We are Patterson Law Group, a Denton, TX, injury law firm devoted to seeking justice and compensation for cyclists injured in bicycle crashes. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a bicycle accident, our Denton accident lawyer team is ready to help. We believe in personal attention, strong advocacy, and results. From day one, we stand with injured cyclists, protecting their rights under Texas law and holding negligent parties accountable.
In Denton and across Texas, bicycle crashes are more common than most people realize and are often caused by driver negligence. We help injured cyclists recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. As a full‑service injury law firm, we guide you through every step of the claims process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, all the way to trial if necessary.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group as Your Denton Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Local knowledge. We are based in Denton, TX, and are familiar with regional roads, traffic patterns, and crash hotspots, including busy corridors like Loop 288, University Drive, and West Hickory Street.
- Specialized experience. We are not generalists. Our team acts as a dedicated bicycle crash attorney in Denton, handling cases involving serious injuries—head trauma, fractures, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death.
- Aggressive advocacy. To secure full compensation, we confront negligent drivers, insurance companies, and government entities.
- Transparent process. We communicate, offer honest case assessments, and empower you to make informed decisions.
- Results-focused approach. We have secured seven‑figure settlements for bicyclists across North Texas.
The Rising Risk of Bicycle Crashes in Denton and Texas
Bicycle safety in Texas is a growing concern. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2023, there were 2,604 crashes involving bicyclists statewide, with 106 fatalities and 384 serious injuries. This 58 percent increase in deaths since 2019 demonstrates a clear and alarming upward trend.
A broader view of crashes from 2010 to 2016 confirms the problem: 16,807 bicycle crashes in Texas resulted in 9,769 injuries and 362 fatalities. Even earlier data—from 2007 to 2012—shows 12,789 crashes, 12,132 injuries, and nearly 300 fatalities.
Pedalcyclist deaths accounted for one in 50 traffic fatalities, with one‑fifth of all pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities statewide. These figures highlight the urgent need for qualified representation when a bicycle crash occurs.
Locally, in Denton, a lack of protected bike lanes, high‑speed thoroughfares, and insufficient lighting compound the danger. The City’s Bike‑Ped safety guide mandates brakes and lights but does not have a helmet law. This means cyclists must rely on driver caution, which all too often fails.
Texas Bicycle Laws Cyclists Should Know
Understanding Texas bicycle laws is essential when building a case. The following are key rules:
Traffic Rules
- Bicycles are treated as vehicles under Texas Transportation Code §551.101. Cyclists must obey stop signs, signals, yield signs, and road signage.
- At night, cyclists must have a white front light and a red reflector or light.
- Cyclists may “take the lane” in lanes 14 feet wide or less—common on Denton roads—encouraging motorists to pass with a full lane shift.
Helmet Requirements
Texas lacks a statewide helmet law; no one, including children, is legally required to wear a helmet under state law. Some Texas cities—including Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin—use helmet laws for minors, but Denton does not. However, wearing a helmet significantly reduces risk; studies show head injuries are greatly mitigated when cyclists wear helmets.
Safe Passing & Right-of-Way
- Texas law requires motorists to pass bicycles with at least 3 feet of clearance or change lanes when passing §545.066.
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to cyclists when turning or merging. Failure to yield remains a top cause of crashes.
Parking & Dooring Prevention
- There is no specific Texas law on dooring, but state and national standards prohibit drivers from opening doors into traffic without regard for cyclists. Cyclists are advised to avoid the “door zone” and ride predictably.
Common Bicycle Accident Types in Denton
1. Intersection Crashes and Left‑Turn Collisions
Intersection crashes happen when drivers fail to yield to through-traveling cyclists, often misjudging speed or looking only for other vehicles.
2. Dooring and Side‑Swipes
Parked vehicles on University Drive, Elm Street, and other busy roads pose the risk of dooring. Such door‑zone incidents can lead to serious injuries.
3. Right‑Hook and Left‑Hook Collisions
These collisions happen when a driver turns directly across a cyclist’s path:
- “Right-hook” – driver turns right across the cyclist.
- “Left-hook” – driver turns left as cyclist goes straight.
The driver often misjudges a cyclist’s speed or distance in both cases.
4. Hit‑From‑Behind Crashes
Cars often rear-end cyclists on city streets, especially without bike lanes or when cyclists “take the lane.”
5. Roadway Defects and Debris
Crashes involving potholes, manhole covers, or debris are often caused by inadequate road maintenance, grounds for potential claims against Denton or Denton County.
Injuries We See—and How We Help
Bicycle crashes can cause a wide range of injuries; some of the most serious include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Without a helmet, damage can be devastating.
- Spinal cord and neck injuries. Paralysis, lifelong disability, or fatal outcomes may occur.
- Broken bones (arms, legs, collarbone, ribs). Common in mid‑air or impact collisions.
- Soft tissue injuries include deep lacerations, abrasions, and road burns.
- Facial and dental trauma. Helmet use helps, but facial impact remains a serious concern.
- Psychological trauma. Victims may suffer PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
- Wrongful death. We represent families in the most tragic of cases.
We partner closely with medical providers—Denton Regional, Lewisville Medical Center, and rehabilitation specialists—to ensure our clients receive the care they need and evidence for claim valuation.
Handling Insurance Claims After a Bicycle Crash
Insurance companies will attempt to reduce your payout. At Patterson Law Group, we:
- Investigate promptly. We gather crash reports from Denton County Sheriff or TxDOT, interview witnesses, review surveillance and dashcam data, and document road conditions.
- Preserve evidence. We photograph damage, road markings, weather conditions, and debris.
- Calculate damages thoroughly. Beyond medical bills and lost wages, we include future care, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and permanent scarring.
Disprove risky behavior myths. We show helmets reduce head injuries significantly; helmet absence cannot be used as evidence of fault. - Hold all parties accountable. Whether drivers, government entities, or property owners, our team identifies liable parties and files claims or lawsuits.
- Negotiate or try. We are relentless in settlement negotiations, but prepared to go to court and fight if needed.
How a Denton Bicycle Accident Lawyer from Our Firm Builds Your Case
Prompt Investigation
Immediate action is critical. We dispatch investigators to inspect crash sites, photograph scene conditions (lane width, visibility, lighting, signage), and obtain official police and crash records.
Expert Analysis
As a major Texas accident lawyer in Denton, we retain accident reconstruction specialists, biomechanical engineers, medical experts, and life-care planners. Their reports are essential in serious injury and fatality cases.
Texas Injury Law & Comparative Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule—if you are assigned more than 50 percent fault, you cannot recover. We protect clients from insurance tactics that exaggerate fault. We assign percentages of fault to balance liability.
Statute of Limitations
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, injury claims must be filed within two years, or two years for wrongful death §16.003. We file promptly to preserve rights.
Compensation We Seek
Victims can pursue:
- Medical expenses: past, current, and future care
- Lost income: wages, benefits, and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: physical and emotional distress
- Permanent impairment and scarring
- Property damage: repair or replacement of the bike and gear
- Punitive damages: when driver conduct is especially reckless, or under DUI laws
Our Denton bicycle crash attorney team crafts each case to maximize recovery across all relevant categories.
Community Impact & Road Safety
We are active in Denton’s cycling community. We sponsor safety events, Ride of Silence memorials, and school outreach programs. We support installing protected bike lanes and advocate for Vision Zero goals across Texas.
When to Contact Our Accident Lawyer in Denton
We recommend contacting a Denton bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash—even before talking to any insurance adjusters. Don’t sign release forms or agree to recorded statements without our advice. Let us protect your rights from day one.
FAQs About Bicycle Crashes in Denton
Do I have to wear a helmet in Denton?
No. Denton does not impose helmet requirements, and Texas has no statewide helmet law. We highly recommend helmets—they reduce head injury risk by up to 70 percent.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, under Texas modified comparative fault rules, you can recover compensation unless you are found more than 50 percent at fault.
What if I was hit by a driver who fled the scene?
Hit‑and‑run drivers are criminals. Once the driver is identified, we can pursue claims through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or file suit.
How long does it take to resolve a claim?
Cases vary, but most bicycle injury claims settle 6–18 months after the injury. If liability or injuries are disputed, cases may take longer, including litigation.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win compensation for you.
Next Steps: Start Your Free Consultation Today
If you are searching for an accident lawyer in Denton or a trusted bicycle crash attorney in Denton, call Patterson Law Group today for a free, no‑obligation case review. We handle calls 24/7. We collect evidence, deal with insurers, and fight for your maximum recovery.
Bicycling in Denton, TX should be safe and enjoyable, but negligent drivers, poor infrastructure, and rising traffic mean real risks. Patterson Law Group has the expertise, resources, and dedication to help injured cyclists reclaim their lives. As your Denton bicycle accident lawyer, we will fight for justice because no one should suffer alone after a bicycle crash.
