Bicycle accidents in Texas are not always reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies bicycle accidents as pedalcycle accidents. Bicyclists and other cyclists of two-wheel, non-motorized vehicles powered solely by pedals are classified as pedalcyclists. In 2018, there were 2,426 bicycle accidents reported in Texas. Out of those, 72 resulted in fatalities, which ranks Texas as the third in the nation. According to the NHTSA, alcohol involvement – either for the motor vehicle driver or for the pedalcyclist – was reported in 37 percent of all fatal pedalcyclist crashes in 2018.
The majority of bicycle accidents are from the front of a vehicle impacting the bicycle. Most bicycle fatalities occur at night, in urban areas, and often outside the safety of a designated intersection or crosswalk. At Patterson Law Group, we suggest you stay extra vigilant in these high-risk conditions. Helmets on cyclists have also proven effective at preventing severe brain injury and death. Additionally, the NHTSA recommends increasing visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day and at dawn and dusk. To be noticed when riding at night, use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.
If you suffered injuries in an Arlington, Texas motorcycle accident, we can help you identify your legal options for compensation. Call us today at 817-784-200.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Texas are commonly affected by both environmental and human factors:
Environmental
- Urban Areas (more people = more accidents)
- Traffic Conditions (more people were injured by getting it outside of an intersection)
- Time of Day (most bicycle accidents happen from 6 p.m. to midnight)
- Weather (bad weather = more accidents)
Human
- Driver Inattention
- Alcohol or Drugs
- Speeding
- Construction
There are many other factors that cause a bicycle accident in Texas, but no matter what factors caused or contributed to the cause of a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
The experienced attorneys at Patterson Law Group will make sure the negligent party will be held accountable. Get in touch with us at 817-784-200 for a free case assessment.
Arlington Bicycle Accident FAQ
What Can I Do to Prove Liability After a Bicycle Accident?
Proving liability in a bike accident in Texas sounds simple. Many people believe that bicyclists have the right-of-way, but according to Texas State Statutes, cyclists must obey the rules of the road as motorists do. Texas law treats bicycles as vehicles when they are on the road; they share the same rights and responsibilities as enclosed cars and motorcycles, with a few small exceptions.
Motorists are not necessarily always at fault for bicycle accidents. Bicycle riders have responsibilities out on the road as well. Neglecting road responsibilities may lead a rider to be partially at fault for an accident. At Patterson Law Group, we will sit down with you to assess the entirety of your case to determine your rights and responsibilities, including determining what evidence is needed.
How Much is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
Several factors go into calculating compensation in a bicycle accident claim. Texas follows the 51% modified comparative fault rule. The court and jury will weigh the evidence to determine the percentage of fault a bicyclist had and adjust the settlement amount accordingly.
The parties that could be held liable for your bicycle accident will depend largely on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Parties you could recover damages from include:
- Negligent car, bus, or truck drivers
- The city, county, or state government (if an unsafe road condition caused the accident)
- Public or private property owners (if the accident occurred due to negligent design, maintenance, or upkeep of public or private property)
- Bike manufacturers or retailers (if a defective bike part played a role in the accident)
- Repair shops (if negligent repair played a role in the accident)
An experienced bike accident attorney can review your accident’s facts to determine who may be liable for your injuries to maximize your compensation.
How Long Will It Take to Settle a Bicycle Accident Claim?
The majority of bicycle injury cases settle long before it becomes necessary to go to trial. There are some benefits to settling a claim. It is less expensive and less time-consuming than going to trial, and the parties know exactly how their claim will be resolved. At Patterson Law Group, we built a robust pre-litigation department that utilizes the latest technology. When a client signs up with Patterson Law Group, our pre-litigation attorneys and staff aggressively pursue a settlement with the insurance companies before filing a lawsuit. This keeps expenses down and typically results in earlier settlements. If and when litigation becomes necessary, our experienced trial attorneys and staff are already familiar with your case and are ready to fight for you in court.
Get the Best Representation from a Reputable Attorney at Patterson Law Group
Do not let your story go untold! From our innovative technology to our dedicated staff, Patterson Law Group will fight for what you deserve. Our skilled lawyers are ready to hear your story to analyze your case. If you are looking for the best representation from reputable attorneys, give us a call in our Arlington office at 817-784-200.
