Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney

Struck by a Negligent Driver While Riding Your Bike in Houston, TX?

At Hilliard Law, we have extensive knowledge of Texas personal injury laws. For more than three decades, our personal injury attorneys have assisted traffic and bicycle accident victims, and we can partner with you to fight for the compensation you may be owed.

The number of people in Houston who ride bicycles for transportation, recreation, or exercise is rising. Though bicycles on the road are legally considered vehicles with the same rights as motorized vehicles, many drivers frequently neglect to account for cyclists’ presence or safety. This negligence often leads to accidents where cyclists may sustain serious injuries or even lose their lives.

Anyone hurt in a bicycle accident can benefit from the services of a lawyer with years of experience handling personal injury cases. Our firm offers trustworthy legal counsel to bicycle accident victims. Our Houston bicycle accident lawyers will tenaciously fight for the compensation you may be owed and work to hold the responsible party accountable by utilizing our decades of experience.

Contact us today at (866) 927-3420 to schedule a free consultation with our Houston bicycle accident attorneys.

Bicycle Laws in Texas

Understanding your rights as a cyclist starts with knowing the laws that protect you. Texas law considers bicycles vehicles, which means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. However, the law also includes specific rules for bicyclists:

• Riding on the Road: Cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, except when passing, avoiding hazards, or making left turns.
• Lighting Requirements: Bicycles must be equipped with a white front light and a red rear reflector or light when riding at night.
• Helmet Laws: While there is no statewide helmet law for adults, some local ordinances may require helmets for minors.
• Sidewalk Riding: Local ordinances may prohibit or regulate riding on sidewalks. In some areas, such as downtown districts, it may be illegal.

Unfortunately, even when cyclists follow the law, negligent drivers can still cause serious or fatal accidents. That’s when legal help becomes essential.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents involving negligent drivers are often preventable. At Hillard Law, we investigate the root cause of your crash to establish liability and pursue damages. The most common causes of driver negligence include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can take a driver's attention off the road long enough to miss a cyclist.
• Failure to Yield: Motorists often fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or when turning.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check blind spots or signal properly can collide with cyclists.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, increasing the likelihood and severity of collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment severely affects a driver’s ability to see and respond to cyclists.
• Dooring Accidents: Drivers or passengers who open car doors without checking for oncoming cyclists can cause dangerous crashes.

These types of negligent behavior not only violate traffic laws but also endanger the lives of vulnerable road users like bicyclists.

Common Types of Bike Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries because cyclists lack the protection of a vehicle’s structure. Common injuries we see at Hillard Law include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, cyclists are at risk of severe head injuries in a collision.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to permanent paralysis or mobility issues.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to arms, legs, ribs, or hips are frequent and may require surgery.
• Road Rash: Severe skin abrasions can lead to infection, scarring, and permanent disfigurement.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening.
• Psychological Trauma: Many victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression after a traumatic accident.

Prompt medical care is essential, but legal representation is equally important to secure the compensation needed for recovery.

How to File a Successful Bicycle Accident Claim

Because Texas is an at-fault state, the person who caused the accident is also liable for the cost of the damages. In general, a successful claim must make a compelling argument demonstrating that the driver who hit you was negligent. There are four conditions you need to meet to validate your claim. Claimants must establish the following to be true:

• All motorists on the road owe each other a duty of care to share the road responsibly.
• The driver you’re filing a claim against breached their duty of care.
• Your accident was caused by the driver violating their duty.
• You experienced losses and injuries as a result of the accident.

The wisest course of action is generally to consult with a Houston bike accident lawyer, even if your case seems to be straightforward. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Houston can help make you aware of your rights and the laws that will likely be relevant to your claim. In addition to demonstrating liability, they can accurately calculate the value of your claim based on your losses.

You may need to file a lawsuit to recover the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Hilliard Law can assist you with the litigation process and advocate on your behalf to work to secure a favorable outcome. Schedule your free consultation today and discuss your case with one of our bicycle accident attorney in Houston.

Seeking Compensation for Your Houston Bicycle Accident Losses

When establishing the value of a bicycle accident claim, it’s critical to consider the full breadth of your losses. Because they are so vulnerable, cyclists often sustain severe injuries with far-reaching consequences when struck by other vehicles.. Damages awarded from a civil suit may cover both economic and non-economic losses. Typically, accident victims seek compensation for the following:

• Hospital visits
• Medication
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring
• Permanent disability
• Reduced quality of life

Economic losses like medical care have a clear monetary value that can be seen on a receipt or invoice. Non-economic losses are more difficult to calculate, as they factor in the mental and emotional toll the accident has taken on you, like potentially reducing your quality of life. Calculating non-economic losses requires reflection, research, and knowledge of payouts for similar cases.

Calculating and justifying the amount of compensation you are seeking will likely require you to provide compelling evidence and arguments. On your own, this will likely be an uphill battle. However, with legal representation from an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Houston, TX you may be more confident that you are more likely to recover fair compensation.

Recovering Compensation When You're Blamed for the Accident

Even if you are blamed for your accident, you may still recover compensation. Sometimes, defendants or insurance providers will attempt to avoid or reduce their liability by arguing that the plaintiff is to blame for the accident and their injuries.

In such cases, Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule may cause the court to evaluate and assign each party involved in the accident a proportion of responsibility. If you are found not to be the accident’s primary contributor, the amount of compensation you are entitled to will be reduced by the degree of your involvement.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Odessa?

Call 911, seek medical attention, and report the accident to local law enforcement. If you are able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and get contact information from witnesses. Avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without legal counsel.

How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering any compensation.

What types of evidence help prove a driver’s negligence?

Useful evidence includes police reports, eyewitness statements, dashcam or surveillance footage, accident scene photos, cell phone records (for distracted driving), and expert accident reconstruction analysis. Your attorney will work to gather and preserve all relevant evidence.

Should I speak to the insurance company after the accident?

Only speak with the insurance company after consulting an attorney. Insurers often look for statements they can use to minimize your claim or shift blame. Your lawyer can handle all communication and protect your rights throughout the claims process.

How is the value of my bicycle accident case determined?

Case value depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, your lost income, the extent of property damage, and your level of pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the driver’s behavior was especially reckless.

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident case?

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, it’s highly advisable. An experienced Houston bicycle accident attorney can investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, take your case to court.

Consult With Our Houston Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today

Every year, thousands of bicyclists are hurt or killed in the US in traffic accidents. People riding bicycles have the same rights as those driving a car, and those rights should be protected in the event of an accident. You should consider obtaining the assistance of a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer to ensure that your rights are upheld and that you receive fair compensation.

At Hilliard Law, we have extensive knowledge of Texas personal injury law. For more than three decades, our Houston bicycle accident attorneys have assisted various traffic and bicycle accident victims, and we can partner with you to fight for the compensation you may be owed.  If we take on your case, our personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, so you won’t have to pay unless we succeed.

Call our office at (866) 927-3420 or complete our contact form to schedule your initial consultation.