Dealing with bicycle accident cases can be incredibly challenging, especially given the intricate web of bicycle-related laws involved. Consulting with a Dallas bicycle accident lawyer who is familiar with these laws and cases is crucial to ensure you’re well-positioned for success in your case.
Let’s discuss the common causes of bicycle accidents, how a legal expert can help, the types of injuries that are common in these cases, and what the legal process looks like.
Everything You Should Know About Bicycle Accidents in Texas
The city of Dallas has specific regulations and rights for bicyclists.
- As of 2014, adult bicyclists in the city are no longer legally required to wear helmets. Only those under the age of 18 are obligated to wear them.
- Bicyclists can’t ride on sidewalks in downtown Dallas business districts. They are required to ride in the roadway with other vehicles and follow all of the applicable roadway rules. If they’re riding on the sidewalk outside of the central business district, they must yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Bicyclists are required to utilize bike paths when they’re available in Dallas. Otherwise, they have the right to use the regular roadway.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Dallas
Although there are instances where cyclists may be responsible for accidents involving a car, it’s typically more frequent for the car driver to be deemed at fault.
These situations frequently cause accidents with bicyclists:
- Rolling through a stop sign
- Driving too fast in a residential zone
- Drifting into a bike lane or the shoulder
- Turning left into the path of a rider
- Sudden lane changes
- Pulling out of a side street or parking lot
- Distracted driving
- Cutting off bicyclists when turning right
- “Dooring” a bike rider when exiting a parked car
Accidents involving cyclists can often be attributed to inadequate road infrastructure that fails to accommodate their presence, as well.
Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be particularly dangerous because cyclists don’t have the same protection that passengers in a car have. The injuries that are involved in these types of accidents tend to be more severe.
Bone Fractures
If the impact of the vehicle and bicycle places too much pressure on the victim, they could suffer from broken bones. Bone fractures typically force the victim to take a leave from work during recovery. More severe fractures can cause permanent limitations in mobility.
Head and Brain Damage
The state of Texas doesn’t enforce helmet laws, so those who ride without one are particularly vulnerable to head and brain damage. Head and brain injuries tend to be more serious and can affect the victim for the rest of their life.
Spinal Cord Injury
If the impact of the accident crushes the bicyclist’s spine, fractures the bone, or damages the delicate spinal nerves, it could permanently impact their ability to move and feel below the point of damage. The injured victim may never be able to recover from a spinal cord injury.
The Role of a Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’re in a bicycle accident in Dallas, having a lawyer by your side is crucial to setting yourself up to be in the best possible position for your case.
An experienced attorney will:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly
- Ensure all documents are filed on time
- Negotiate with auto insurance companies to guarantee that they don’t take advantage of you
- Effectively represent you in court
- Gather evidence for your case
Steps to Take Following a Bicycle Accident in Dallas
If you find yourself in a bicycle accident, you should take the following steps right away:
- Seek medical attention
- Call the police for an official police report
- Collect driver information
- Collect witness information
- Preserve evidence, like pictures of the scene, your injuries, or any damage done
You will then want to contact a bicycle accident attorney immediately. They have expertise in navigating these types of accidents and the laws surrounding them. Not only will they represent you in court and to insurance companies, but they also have the resources to prove the negligence of the other party for you to get maximum compensation.
It’s essential to promptly reach out to a bicycle accident attorney. These legal professionals possess specialized knowledge in handling these types of accidents and the laws that surround them. They not only advocate for you in court and with insurance firms but also possess the necessary resources to establish the other party’s negligence, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Dallas
To file for a bicycle accident claim in Dallas, the accident victim must prove the four main elements of a claim.
- The defendant owed the victim a duty of care at the time of the accident.
- The defendant failed to fulfill this duty of care.
- This failure caused the bicycle accident.
- The victim suffered damages as a result.
A bicycle accident attorney will work tirelessly to prove all four of these points so that you can receive maximum compensation for your claim.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Texas is an at-fault state regarding auto accident liability. This means that if the driver caused the bicycle accident, they will be responsible for paying the victim’s medical expenses. The injured bicyclist can seek benefits from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which will involve negotiations with insurance adjusters.
A personal injury attorney will help you navigate your insurance claims and represent you to ensure that you’re not taken advantage of.
Choosing the Right Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Following your bicycle accident, securing an attorney specializing in bicycle accident cases is crucial. Their prior experience handling similar cases is vital due to the intricate and challenging nature of these claims. Additionally, opting for a local bicycle accident lawyer is recommended, as their familiarity with the specific state laws on your case can prove invaluable.
Secure Your Rights With a Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’re seeking a bicycle accident attorney in Dallas, Steinger, Greene & Feiner have you covered. Our firm has the necessary expertise and resources to successfully advocate for your case, ensuring you receive the rightful compensation you deserve.
We pride ourselves on offering:
- Convenient Communication
- 24/7 Availability
- Affordable Services
- A Track Record of Success
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our skilled team for immediate legal support.