Hit by a Car on a Bike? How to Determine Who Had the Right of Way
July 23, 2019
Hit by a Car on a Bike? How to Determine Who Had the Right of Way
Bicyclists in Texas generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.1 Despite this fact, drivers often overlook bicyclists, and many roadway travelers fail to comply with traffic laws. When this happens, bicycle accidents can occur, leaving people seriously injured.
If you or a loved one rides a bicycle on Texas roads, here’s what you must know about bicyclist right-of-way laws in Texas—and what you should do if you’re ever involved in a traffic crash.
Bicycle Right-of-Way Laws in Texas
Bicyclists should never assume they have the right-of-way, and they should always do whatever they can to avoid crash, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. That does not mean, however, that motorists always have the right of way.
In fact, Texas bicycle riders will have the right-of-way under the same conditions that motorists would have the right of way. Additionally, bicyclists in Texas will have the right of way whenever approaching an intersection without a traffic signal at the same time as a driver.
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More Texas Bicycle Laws
Along with general traffic laws, bicyclists in Texas must also comply with other laws, including (but not limited to):
- Only riding in the direction of traffic
- Riding as close to the right side of the road whenever traveling slower than other vehicles
- Always keeping at least one hand on the handlebars
- Never attaching their bicycle to a vehicle while riding.
Top Motorist Mistakes That Cause Bicycle Accidents in Texas
All too frequently, the mistakes of Texas drivers cause bicycle accidents. In fact, the top three motorist mistakes that result in bicycle accidents in Texas2 include:
- Drivers turning left in front of an oncoming bicycle
- Drivers turning right in front of a bicyclist traveling in the same direction
- Drivers pulling away from a stop sign or red light and failing to yield the right-of-way to the bicyclist.
Whether drivers make these or other mistakes and cause bicycle accidents, they will be liable. Whenever that happens:
- Bicyclists will be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses.
- Consulting an attorney can be the first step towards justice and financial recovery.
Hurt in a Bicycle Accident? A Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm Can Help You
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, an experienced Houston car accident lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm is ready to help you. We can explain your rights, build you the strongest possible claim.
Call (713) 352-7975 or Email our Firm for Your FREE, No Obligation Consultation
Free mobile and virtual consultations are available to those who cannot visit our offices.
The Amaro Law Firm’s record of outstanding representation and success in traffic accident cases has earned us a 5-star rating on Google and Facebook, as well as a 10 rating on Avvo.
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1: Texas Bicycle Laws
2: According to data from the Texas Department of Public Safety