As more people turn to bicycling for transportation, exercise, and recreation, the risk of bicycle accidents has increased in Houston and throughout Texas. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle crash, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. At A. K. Gardner Law, PLLC, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured cyclists pursue the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Houston
Bicycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving: Motorists who are distracted by their smartphones, GPS devices, or other factors may fail to notice cyclists on the road.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections or when turning can cause serious accidents.
- Speeding: Motorists who exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions put cyclists at risk.
- Dooring: When a motorist opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, serious injuries can result.
- Poorly maintained roads: Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Houston, it’s crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic, life-changing conditions. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle crashes include:
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and concussions are common in bicycle accidents, particularly when cyclists are not wearing helmets. If you have suffered a head injury in a bicycle crash, it’s essential to seek the assistance of the best head injury attorney for your specific case.
- Neck and back injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord damage can result in chronic pain and limited mobility. If you have sustained a neck or back injury in a bicycle accident, the best neck and back injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and pelvis, are common in bicycle accidents. The best fracture attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can be painful and may require extensive medical treatment. If you have suffered a soft tissue injury in a bicycle accident, the best soft tissue injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your expenses and move forward with your life.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible and consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Determining Liability in Bicycle Accidents
Determining liability in bicycle accidents can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved, including motorists, cyclists, and even government entities responsible for maintaining safe roads. In general, liability in bicycle accidents is determined based on the following factors:
- Negligence: To establish liability in a bicycle accident, it must be demonstrated that another party acted negligently, causing the accident and resulting injuries. This may involve violations of traffic laws, distracted driving, or failure to yield the right-of-way.
- Comparative fault: In some cases, both the cyclist and the motorist may share responsibility for the accident. Under Texas’ comparative fault rules, the cyclist’s recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault, but they may still be entitled to compensation if they are less than 51% responsible for the accident.
- Government liability: If a bicycle accident is caused by a poorly maintained road or other government negligence, the cyclist may have a claim against the responsible government entity. However, these cases can be complex and are subject to strict notice and filing deadlines.
Navigating the legal landscape of bicycle accidents can be challenging, which is why it’s essential to work with an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Houston, it’s crucial to take the following steps to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not believe that you have been seriously injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical treatment can help ensure that you receive the care you need and establish a record of your injuries.
- Report the accident: Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. This will create an official record of the incident and can help support your legal claim.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses, as their testimony may be valuable in establishing liability.
- Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer: Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
At A. K. Gardner Law, PLLC, our team of skilled bicycle accident lawyers is dedicated to helping injured cyclists pursue the compensation they deserve. We have extensive experience handling a wide range of bicycle accident cases, including those involving head injuries, neck and back injuries, fractures, and soft tissue injuries.
Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Houston, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for any wages lost as a result of the accident, including time taken off work for medical treatment and recovery.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
- Disability: Compensation for any temporary or permanent disability resulting from the accident, including loss of earning capacity and the cost of accommodations or modifications necessary to adapt to the disability.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one has been killed in a bicycle accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
The amount of compensation available in a bicycle accident case will depend on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of the damages, and the degree of liability of the parties involved. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand the potential value of your claim and fight for the maximum compensation available.
Why Choose A. K. Gardner Law, PLLC for Your Bicycle Accident Case
At A. K. Gardner Law, PLLC, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality legal representation and personalized attention. Our team of skilled bicycle accident attorneys has extensive experience handling bicycle crash cases and a proven track record of success in obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Houston, we are here to help. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not owe any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Whether you are seeking the best head injury attorney, neck and back injury attorney, fracture attorney, or soft tissue injury attorney for your bicycle accident case, A. K. Gardner Law, PLLC has the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us About Your Bicycle Accident Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Houston, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact A. K. Gardner Law, PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our experienced bicycle accident lawyers.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that bicycle accident victims face, and we are here to help you every step of the way. With our team of skilled bicycle accident attorneys on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.