Riding a bicycle can be rejuvenating, especially in the Fort Worth area. Nevertheless, it carries several risks, especially when navigating the roads alongside motor vehicles.
Understanding the implications of helmet laws on liability in a bicycle accident is crucial for cyclists and those involved in legal proceedings. Our personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth will explain these laws and how they can affect your claim.
Does Texas Have Statewide Helmet Laws in Place?
Unlike other states, Texas lacks a universal helmet law for bicyclists. As a result, there are no statewide mandatory requirements for bicyclists of any age to wear helmets. That said, several cities and towns have ordinances specifying helmet requirements. These include:
- Arlington: In Arlington, cyclists under 18 must wear helmets while riding, and all cyclists should do so.
- Austin: In Austin, wearing helmets is compulsory for anyone under 18 when riding on public property, including trails or parks.
- Dallas: Within Dallas city limits, every cyclist and their passengers, irrespective of age, are obligated to wear helmets while cycling on public roads and trails.
- Houston: Houston requires all children ages 14 and under to wear helmets while riding a bicycle. Additionally, helmets must always be worn if they are in a seat attached to a bicycle or sidecar.
Although Fort Worth does not require helmets, bicyclists are strongly encouraged to wear them.
Why You Should Consider Wearing a Bicycle Helmet
When cycling in Texas, the risk of accidents is ever-present due to the prevalence of distracted, negligent, and hazardous drivers on the roads. The Texas Department of Transportation reported a concerning surge of 16.18% in cyclist fatalities, with 79 deaths in 2020 alone.
In 2022, the number of cyclist deaths increased to 91. Every year, countless victims continue to lose their lives or suffer serious injuries due to these accidents. Notably, traumatic brain injury stands out as a common consequence of bicycle accidents.
According to the National Safety Council, using a bicycle helmet can significantly diminish the risk of head injuries by over 50%. Shockingly, over half of the bicyclists who lost their lives in a single year were found without helmets.
Helmets play a pivotal role in shielding the head and brain by absorbing impact forces, ensuring that the skull is not subjected to the full force. This protective gear’s padding and structure are effective in averting skull fractures, concussions, and severe brain injuries.
Beyond safety considerations, wearing a bicycle helmet is an important choice for legal reasons. Even if local regulations do not mandate helmet use, not wearing a helmet jeopardizes your personal injury claim, particularly if you are hurt in a car accident.
The legal defense could assert that your decision not to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries, possibly resulting in a decrease in the monetary compensation offered by the at-fault party’s insurance provider. In these cases, working with a personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth can help you prove that the defendant’s actions caused your injuries, not the lack of a helmet.
The Importance of Working With a Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you find yourself a victim of a bicycle accident in Fort Worth, proving liability is crucial for seeking justice and compensation. In such cases, working with a personal injury lawyer becomes invaluable. A personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth, well-versed in Texas personal injury laws, can guide you through the process, ensuring every aspect of the accident is thoroughly examined.
Additionally, your attorney will help with the following:
Prove Liability
A personal injury lawyer has the knowledge and experience to navigate the legal requirements to establish fault and liability.
Gather Evidence on Your Behalf
One of the primary roles of a personal injury lawyer is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bicycle accident. This involves collecting evidence such as accident reports, eyewitness statements, and any available video footage. Your lawyer’s attention to detail is crucial in establishing a clear timeline of events leading up to the accident.
Work with Experts
A personal injury lawyer can collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, or other professionals to provide testimony that strengthens your case. Their expertise can help establish factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, and the extent of your injuries.
Build a Strong Case
A personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth knows the importance of constructing a strong case. This involves organizing the gathered evidence, developing a compelling argument, and presenting it in a way that clearly illustrates the negligence or recklessness of the responsible party. The lawyer’s skill in crafting a persuasive narrative can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Negotiate Compensation
A personal injury lawyer serves as your advocate when negotiating with insurance companies. Their understanding of insurers’ tactics ensures you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.
Contact Our Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Attorney Now
When dealing with a personal injury case, the last thing anyone wants is to be kept in the dark and face more problems. At Patterson Law Group, we prioritize our clients’ needs by constantly updating them about what is happening. Our attorneys, paralegals, and case managers are available 24/7 to answer our clients’ questions or concerns.
We take pride in delivering personalized guidance and fighting for justice on behalf of our clients. If you need a reliable Fort Worth bicycle accident attorney, choose Patterson Law Group for peace of mind and exceptional legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate toward fair compensation and closure.
