San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Injured by a Bike Accident Caused by a Negligent Driver in San Antonio, TX?

Bicycling is popular in San Antonio, for exercise and as a mode of transportation. Legally, bicyclists have the same rights as those driving motorized vehicles. Despite this, drivers may fail to keep an eye out for cyclists, which frequently results in collisions. When motorists are negligent while sharing the road, cyclists are the ones most likely to suffer serious physical, financial, and mental consequences. As a result, when bicycle accidents occur, it’s often in an injured party’s best interest to hire a personal injury attorney with extensive experience handling traffic accident cases.

At Hilliard Law, we represent accident victims in San Antonio using skills gained from decades of practicing Texas law. Our San Antonio bicycle accident attorneys will tenaciously pursue your compensation to hold the liable party accountable and get you on the road to recovery.

To request a free case review with our team, contact us today at (866) 927-3420.

Texas Bicycle Laws

Texas law grants cyclists many of the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. However, certain rules specifically apply to bicycles and how drivers must interact with them on the road.

Under the Texas Transportation Code, cyclists have the right to ride on most public roads, except limited-access highways. They must:

• Obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Ride as near to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as practicable, unless it is unsafe to do so (e.g., to avoid debris or a parked car).
• Use a white front light and red rear reflector or lamp when riding at night.
• Not carry more passengers than the bicycle is designed for.

For drivers, Texas law requires them to maintain a safe distance when passing bicyclists and to exercise due care to avoid collisions. In San Antonio, local ordinances also require motorists to provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist (six feet for commercial vehicles).

Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these rules, leading to tragic and preventable accidents.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Even the most cautious cyclist can be seriously injured when a negligent driver fails to pay attention. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in San Antonio include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems can divert a driver’s attention from the road and lead to catastrophic crashes.
• Failing to Yield: Many drivers fail to yield at intersections or while making turns, cutting off cyclists who have the right of way.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, increasing both the likelihood and severity of an accident.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check blind spots or signal when changing lanes often sideswipe cyclists.
• Opening Car Doors (Dooring Accidents): A common urban hazard occurs when a parked driver opens a car door directly into the path of a cyclist.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug-impaired drivers are far less likely to notice or react to a cyclist in time to avoid a collision.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, or lack of proper bike lanes can also contribute to accidents, sometimes involving government liability.

Regardless of the cause, if a negligent driver’s actions caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation with the help of an experienced San Antonio bicycle accident lawyer.

Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Because cyclists have little protection against the force of a motor vehicle, even low-speed collisions can result in severe injuries. Some of the most common types include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially when a helmet is not worn or fails to absorb the impact fully.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, and collarbones are particularly vulnerable in bicycle crashes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can lead to partial or total paralysis.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs caused by blunt-force trauma can be life-threatening.
• Road Rash and Lacerations: Deep abrasions from skidding along asphalt can lead to infections or permanent scarring.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament tears are common in the aftermath of sudden impact.

These injuries can require long-term medical care, physical therapy, and time away from work. Our firm fights to make sure your claim covers both your immediate and future needs.

Compensation from a Bicycle Accident Claim

When you file a bicycle accident claim in Texas, you may be eligible to recover various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covering emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
• Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from your injuries.
• Property Damage: To repair or replace your damaged bicycle and other personal property.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior, such as drunk driving.

At Hilliard Law, we build strong claims supported by medical evidence, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation available under Texas law.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been hit by a negligent driver, the steps you take immediately afterward can have a major impact on your case:

• Call 911 and request both police and medical assistance.
• Get medical attention, even if you feel fine — some injuries appear hours or days later.
• Gather evidence by taking photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and vehicle damage.
• Get witness contact information.
• Do not speak to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
• Contact a San Antonio bicycle accident attorney at Hilliard Law to protect your rights and start building your claim.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

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

Texas law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to act quickly before evidence disappears or witnesses forget key details.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

You can still recover compensation, even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. Texas law does not require adults to wear helmets, though not wearing one may affect damages related to head injuries.

What if the driver fled the scene?

You may still have options through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other sources of compensation. Our attorneys can investigate hit-and-run bicycle accidents and pursue all available legal remedies.

Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I Hire a San Antonio Bicycle Accident Attorney for My Claim?

Hiring a bike accident lawyer to handle your bicycle accident case may save you significant time and energy, allowing you to focus on healing and getting back on your feet. Taking legal action against someone often entails more work and legal knowledge than one may anticipate. 

Attorneys may offer the following services to aid you with your claim:

• Conducting a comprehensive investigation into your accident
• Helping you gather compelling evidence that supports your claim
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
• Strengthening your claim with their legal knowledge and valuable resources
• Making sure that your claim is submitted properly
• Establishing who is responsible for your accident

Texas law stipulates that you have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim. While bicycle accident cases may seem straightforward, the legal process can be confusing, and it can take a long time to submit a well-prepared claim. You may improve your chances of receiving fair compensation by retaining a San Antonio bike accident lawyer.

The legal team at Hilliard Law strives to provide our clients with effective legal advice and aggressive representation to help their claims succeed.

To schedule your initial consultation, contact our office at (866) 927-3420 or submit our contact form.