Bicycle accidents result in thousands of deaths each year. Regrettably, many car drivers hold the belief that cyclists have no rights on public roads and that they are not obliged to share the road with them. However, cyclists possess the same legal rights to use public roadways as any other motorists. Unfortunately, drivers often disregard these rules, leading to life-threatening injuries for bicycle riders. If you have sustained injuries in a cycling incident, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Our Pearland bicycle accident lawyers recognize the economic and non-economic consequences of being involved in such a crash. Unfortunately, not all cyclists have comprehensive insurance coverage to address their medical and personal needs following an accident. This can have a significant impact on their financial well-being, and in some cases, the injured party may have to liquidate their assets to cover medical bills. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we are committed to holding those responsible for bicycle accidents accountable. By retaining a skilled personal injury attorney, you can rest assured that you will receive unparalleled legal representation that prioritizes your interests and strives for a maximum settlement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are approximately 500,000 bicycle accidents in the United States each year. These incidents not only impact individual families but also have broader economic consequences, resulting in productivity losses in the millions or even billions of dollars. Out of these numbers, around 1,000 victims lose their lives. It is not surprising that 70% of all recorded bike wrecks in the United States occur in major towns and urban centers, primarily due to heavy traffic during rush hour.
Since bicyclists have the same rights on the road as other motorists, their accidents are typically caused by the same factors that contribute to car crashes. The only difference is that cyclists have minimal protection to shield their bodies from harm in the event of a crash. Some of the common causes of bike accidents include:
One of the leading causes of crashes involving cyclists is a driver’s failure to pay attention. A motorist may not fully observe their surroundings and end up colliding with a bicyclist. Distracted driving also reduces reaction time, making avoidable accidents inevitable. Ultimately, the driver is responsible for the harm caused to the bicyclist. To prevent such incidents, drivers are advised to focus on the road while driving and minimize the use of smartphones.
Drivers who exceed designated speed limits pose a risk to bicyclists. When an emergency arises, the driver may have less time to react effectively and avoid a collision. Proving that a driver was speeding prior to the crash can be challenging and may require the expertise of hired professionals. Our local bicycle accident attorneys will make every effort to obtain traffic footage and access data from the vehicle’s black box.
Drunk drivers are more likely to collide with cyclists than any other motorists. Impaired judgment can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in striking bicyclists. In many cases, drunk drivers may swerve from their lane into bicycle lanes, causing cyclists to be knocked down.
Road rage involves violent reactions towards other motorists and road users. Due to the misconception that cyclists have no right to be on public roads, agitated drivers may engage in road rage, resulting in collisions and injuries.
Like cars and other vehicles, bicycles can experience mechanical issues at any time. While riders have the responsibility to maintain and repair their bicycles, certain factors may be beyond their control. For example, a bicycle made of weak metal may not withstand the impact generated when riding on rocky roads, leading to sudden failure. In such cases, the manufacturer may be held accountable for the damages caused. An experienced attorney familiar with bike crash cases can assist you in determining who is responsible for your accident.
Despite being relatively common, some cyclists do not file injury claims caused by driver negligence, as the victims may feel that it would be a difficult process. Bike accident victims in Pearland have the same legal rights as other motorists, and your attorney will handle the necessary paperwork to file your claim. Hiring a Pearland bicycle accident lawyer is your best option for holding the negligent driver responsible.
Our attorneys will not only help you determine fault but also negotiate on your behalf with the appropriate insurance companies. If you are unable to reach a resolution through negotiation, you may file a petition in the state courts to have a jury of your peers determine the appropriate compensation. You are entitled to recover damages for:
No matter how minor your accident may seem, if you have been injured and the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. Our team of lawyers will strive to obtain the maximum settlement for you. Please contact us today for a free case evaluation.
