Bicyclists can be vulnerable when sharing the road with cars and trucks. Due to inattention, distracted driving, and traffic violations, bicyclists could be severely injured in an accident. Fortunately, when a collision occurs, the party responsible may be required to pay the victim compensation. This is where The Texas Law Dog can help.
If you or a loved one were injured in a biking accident due to the negligent actions of another, you may be able to recover your damages via a lawsuit. A Grand Prairie bicycle accident lawyer could help you recover the compensation you need to move forward, and will travel for a consultation. Speak to a Grand Prairie personal injury lawyer to learn about your legal options.
Duties of Motorists to Grand Prairie Cyclists
Under Texas law, individuals on bikes are owed the following considerations from motor vehicle drivers, and if they cause an injury to you, a Grand Prairie car accident lawyer can help with your case. Drivers must do the following when driving:
- Obey traffic signals
- Signal before turning
- Make left turns from the left lane
- Do not enter hike-and-bike trails
- Pay attention to bikers who are moving slower than other traffic
- Comply with posted speed limits
Drivers are required to exercise due care on roads and highways. An attorney may discuss the fault of drivers with injured bikers.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Grand Prairie
Bike accidents happen for many reasons, but most of them are preventable. Our lawyer works very closely with victims in these accidents to gather evidence and build a strong case against any party at fault. Some of the most common causes of accidents in the area include:
- Distracted driving
- Poor lighting
- Poor road conditions
- Impaired driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
To determine the outcome of your accident case, our attorney will gather information from the police report, capture any relevant data from photos or video, and then reconstruct the accident if necessary. Expect us to be aggressive in pursuing all angles to determine whether the driver, a third party, or even the city could be at fault for your accident.
Grand Prairie Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Safe Routes to School for People on Bikes
Under Texas Gen. Law, Title 6, §201.614, municipalities are encouraged to participate in a Safe Routes to School Program. As such, new bicycle lanes may be installed and safety hazards identified, allowing schoolchildren to bike to school safely and without risk of harm.
Motorists are required to make right turns carefully so that they do not veer into the path of children riding their bikes to school. A cycling collision attorney in Grand Prairie may be skilled at handling cases involving children.
If your child was hurt while riding their bike and you believe the driver violated this or other laws, seek out The Texas Law Dog for immediate help. Our attorneys know how to hold them accountable, and we are confident that we can protect your right to recover damages. Let our Grand Prairie wrongful death lawyer investigate your case for you.
Obligations of Bicyclists
Local law also places particular responsibilities on pedestrians. In fact, they have many of the same duties as motorists. Cyclists should conduct themselves as follows:
- Use hand and arm signals for turns
- Ride in the same direction as other vehicles on the road
- Keep at least one hand on the handlebars, but preferably two hands
- Allow one rider per bike seat
- Install reflective lights for nighttime riding
- Ride as close to the curb as possible
It is best to speak to a skilled lawyer from our team at The Texas Law Dog to learn about the rules of the road and the obligations of bicyclists.
Common Serious Injuries After a Bicycle Accident
Victims involved in a bike accident often face serious injuries and losses, thanks in part to the lack of protection for their bodies from a fast-moving vehicle. The angle, speed, and force of the accident could cause numerous injuries or result in death. Our attorney can provide you with more insight into the damages owed to you, based on the injuries you have sustained. Some of the most common serious injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries resulting from being thrown from the bike and striking the head
- Whiplash from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck
- Spinal cord damage, including potential permanent paralysis
- Chronic pain due to nerve damage
- Road rash
- Internal organ injuries
- Scars
- Crushing accidents
- Bone fractures
In each of these cases, many victims spend a significant amount of time in recovery, unable to work or meet their day-to-day obligations. They suffer pain and endless emotional trauma. If that happened to you, seek the help of our lawyer and let us fight for fair compensation.
Damages in Bicycle Accident Claims
The Civil Practice and Remedies Code solidifies the remedies available to victims of bicycle accidents. Under these rules, a plaintiff may pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
A claimant may recover compensation for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of repairing the bike. Non-economic damages may include loss of enjoyment of life, physical suffering, or mental anguish. Speak to a knowledgeable Grand Prairie attorney to determine which type of damages an individual may be eligible to recover in a cycling crash case.
It is not beneficial to simply file a claim against the at-fault party unless you have considered all avenues of potential compensation and loss. It is very common for those who are facing incredible injuries to be uncertain about their future. Our bicycle accident attorney in Grand Prairie will pursue fair compensation for you to the fullest extent allowable.
Loss of Life After a Bicycle Accident
In some situations, victims of bicycle accidents suffer the ultimate loss, and families must try to find a way to navigate what comes next. There is no legal solution that makes this better, but we can help you pursue financial compensation and justice for your lost loved one. If you are a close family member to someone who died as a result of a bicycle accident, let our lawyer help you determine the value of your case, which may include:
- Medical costs leading up to the death after the accident
- Pain and suffering experienced after the accident through treatment
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of wages for time missed after the accident up until death
- Loss of wages contributed to the family for the expected length of a person’s life
- Pain and suffering experienced by the family, including loss of companionship
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish for all involved
Documenting these losses enables our attorney to guide you in creating a comprehensive claim. A wrongful death case is often far more challenging to pursue than other types of claims, but you can expect us to be aggressive in pursuing full justice under the law for your family member. Even if you are not sure if your loved one’s death qualifies, reach out to us for a consultation and let a bicycle accident lawyer in Grand Prairie investigate your case and develop a plan for addressing any potential losses you have.
Modified Comparative Negligence
The State of Texas follows a modified comparative negligence theory. Often, the defendant may claim that the plaintiff contributed to the accident. If a bicyclist is found to be less than 51% at fault for an accident, then they may be eligible to recover compensation. Bicyclists who contribute to their own harm by disobeying these regulations may have their damages award reduced proportionately.
Insurance Companies Will Work Against You
At The Texas Law Dog, we understand the challenges of pursuing a settlement after a bicycle accident. Insurance companies recognize the extent of injuries and will take drastic steps to try to recover any damages they can.
With our guidance, we can provide you with insight into whether the current claim offered to you is fair, whether the insurance company is treating you poorly in a violation of bad faith laws, or if you need to demonstrate additional losses.
Contact a Grand Prairie Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
A skilled Grand Prairie bicycle accident lawyer might be of assistance if you were involved in a bicycle accident. Cyclists have rights on the road, just like automobile drivers do. When someone violates your rights, count on our lawyer to fight back and recover fair damages for you.
If you have been hurt by a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages and injuries. Schedule a consultation today to learn about your legal options.
