Bellaire Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles are a popular way of getting around in Bellaire and the larger Texas. Besides being environmentally friendly, cycling is a great hobby enjoyed by many Texans. But despite its benefits and positives, cycling can be dangerous, especially on busy streets and highways.

A bicycle accident comes with the risk of sustaining injuries. Medical expenses may pile up within a short time and your way of life may be permanently disrupted. If someone is to blame, they must be held answerable for the losses you suffer. Our Bellaire bicycle accident lawyers are available to discuss and guide you through the compensation process of a personal injury claim.

What are the Top Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Like auto wrecks, bicycle accidents can be caused by anything from negligent drivers to defective products or parts. Determining the cause of a crash is essential in proving fault, which in turn provides leeway for filing a personal injury claim for compensation. Unfortunately, motorists are often blameworthy for bicycle wrecks by virtue of:

• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Inexperienced driving
• Failure to yield
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Illegal U-turns
• Entering bicycle lanes
• Bicyclists getting doored

Of course, drivers are not entirely to blame for bicycle accidents. Other causes include lousy weather, poor road conditions, defective parts, and negligence from other road users such as pedestrians. The experience of a top-rated Bellaire bicycle accident attorney is crucial in determining the principal cause of your crash.

Most Common Bicycle Injuries

Bicycle injuries are mostly minor, but serious cases may involve fatal injuries. Common injuries to watch out for in a bicycle accident include:

• Whiplash
• Cuts and bruises
• Friction burns
• Broken bones
• Head trauma
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Neck injuries
• Facial injuries

Seeking treatment after a bicycle accident is important. Besides identifying hidden injuries, doing so validates your injury claim by linking your injuries to the accident. Insurance adjusters look for loopholes in the buildup of your case such as failure to follow up with treatment to deny or lower settlement. To be on the safer side, a medical evaluation should be a priority. A Bellaire bike wreck attorney can ensure any settlement demands adequately reflect an injured person’s losses.

Who Is to Blame for Bicycle Accidents?

Liability in a bicycle accident hinges on the parties involved and the circumstances of the crash. First, you must understand each element of negligence as it applies in your case. Without relating carelessness to your injuries or accident, you are less likely to qualify for compensation. A qualified Bellaire bicycle accident attorney will guide you in proving:

A duty of care existed

Every road user on Texas roads owes the general public a legal duty of care. Motorists must respect the rights of pedestrians, cyclists, bikers, and vice versa. This duty largely entails adhering to state and federal traffic laws. For instance, motorists must be on the lookout for cyclists when exiting their vehicles.

The duty was breached

A breach of duty means that someone failed to observe due diligence and care as required. It may occur in many ways such as a driver’s failure to observe lane discipline when approaching a cyclist. Another common scenario of a breach is when vehicle occupants exit without looking out for oncoming cyclists. It may also occur when a motorist fails to give up the right of way to a deserving cyclist.

Causation

Besides providing indisputable evidence showing that the other party breached the duty of care, you must also collect and present proof linking their careless behavior to your injuries. You must establish that the accident or injuries sustained would not have occurred but for their negligence. Additionally, their behaviors must have been contrary to how a reasonable person would behave in similar circumstances.

Damages

Lastly, your lawyer must identify and prove the losses for which you seek compensation. They may be economic or non-economic depending on the extent of harm suffered. Financial experts will be great assets when valuing your losses.

After applying the discussed elements of negligence, liability in a bicycle accident case may fall on:

• Motorists for negligent behaviors
• Vehicle owners for negligent driver hiring
• Bicycle manufacturers for defective parts or systems
• State agencies for poorly maintained roads
• Construction companies for unsafe road designs
• Any other party deemed to have had a hand in the crash

Determining fault in a bicycle accident case is not straightforward. You need the legal experience and skills of an accredited Bellaire bicycle accident attorney. Since our team does not collect legal fees unless a positive outcome is reached, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a free case evaluation with us today.