Nobody heads out on their bicycle in Texas expecting to be hit by a car, but it can happen when you least expect it, and when it does, you need an experienced and skilled Houston bicycle accident attorney on your side
If you live in one of the several Texas cities that have been recognized as a bicycle-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists, you might feel like you are safe. Houston specifically has been awarded bronze status for being safe and accessible for bicyclists. However, despite this, there are, in fact, many collisions between cars and bikes.
Below, our Houston bicycle accident attorney discusses how these types of accidents happen, injuries that can occur, and how a personal injury law firm can help you recover damages financially.
How Cars Collide With Bicycles
Negligent drivers cause bike crashes in several ways. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driver
- Failure to check blind spots
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Intoxication
Sometimes it is unclear who or what caused the bicycle accident. If you are hit by a car while on your bike, get a medical examination right away. Then, contact our Houston-area bicycle accident attorney to investigate. It is never too early to protect yourself in case you need to pursue compensation from the negligent driver.
Injuries That Can Occur in a Car and Bike Accident
Since a car is so much bigger and stronger than a bicycle, the bike rider will almost always incur injuries. Bike injuries that can result from a collision with a vehicle include:
- Facial lacerations and fractures
- Dental trauma
- Neck and back fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Bone fractures
- Dislocated joints
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
Even if you think your injury is minor, it is still important to see a doctor. Many injuries go unseen or progress over time, and having your medical examination documented will help strengthen your case.
How to Recover Damages Financially
If you have been injured in a bike accident, it is your legal right to recover damages related to the incident. The best way to do this is to work alongside our Houston bicycle accident attorney to build your case. First, gather your evidence. Even if they are damaged to the point of now being unusable, keep your helmet, bike, and any other gear you had at the time of the accident. Next, file a police report and give your honest perspective as to what occurred.
The driver’s insurance company may try to offer you a settlement to avoid litigation. Do not accept this offer. The same is true of your own insurance company. Take the time to follow the necessary steps: File a police report, seek medical help and contact our bicycle accident attorney. These actions will assure that you receive the damages owed to you, not just what an insurance company is willing to pay to keep things simple.
Recovery for damages is more than just medical bills. It can also include:
- Income lost while you are unable to work
- The future earning capacity you have lost because of your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and permanent physical limitations
In the unfortunate circumstance of a fatal accident, the victim’s next of kin can also seek damages for funeral costs and other recoveries related to the loss.
When to Contact Our Houston-Area Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you were hit by a car while riding your bike, do not hesitate to contact our experienced bicycle accident attorney. At the very least, they can offer advice and guidance that you may not have thought of otherwise. And, if you do decide to litigate, you will already have an experienced professional on your side.
An accident attorney does more than just defend you in court, and the earlier they are brought into the process, the stronger your case will be. A good lawyer will go straight to the scene of the accident to determine what happened and ensure that the appropriate people will be held accountable for the harm that has been caused. An attorney will also do the following to support your claim:
- Obtain your medical bills and records
- Submit lost wage and medical compensation documents to your insurance company
- Navigate informal settlement negotiations.
If it is necessary to go to trial, your attorney will file the lawsuit and:
- Gather depositions from all witnesses and doctors
- Run mediation or a settlement conference
- Represent you in court
- Go through any appeals process
The whole litigation process can be overwhelming. At SJ Injury Attorneys, our Houston bicycle accident attorney has the experience needed to win your case and recover the damages you deserve. Contact us today to arrange a consultation
