If you ride your bicycle often to work, for leisure, or exercise in Texas, it is essential to understand your legal rights and obligations when on the road. In Texas, bicyclists are entitled to the same privileges on the road as cars, but cyclists must follow the same rules as motor vehicles.
That said, If you’re hit by a car on your bike, you could be entitled to compensation in a lawsuit. The Texas car and bicycle accident lawyers at Pastrana & García Injury Law can help.
Bicycle Traffic Rules and Accident Laws in Texas
Some people may think bicyclists on the roads are subject to different rules than motor vehicles. Not so. The basic rule for drivers is this: If you wouldn’t do it to someone in a car, don’t do it to a bicyclist.
For example, you’re required under Texas law to give the right of way to an oncoming vehicle when you want to turn left. That’s still the case whether the vehicle is a car, bike, or motorcycle. In addition, you could be sued for their injuries if you pull out in front of a cyclist and injure them.
Alternatively, if a cyclist occupies a lane of traffic and causes an accident, they also could be cited; the Texas Transportation Code requires cyclists to ride as close as possible to the shoulder or curb, in most situations.
However, if you are hit on your bicycle and are obeying the rules of the road, you may be able to hire a personal injury lawyer and file a claim against the at-fault driver. Your attorney can review the case and determine who was at fault. In addition, Texas has a comparative fault system for accident claims, meaning if you were partially at fault, you still could receive compensation in a lawsuit.
Why Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Pflugerville?
Many bicycle accident injuries are serious, so you could have thousands in medical bills, weeks or months of lost earnings, and severe pain and suffering. Therefore, having a bicycle accident attorney in Pflugerville investigate the accident and determine liability is wise. If another party caused the accident, you could receive compensation in a claim or lawsuit.
When fault is clear, there is a chance the driver’s auto insurance provider will offer a fair settlement. If not, your attorney can file a lawsuit in Texas civil court, even if the responsible driver didn’t have insurance.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Texas
Mistakes by drivers cause many bicycle accidents. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always look closely for bicycle riders; they only watch for other vehicles. However, all drivers owe everyone on the road careful consideration for their safety, including cyclists.
Some of the most common reasons for bicycle accidents are:
- Distracted driving, including texting and surfing the Internet or reading the navigation system
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to yield to cyclists
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists are unprotected from other vehicles and the road, so accident injuries tend to be severe and even fatal. If you’re in a bicycle accident, you should be checked by a doctor immediately. Common injuries for cyclists are:
Head Trauma
When a car hits a bike, the rider could hit the windshield, car, pavement, or another object. Even if they wear a helmet, they could have a head injury ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). That’s why wearing a DOT-approved helmet is critical to a biker’s well-being.
Trauma to the Body
Most cyclists will have body trauma, including whiplash, joint damage, cuts, scrapes, or road rash. Many also have broken ribs, collarbones, wrists, fingers, etc.
Facial Injuries
Other cyclists have facial injuries, including broken teeth, fractured jaw or nose, and even road rash that causes scarring and disfigurement.
Back Injuries
Cyclists hit at high speed by a car can have many back injuries, from pulled muscles and ligaments to slipped discs to even spinal cord damage.
After a bicycle accident, you should be seen by a doctor immediately. Even if you think you aren’t hurt, you need to be checked in case you need to file a claim later. You have a right to file a claim or lawsuit, but you must prove your injuries and that another party caused the accident.
Contact Our Pflugerville Bicycle Accident Lawyers
If you were hit on your bicycle in Texas and injured by another party, you could receive compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Speak to our Pflugerville bicycle accident attorneys at Pastrana & García Injury Law today for a free consultation to learn if you have a case.
