The use of bicycles has gained wide acceptance as a convenient mode of transportation in recent years across the United States. Their slender and lightweight design makes them an appealing choice for people of all ages and backgrounds. Capable of easily weaving through vehicles stuck in traffic, bicycles are among the most economical and efficient options during congested rush hours.
However, as any seasoned personal injury lawyer will explain, bicycles have been involved in thousands of accidents, causing numerous injuries and resulting in tragic loss of life. Unlike motorists who have the protection of a vehicle’s body, bicyclists have no shield against the forces created during a collision. Their bodies absorb the combined impact, rendering bicycle crashes among the potentially most catastrophic incidents on the road. If you have been injured under such circumstances, it is vital to consult with our Katy bicycle accident lawyers to understand how you may seek compensation for your losses.
According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are an estimated 400,000 bicycle-related injuries in the United States annually. In the same timeframe, over 840 lives are lost. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of these accidents occur during rush hour (between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.), marking a concerning trend. Additionally, bicycle accidents tend to be more prevalent in urban areas. This pattern is often attributed to the combination of high population density and intense vehicle traffic in these regions.
Before proceeding with a bicycle accident lawsuit, it is essential to establish the facts surrounding your crash. Since accidents can occur for various reasons, engaging a skilled Katy bicycle accident lawyer is vital to ensure a thorough investigation. Based on the multitude of cases our attorneys have managed, it is noteworthy that at least 90% of bicycle accident-related deaths and injuries involve collisions with motor vehicles. These incidents are often attributed to:
Many of the scenarios mentioned above happen due to negligence on the part of the motorists. Some prevalent examples of such negligent behaviors include:
If it is determined that the other driver was negligent in one or more of the ways listed, civil charges may be brought against them. Your Katy bicycle accident lawyer will represent your interests and work to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their negligence.
While motor vehicles are involved in at least 30% of bicycle accidents, numerous other factors can contribute to injuries. These include:
Determining the cause of your accident, whether as a passenger or cyclist, is essential for establishing liability. Only by doing so can you hold the responsible party accountable for your damages. If liability is contested, or if you’re uncertain about how the legal process unfolds, it is advisable to consult a knowledgeable Katy bicycle accident attorney.
To recover damages in a personal injury case involving a bicycle accident, you must prove that the defendant was at least 51% responsible for the incident. Assessing the percentage of fault that each party holds can be a complex task. Without the expertise of a qualified Katy bicycle accident lawyer, fully establishing liability may be challenging. Potential defendants in a bicycle accident claim might include:
Typically, you must demonstrate a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that the defendant was negligent. The responsibility of proof rests with your Katy bicycle accident attorney, who must establish that:
By carefully addressing these elements, your legal representative can work to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
If you’ve sustained injuries in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation. The best way to assess your eligibility is to consult with a Katy bicycle accident lawyer from Lone Star Injury Attorneys. We are ready to discuss your specific situation during a free case evaluation session. Book an appointment with us today to explore your legal options.
