Bicycle accidents often leave riders with serious injuries and long recovery periods. When a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle, the cyclist absorbs nearly all of the force of the impact. Even low speed crashes can result in broken bones, head injuries, and permanent physical limitations.
Amaro Law Firm represents cyclists injured by negligent drivers and works to hold them accountable. Bicycle accident cases require careful investigation and a clear understanding of how these crashes occur and why cyclists are frequently blamed unfairly.
Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
After a bicycle accident, victims are often dealing with medical treatment, damaged equipment, and time away from work. At the same time, insurance companies may minimize injuries or suggest the cyclist was riding unsafely.
Bicycle accident claims require strong evidence to show what happened and to counter assumptions that shift blame onto the cyclist.
Why Bicycle Accidents Are Different Than Car Accidents
Cyclists have little physical protection compared to drivers. Helmets reduce the risk of certain injuries, but they do not prevent fractures, spinal injuries, or internal trauma.
Bicycle accidents also often involve disputes over road positioning, right of way, and driver awareness. Many drivers fail to see cyclists or misjudge their speed, especially at intersections.
These factors make bicycle accident cases more complex than standard car accident claims.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Texas
Most bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence rather than cyclist behavior.
Common causes include failure to yield, unsafe passing, distracted driving, opening car doors into bike lanes, speeding, and impaired driving. Poor road conditions, debris, and inadequate bike lane design can also contribute to crashes.
Identifying the cause of the accident is essential to proving liability.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries.
Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, facial injuries, broken arms and legs, collarbone fractures, spinal injuries, internal organ damage, and severe road rash. Many cyclists require surgery, physical therapy, and long term medical care.
Some injuries may permanently affect mobility or the ability to work.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
The steps taken after a bicycle accident can affect both recovery and legal claims.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem manageable. Call law enforcement and ensure an accident report is filed. If possible, photograph the scene, bicycle damage, and vehicle involved. Collect witness information and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before understanding your rights.
Preserving the bicycle and riding gear can also be important evidence.
Insurance Challenges in Bicycle Accident Claims
Insurance companies often attempt to downplay bicycle accident injuries or argue that cyclists assumed risk by riding in traffic. These arguments are misleading and do not excuse negligent driving.
Because injuries are often serious but vehicle damage may appear minimal, insurers may undervalue claims unless medical evidence is clearly presented.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bicycle Accident?
Liability depends on how the accident occurred.
Responsible parties may include negligent drivers, employers if the driver was working, government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions, or manufacturers in cases involving defective bicycle components.
Identifying all responsible parties helps maximize recovery.
Compensation Available in Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and permanent impairment.
Severe cases may also involve long term care needs and loss of quality of life. The value of a claim depends on injury severity and the strength of the evidence.
How Long Do Bicycle Accident Cases Take?
Some bicycle accident cases resolve through settlement, while others take longer due to disputed fault or serious injuries.
Allowing time to fully understand medical outcomes and gather evidence often leads to stronger results.
Why Choose Amaro Law Firm for a Bicycle Accident Case?
Amaro Law Firm focuses on serious injury cases and understands the challenges cyclists face after an accident. These cases require attention to detail, strong evidence, and a willingness to challenge insurance company assumptions.
Our team works to protect injured cyclists and pursue compensation that reflects the true impact of the crash.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
Do cyclists have the same rights as drivers in Texas?
Yes. Cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and are entitled to share the road.
What if the driver says they did not see me?
Failure to see a cyclist does not excuse negligence. Drivers are required to remain attentive and yield when appropriate.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Texas law may allow recovery depending on the degree of fault. An evaluation of the facts is important.
Is there a deadline to file a bicycle accident claim in Texas?
Texas law limits the time to file personal injury claims. Waiting too long can prevent recovery.
Talk to a Texas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, understanding your rights early can make a meaningful difference. Bicycle accident cases require careful handling and thorough investigation.
Contact Amaro Law Firm to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you move forward.