trained negotiators looking for ways to minimize payouts. They might ask for a recorded statement early on, hoping you'll say something that could be interpreted as admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
Anything you say can be used against you later.
Your lawyer advises you on what information to provide and handles direct communication with the adjuster, preventing you from accidentally harming your claim.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the driver who hit you has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages, your own auto insurance policy might help, specifically Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
UM/UIM coverage is designed to protect you in these situations, even when you're on your bike.
Navigating UM/UIM claims involves dealing with your own insurance company, which can sometimes be as challenging as dealing with the other driver's insurer.
Your Texas bike accident lawyer can review your policy, determine available coverage, and, if necessary, pursue a UM/UIM claim on your behalf.
Pressure To Settle Quickly
Insurance companies sometimes offer a quick, low settlement soon after an accident. This might seem tempting when bills are mounting, but early offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim.
Accepting such an offer usually requires you to waive your right to seek further compensation, even if your injuries worsen or new medical needs arise later.
Never accept a settlement offer without first discussing it with your attorney. Your Texas bike accident lawyer will advise whether the offer is fair or negotiate for a better amount if it's insufficient to cover your losses.
Common Ways Drivers Cause Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle accidents happen because drivers fail to see cyclists or respect their right to share the road. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention
- Failure to Yield: Drivers turning left in front of an oncoming cyclist or pulling out from driveways or side streets without yielding
- Unsafe Passing: Drivers passing too closely without providing the legally required distance
- Dooring: Opening vehicle doors into the path of an approaching cyclist
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Drivers traveling too fast for conditions or acting aggressively towards cyclists
How a Texas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps You Recover
A Texas bike crash attorney does much more than just file paperwork. They become your advocate, handling the complex legal and insurance processes while you focus on healing.
DFW Injury Lawyers protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Investigating Your Bike Crash
Gathering evidence is fundamental to proving your case, so we conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances of your accident. This includes obtaining the official police report and identifying all involved parties and witnesses.
We work quickly to preserve evidence that might disappear over time.
Our team may visit the accident scene to document conditions, take photographs, and look for overlooked details. If available, we may also collect surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
Proving Fault Under Texas Law
Texas uses a proportionate responsibility system, sometimes called modified comparative fault. This means your compensation can be reduced if you're found partially at fault for the accident.
If you're found more than 50% responsible, you can't recover any damages. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the cyclist to reduce or deny payouts.
A skilled Texas bicycle accident lawyer fights against unfair blame. We use the evidence gathered during the investigation to show how the driver's negligence caused your injuries.
We present a compelling case demonstrating the other party's liability to maximize your financial recovery.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
Determining the cost of a bicycle accident involves more than just adding up current medical bills. We carefully assess all the ways the accident has impacted your life, both now and in the future, including past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and necessary assistive devices.
We also calculate your lost income if you couldn't work due to injuries. We also account for any future loss if your earning capacity is permanently affected.
Your lawyer evaluates the cost to repair or replace your bicycle and any other damaged property and works to place a value on non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Negotiating Aggressively With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters want to settle claims for the lowest amount possible. Dealing with them directly can be stressful and risky, as they may try to get you to make statements that hurt your case or accept a lowball offer.
Your Texas bicycle accident lawyer handles all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies involved. We present your claim backed by strong evidence and a clear calculation of your total damages.
DFW Injury Lawyers negotiates firmly to achieve a fair settlement that covers all your losses.
Taking Your Case to Court (if Necessary)
While most bicycle accident cases settle out of court, sometimes insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation. We’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if negotiations don't lead to a satisfactory settlement.
We’ll guide you through the litigation process, explaining each step clearly. We build a persuasive case to present in court, advocating vigorously on your behalf.
Our willingness to go to trial strengthens our position during settlement negotiations, as insurance companies know we’re ready to fight for your rights in court.
FAQ for Texas Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a bicycle accident raises many questions, but specific advice requires understanding the unique details of your situation. Contact a Texas bike accident attorney for specific concerns.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the bicycle accident to file a lawsuit. If you don't file within this timeframe, you typically lose your right to seek compensation through the court system forever.
While there are limited exceptions, it's always best to act promptly. Contacting a lawyer soon after your accident allows ample time for investigation and negotiation before the deadline approaches.
What if the Driver Claims the Bicycle Accident Was My Fault?
It's very common for drivers and their insurance companies to try to blame the cyclist, partially or entirely, for the accident. Texas uses a proportionate responsibility system, meaning your compensation is reduced if you're found partially at fault.
You recover nothing if you're found 51% or more at fault. Don't accept the driver's claims or insurance adjusters' assertions regarding fault; let your lawyer investigate.
What Kind of Evidence Is Helpful to a Texas Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Helpful items include the official police or crash report, photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to your bike and the vehicle.
Collect contact information for any witnesses. Keep all medical records and bills related to your injuries, bike repair or replacement receipts, and documentation of your lost wages.
Do I Still Have a Case if I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet?
Yes, you can still have a valid case even if you weren't wearing a helmet. While Texas law doesn't mandate helmet use for adult cyclists (though it's highly recommended for safety), the absence of a helmet doesn't automatically bar your claim.
The core issue is whether the driver's negligence caused the accident. However, the insurance company might argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of a head injury (if applicable), potentially trying to reduce compensation under comparative fault rules.
Your Texas bicycle accident lawyer can address these arguments.
What Happens if the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene (Hit-and-Run)?
Your own auto insurance policy might provide coverage through Uninsured Motorist (UM) protection, which often applies to hit-and-run situations even when you're on a bike.
Your Texas bike accident lawyer can help investigate the hit-and-run, identify the driver if possible, and navigate the complexities of making a UM claim with your insurer.
Reclaim Your Ride: Let DFW Injury Lawyers Handle the Legal Road Ahead
A bicycle accident turns your world upside down, likely leaving you injured and uncertain. You don't have to navigate the confusing aftermath alone. Focus on your recovery and let DFW Injury Lawyers, your experienced Texas personal injury lawyer, handle the legal fight.
We understand the challenges injured cyclists face and are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. We stand up to insurance companies and advocate for your rights every step of the way.
Contact DFW Injury Lawyers now for your free, no-obligation consultation at (972) 440-2320.