Cycling is a healthy and cost-effective way of getting around San Antonio. But cyclists face numerous risks on the road, not the least of which is negligent drivers. Cyclists lack the protection of cabin vehicles, so traffic accidents can cause debilitating and life-altering injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a recent bicycle crash, you need to consult with a San Antonio personal injury lawyer from The Texas Law Dog. A lawyer from our firm can help you pursue financial compensation for your medical bills and other injury-related losses.
We are highly experienced in litigating bicycle accidents and have a team of attorneys who share years of collective legal experience and have recovered millions for clients. Call us today to discuss your case with a bicycle accident lawyer in San Antonio.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accident victims may face a difficult road to recovery. Injuries after a bicycle accident may require expensive medical treatment and prevent you from earning a living. Biases against cyclists can also make it harder to have your case fairly heard by insurance companies and juries.
A personal injury lawyer from The Texas Law Dog can be your legal representative while pursuing legal action for your injuries. An attorney can gather evidence, obtain medical records, and negotiate on your behalf during settlement talks.
Our team members have prior insurance industry experience, so we understand how these companies operate. We are trial-tested and unafraid to pursue litigation in a formal trial if necessary.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in San Antonio
Below are some of the most common injuries after bicycle accidents:
- Broken bones
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Road rash and abrasions
- Torso and leg injuries
- Arm, hand, and wrist injuries
- Face, eye, and mouth trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Crushing injuries and amputations
Regardless of your injuries, you should always get medical attention, even if they don’t feel serious in the moment. Seeing a doctor will create a paper trail of medical evidence you’ll need to prove your claim.
San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Who Can Be Legally Liable for Bicycle Accidents in San Antonio?
Identifying the root cause is arguably the most important part of filing a bicycle accident lawsuit. By identifying the cause, you can trace it back to the liable party(s) to file a lawsuit against. Several parties could be liable for your injuries after a cycling accident:
Negligent Drivers
Negligent drivers are responsible for a wide range of bicycle crashes, mostly due to failing to yield or failing to notice cyclists in blind spots. Drivers may also drive aggressively and engage in road rage against cyclists they perceive as infringing on their road space.
Bicycle Manufacturers
Bicycle parts and equipment, like brakes, tires, or helmets, can be defective due to manufacturing errors. Inherent design flaws can also make them prone to failure under normal operation. If the crash happened due to defective bicycle products, a lawyer may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Local Governments
Bicycles are small and so are much more at risk of crashes due to poor road conditions or road design. In these cases, local municipalities are generally liable because they are responsible for designing and maintaining roads. For example, the government may be liable if the accident happened because of a pothole it knew about but failed to address.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
Depending on your circumstances, we can pursue financial compensation for the following types of losses:
- Emergency medical bills and the cost of future medical treatment
- Lost work income and employment compensation (e.g., bonuses, tips, PTO accrual, etc.)
- Reductions in your lifetime expected earning potential due to disability
- Out-of-pocket injury expenses (e.g., travel expenses, childcare, etc.)
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Loss of life enjoyment or the capacity to engage in hobbies
- Discomfort and inconvenience due to scarring or disfigurement
Every case is different, so it’s impossible to predict beforehand how much any given claim is worth. You can talk to a team member from a firm to get an estimate of the value of your claim and the odds of winning.
Comparative Negligence and Bicycle Accidents in San Antonio
Bicycle accidents may involve partial negligence on the part of the rider. For example, a cyclist might run through a stop sign before being struck by a texting driver.
Texas uses a comparative negligence system to distribute damages in personal injury claims. As long as you are less than 51% responsible, you can recover financial compensation. The downside is that any amount you receive will be reduced according to your fault percentage.
The structure of comparative negligence means you need a lawyer who can minimize your liability and defend you from accusations of shared negligence.
Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Injury Lawsuit
Under Civil Practices & Remedies Code 16.003, Texas’s personal injury statute of limitations places a two-year time limit on all lawsuits for injuries. After the two-year timer is up, your legal claim to financial damages will become null and void. Filing a claim after the two-year timer will result in your lawsuit being rejected, regardless of how severe your injuries are.
The best option is to start as early as possible. A bicycle accident lawyer can initiate the claims process and lay the groundwork for successful legal action. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of denials, so don’t delay—talk to an attorney today.
Contact a San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyer from The Texas Law Dog
Cyclists deserve a lawyer who will hear their side of the story and fight for justice on their behalf. The team at The Texas Law Dog can be an advocate for the injured and help them hold liable parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Contact our offices online or call us by phone to speak to a San Antonio bicycle accident lawyer.
