Houston remains one of the five most populated cities in the country. This high population equates to frequent traffic jams and an overall high number of vehicles on the road. In an attempt to avoid this headache, many commuters choose to ride a bicycle to get to work, to run errands, or simply to enjoy some time outside. Unfortunately, with this high number of vehicles comes a greater chance for bicycle accidents. These accidents can result in severe personal injuries and could affect every portion of an injured individual’s life.
A Houston bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help victims to pursue claims for damages against negligent drivers and their insurance companies. A skilled injury attorney could protect your rights and to allow them to focus on their recoveries.
The Rights of Bike Riders on Houston Roads
Every vehicle that travels on a road or street in the Houston area must take care to follow the rules of the road. Of course, this applies to drivers of motor vehicles; however, bicyclists must also obey basic road safety. Additionally, these riders must follow the rules of the road concerning speeding, proper lane changes, and yielding.
Because bicyclists have the same obligations as other drivers on Houston’s streets, they also enjoy the same protections under the law. Key among these protections is the ability to demand compensation for losses suffered in bicycle accidents. A driver who is fault for a collision must provide compensation to any injured parties, and bike riders are no exception.
As a result, an injured bicyclist can demand full payment for their losses. However, claims that allege defendant negligence must be sure to prove that a defendant was the only party liable for the collision. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedy Code §33.003, courts will reduce an injured plaintiff’s award if they believe that the biker played a role in the accident. Even worse, the court must totally dismiss the claim if the biker is more than 50 percent to blame. A Houston bicycle accident lawyer could provide more information about the rights of bike riders to demand compensation following an accident.
Potential Sources of Compensation Following a Collision
An injured bike rider has the right to demand compensation for all their losses that result from defendant negligence. At the center of these losses is a physical injury. In fact, a claim cannot progress unless a plaintiff suffers a harm that requires medical attention. Common examples of these injuries include:
- Severe cuts or bruises
- Separated joints
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
The core of the claim is the demand for the costs of medical care needed to bring the plaintiff back to health. However, these injuries often affect more than just a bike rider’s physical health.
Most injuries also have a mental health component. Instances of pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and even PTSD may accompany bicycle accidents. A claim should demand payments to make up for this lost quality of life.
Finally, a physical injury may also affect a person’s ability to earn a living. If treatment for an injury forces a bike rider to miss time at work, or to be left unable to work for the foreseeable future, a claim can demand reimbursement for this lost income. A bicycle accident attorney in Houston could help injured bike riders to demand appropriate payments for their losses.
Let a Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney Fight for the Future
Enduring a bicycle accident is always a major event in your life. Even if you are fortunate enough to be able to walk away, you may still suffer severe ligament damage or even broken bones masked by the adrenaline of the incident.
Fortunately, you always have the right to demand that at-fault drivers and their insurance companies provide compensation for your losses. However, obtaining proper payments can be a lengthy and complicated process. A Houston bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help.
An attorney can work to protect your legal rights while building a powerful negligence case against at-fault drivers. This can allow you to focus on making your best recovery. For more information about the claims process, or if you have any questions regarding a specific case, be sure to schedule a consultation today.