Bicycle accidents are responsible for thousands of deaths every year. Sadly, many car drivers believe that cyclists have no rights on public roads, and motorist are not required to share the roads with cyclists. Bikers have the same legal rights to use public roadways like any other motorists. But regularly, drivers ignore these rules, causing life-threatening injuries to bicycle riders. If you were injured in a cycling incident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Our Pearland bicycle accident lawyers understand the economic and non-economic implications of being involved in such a crash. Unfortunately, not all cyclists have comprehensive insurance coverage to cover their medical and personal needs after an accident. This may take a toll on their financial well-being, and in some cases, the injured party may have to sell their assets to cover their own medical bills. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we believe in holding accountable those responsible for the bicycle accidents. By retaining a skilled personal injury attorney, you are assured of unmatched legal representation that takes your interests into account for a maximum settlement.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are around 500,000 bicycle accidents in the United States every year. This not only affects the individual families, but also the wider economy with productivity losses in the millions or billions. Out of these numbers, around 1000 victims lose their lives. It’s not surprising that 70% of all bike wrecks recorded across the United States happen in major towns and urban centers. This is owed to heavy traffic seen during rush hour.
Given that bicyclists have similar rights on the road as other motorists, their accidents are typically caused by the same factors that lead to car crashes. The only difference may be that unlike other motorists, cyclists have minimal safety in protecting their bodies from harm in case of a crash. Some of the causes of bike accidents are:
A driver’s failure to pay attention is among the leading causes of crashes involving cyclists. A motorist may not be paying full attention to their surroundings, ignoring and then colliding into a biker. Distracted driving also reduces reaction time, making avoidable accidents unavoidable. In the end, the driver hits a bicyclist and is responsible for the harm caused. To avoid such incidents, drivers are advised to focus on the road while driving and to minimize the use of smartphones.
Drivers who speed beyond designated limits risk hitting bicyclists. When an emergency occurs, the driver may have less time to effectively react and avoid a collision. Proving that a driver was speeding before the crash happened can be challenging and may require the hiring of experts. Our local bicycle accident attorneys will make every attempt to recover traffic footage and access build-in vehicle data from the vehicle’s black box.
Drunk drivers are more likely to hit cyclists than any other motorist. When a driver’s sense of judgment becomes impaired, he or she may lose control of the vehicle, striking bike users in the process. In many cases, drunk drivers may swerve from their lane into bicycle lanes, knocking cyclists down in the process.
Road rage is a violent reaction to other motorists and road users while on the road. Given the misconception that cyclists have no right to be on public driveways, agitated drivers may engage them in road rage, hitting and injuring them in the process.
Like cars and other types of vehicles, bicycles may develop mechanical problems anytime. And while the rider has the responsibility of maintaining the bicycle and repairing worn out parts, some aspects are beyond his or her control. For example, a bicycle made of weak metal may not withstand impact generated when trekking through rocky roads, leading to a sudden breakdown. In such a scenario, the manufacturer may be held accountable for damages caused. A seasoned attorney familiar with bike crash cases could help you determine 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 have your claim filed. Hiring a Pearland bicycle accident lawyer is your best avenue for holding the negligent driver responsible.
Our attorneys will not only help you determine fault, but will also negotiate on your behalf with the proper insurance companies. If you are unable to resolve your claim mutually, you may file your petition in the state courts to have a jury of your peers decide the proper amount. You are entitled to recover damages for:
No matter how minor your accident may seem to be, if you have been injured, you deserve compensation if the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence. Our team of lawyers can obtain the maximum settlement for you. Please get in touch with us today for a free case evaluation.
