Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycling or cycling is rapidly becoming a more prevalent means of transportation in urban areas, and as a result, more and more people are injured in accidents each year. If you have sustained injuries after being hit by a car while on a bicycle, or from a hit and run cycling accident in Texas, it is important to contact an experienced Houston Bicycle accident lawyer at Ben Bronston & Associates to learn about your legal options.
According to section 16.003 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the statute of limitations (SOL) for most injuries from bicycle accidents in Houston is two years or less. Since this period is only two years in Texas, it is very important to hire an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer to help you receive the monetary damages you are entitled to.
Our bicycle accident attorneys are available to provide a free consultation if you have been injured while riding your bike. Contact Ben Bronston & Associates today to discuss your legal case in more detail.
Texas Bicycle Injury Statistics
Bicycling is a generally safe method of travel or recreation. Unfortunately, when a bicycle is involved in an accident, the cyclist is more likely suffer the worst injuries. In 2015, the most recent year with full statistics, there were 837 cyclist fatalities nationwide and 54,000 injuries. Texas saw 50 fatalities, and Houston had five fatalities among cyclists that year. These numbers will continue to increase in the coming years as the popularity of cycling grows in Houston and other similar urban areas.
The Law and Bicyclists
Cyclists have a right to share the road with other vehicles and an expectation that drivers will be alert to their presence and take precautions to avoid accidents. Bicyclists must obey the rules of the road, including signaling turns, coming to a stop at stop signs, and maintaining their lane.
In Houston, it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in business districts. Houston law also requires that riders younger than age 14 must wear a helmet at all times when riding a bicycle.
Obeying traffic laws not only helps protect you from accidents but can help ensure that if you are involved in an accident, you are able to recover full compensation for any injuries you may suffer.
Bicycle Safety Tips
While it is true that the law entitles you to as much of the road as any driver, it’s of little comfort if a driver who failed to share the road injures you. The driver of a car has a responsibility to be observant and share the road with other vehicles, including bicycles. One of the most important things you can do to avoid accidents is to improve your visibility. Bright-colored clothing is a great way to help drivers see you. Many cyclists use small flags attached to a flexible pole in the back to help attract the notice of drivers as they ride.
Riding at night is inherently more dangerous than riding during the day, but, if you must ride at night, it’s important to increase your visibility. Reflectors on your clothing or helmet can make you noticeable to oncoming drivers. Having flashing lights on the bicycle can also help attract notice and avoid accidents.
Wearing a helmet is crucial to protecting yourself in a bicycling accident. Studies have repeated shown that helmets help reduce the risk of head injury and traumatic brain injury. Wearing a helmet can save your life, but it can also help ensure that, if you walk away from an injury, you don’t suffer traumatic brain injury.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you have been in a bicycle accident, it is important to call the police to investigate the accident immediately. Seek medical attention immediately after an accident, and it’s wise to do so even if you don’t feel hurt. Some injuries to the head and neck can take hours to show symptoms to those not familiar with the signs. Prompt medical attention is crucial to avoid more serious problems from developing from your injuries. It’s also important to document injuries from the accident.
Exchanging information with the driver is important in order to follow up on your accident claim.
You will want to get the following information from the driver:
- Name, address, phone number of the driver
- Automobile insurance policy carrier
- The policy number and phone number for the insurance carrier
- Driver’s license number of the driver
- License plate number of the vehicle
You should also try to take photos of the accident scene to establish visual evidence of the conditions at the time of your accident. Finally, try to get contact information for any potential witnesses to the accident.
Injuries in a bicycle accident can be severe. In addition to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages due to time missed at work, you may also be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages. It is important to speak with a qualified bicycle accident lawyer before you speak to any insurance company. Saying the wrong thing when you speak to them can potentially cost you your coverage. The injury attorney’s Ben Bronston & Associates can help you work through your accident and what compensation you deserve.