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. Since 1985, our firm has provided knowledgeable and 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.
How Negligent Drivers Put Cyclists at Risk
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, yet many drivers fail to take proper precautions around them. Negligence behind the wheel can create dangerous situations that result in devastating crashes.
Drivers often underestimate how close they are to a cyclist when passing. In Texas, motorists must maintain a safe distance when overtaking bicycles, but many ignore this requirement.
Another common issue is driver impatience. Some motorists become frustrated when sharing the road with cyclists and attempt risky maneuvers such as aggressive passing or sudden turns.
Drivers also frequently fail to check mirrors and blind spots before opening vehicle doors or changing lanes. These mistakes can lead to severe collisions.
When a driver behaves carelessly and causes harm to a cyclist, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries and losses they cause. Hillard Law works to hold negligent drivers accountable and advocate for injured riders throughout Odessa and the surrounding communities.
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.
Real Results ReaL Justice
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Record-Setting$575Wrongful Death
Million Settlement*Hilliard Law attorneys represented numerous injury victims and the families of those killed in accidents caused by GM’s defective ignition switch and their concealment of safety defects.
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$310Wrongful Death
Million VerdictHilliard Law attorneys secured a $310 million verdict against “Funtime” Handelsgesellschaft M.G.H., the manufacturer of the defective Orlando FreeFall attraction at ICON Park, for the family of Tyre Sampson.
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$50Class Action
Million Settlement*Mr. Hilliard was the lead class counsel in Haese v. H&R Block, a class action lawsuit involving every Texan who received a rapid refund from H&R Block (approx. 300,000 plaintiffs). He assisted other class counsel in forcing H&R Block to disclose it received kickbacks for arranging loans between its tax preparation clients and predatory lenders.
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$50Wrongful Death
Million SettlementIn September 2021, Hilliard Law attorneys secured a $50 Million settlement for the family of a man who died in a commercial trucking accident.
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$33Traumatic Brain Injury
Million VerdictThe Hilliard Law trial team won a $33M product liability case against a golf-car company, involving a golf cart that tipped over on a child causing a severe traumatic brain injury.
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$33Work Injury
Million AwardWith the representation of Hilliard Law, two delivery drivers who were shot while completing a delivery were awarded $33 million through an arbitration panel.
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 over 100 years of combined legal experience and 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.
It’s our mission to hold the powerful accountable for their wrongdoing. Reach out to our team immediately regarding your case to schedule a free attorney consultation today.
