Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Over the past few years, bicycling infrastructure in Austin has noticeably improved. Although the number of well-equipped bike lanes has tripled, local authorities continue to enhance it. They aim to significantly increase roadway safety and connect most hiking and cycling trails in the near future.

However, sharing the lane with a larger motor vehicle always poses a palpable threat. As the congestion rates grow all over the country, every cyclist must know their rights and obligations. Moreover, should you seek expert legal advice, you should be aware of where you can find reliable and experienced bicycle accident attorneys.

Meet Our Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyers

We are a team of time-tested legal field experts who care about bicyclists’ rights, the safety of our community, and justice above all. Our bicycle accident attorneys have been handling some of the most complicated cases in the state. 

A growing track record of successfully settled claims proves unparalleled attention to detail, an individual approach to every accident, and a deep understanding of the personal challenges that a victim faces. 

Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group Austin, TX

888-521-6377

Whether it is an unbiased incident investigation, persuasive insurance company negotiations, or precise damages calculations, we’ll make sure that your voice is heard, your rights are well-represented, and fair compensation is secured! 

Austin Bicycle Accident Statistics in 2024

Texas may not be the friendliest state in the country to ride a bike since it holds  30th place in the national bicycle-friendly rank, but the Austin area certainly stands out from the other cities. According to recent reports, it has the lowest cyclist fatality rate in the USA — 0.10 per 100,000 citizens.

Despite the low fatality rate, Austin bike accidents still happen, and if you are an avid bicyclist, you may want to know who’s at most risk in the city. A recent statistic paints the following picture:

• 62% of cyclists were involved in an accident at an intersection.
• Over 70% of segment collisions result in fatalities.
• Over 1% of intersection deaths happen due to impaired driving.
• Over 50% of bicycle crashes take place at night, between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am.
• Over 90% of all biking accidents occur in urban areas.
• Over 82% of bicycle accident victims in the state are males.
• Around 7% of cyclists get hurt as a result of distracted driving.

While it is hard to create a single profile of the most vulnerable bike rider, it is best to remain cautious and alert at all times.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?

Although you can’t be all-prepared for a potential bicycle crash, there are a few simple steps that all cyclists must follow to ensure their ultimate safety and recover maximum compensation.

• Remain Calm and Call the Emergency Services

  Every accident is a stressful event to deal with, but the more rational and composed you remain, the better. Even if you think that you are unharmed and the incident is minor, you should stay at the scene and notify emergency services and local authorities. Official accident reports usually count for valuable evidence that will support your personal injury claim.

• Seek Medical Attention

  Often, injured parties choose not to seek medical care immediately after the collision since they don’t seem visibly hurt. However, the rush of adrenaline that pumps through your body may mask quite serious conditions, such as internal organ injuries or concussions, and only a trained medic can detect potentially life-threatening symptoms.

• Limit Your Communication with the Driver

  It is important to gather contact information such as the driver’s full name, address, insurance policy number, license number, and other relevant details. However, you should avoid making statements and accepting apologies. There are bicycle accident cases when the at-fault party tries to shift the blame after initially admitting it.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Austin Bicycle Accidents?

1 out of 50 fatalities in Texas involves a bicyclist. Although it is hard to point out a single common denominator that serves as a primary cause for every bike accident in the area, there are a few typical conditions to be aware of:

Typical Injuries in an Austin Bicycle Accident

There can rarely be two identical bicycle accident injuries. However, the lack of protection, driving conditions, and other contributing factors make it possible to outline a number of traumas that are quite typical for this type of accident:

• Head traumas: Traumatic brain injuries remain the most common in bike incidents, all due to the power of the collision with a larger vehicle or the harsh impact with the surface.
• Back injuries: Spinal cord injuries are as severe as head traumas. They can trigger such conditions as loss of limb sensation and paralysis.
• Fractures: Many cyclists break their arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and other bones while being thrust off their bikes. Some fractures require complex surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation periods.
• Abrasions: Road rash seems like the minor of all the traumas described above, but if left untreated, skin abrasions may get infected and lead to serious implications.
• Psychological traumas: Physical injuries aren’t the only severe conditions that some accident victims have to deal with. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other mental issues take time to heal.

Main Damages to Claim After a Bicycle Accident in Austin

Both physical and emotional traumas that an incident inflicts deserve rightful compensation. A professional Austin bicycle accident attorney can help you recover the following types of damages:

• Medical expenses

  An injured victim has the right to fully recover the costs of their past and future medical bills. However, you need to present valid medical records proving your medical conditions sustained as a result of the accident.

• Loss of income

  A cyclist’s lost wages that arise from their days missed off work, along with the temporary or permanent decrease of their earning capacity, should be compensated by the at-fault party or their insurance company.

• Property damage

  If you have to repair or replace your bicycle or any other personal item of value, you can claim a reimbursement of the related costs.

• Pain and suffering

  Invisible traumas, such as mental anguish and loss of joy in life, along with such physical conditions as chronic pain and disfigurement, have a direct impact on the victim’s quality of life. Thus, they deserve maximum settlement.

If the at-fault party’s actions prove to be highly negligent, intentional, and vile, on top of financial damages, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you claim punitive damages as well. They are aimed at punishing the guilty person and preventing similar instances in the future.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Austin?

Every Austin bicycle accident case is different. Sometimes, only a trained legal advisor can untangle it and define the liable party. However, there are a few potential accountable parties to consider in the first place:

• Motorists: One of the most frequent suspects in a bike crash would be the motor vehicle operator. Whether the driver was texting behind the wheel, ignoring traffic signs, or failing to yield the right of way, a trained car vs bicycle lawyer would help you hold them accountable.
• Vehicle manufacturer: It is possible to file a personal injury claim against a bicycle manufacturer or distributor. However, you must prove that the vehicle was faulty from the beginning.
• The city of Austin: A bicycle accident that happens because of poor infrastructure, damaged roads, or malfunctioning street lights means that you can hold local municipalities liable for the sustained losses and damages.
• Pedestrians or fellow cyclists: Although you owe the right of way to pedestrians, they may initiate an accident by stepping in front of the vehicle. The same applies to other bicyclists. If another bike rider chooses to disrespect traffic laws and regulations, they will be deemed responsible for the incident.

How Do You Prove Negligence in an Austin Biking Accident?

Being negligent means that a person violates some universal rules and norms that result in dangerous situations that pose a palpable threat to other people. To prove negligence in an Austin accident case, you need four primary components:

What If I Contributed to a Bicycle Accident?

Since the state of Texas abides by the modified comparative negligence rule, even if a cyclist contributes to an accident, they can still file an injury claim and get a portion of sustained damages compensated. The final settlement will differ depending on how much at fault you are for the incident. You can recover losses even if you are found 50% guilty. However, if your contributory fault goes over 51%, you will be denied any reimbursement.

For instance, if you’ve used a bicycle accident settlement calculator or your lawyer estimated the overall amount of the past and future losses in a $50K equivalent, but you are found 15% at fault, the final reimbursement you’ll receive will be $42,5K.

Bicyclists may be found partially guilty in personal injury cases if they failed to signal a turn, didn’t have proper reflective lighting installed, or rode against traffic. Some insurance companies may bring additional arguments to the table to reject or at least reduce the compensation. A well-versed Austin bike accident attorney will ensure that your fault percentage isn’t exaggerated or your payments aren’t minimized.

Bicycle Laws in Texas That Affect Accident Cases

In Texas, bicyclists are referred to as rightful road users, the same as motor vehicle operators. This means that bicyclists have to follow all the state-approved traffic laws. Those include, but are not limited to, the following regulations:

• Bike riders have to ride in the same direction as the rest of the traffic, sticking to the right side of the road if there’s no specially equipped lane in the area.
• In Texas, there are no mandatory helmet rules, but in Austin, all riders under 18 years must wear a protective helmet. The same is advised for adult bikers as a safety precaution.
• All bikes in the state must be fully functional and checked before being taken out on the street.
• Every bicycle must be equipped with proper lights and reflectors.
• Cyclists aren’t allowed to ride on sidewalks in business districts.

Being aware of primary bicycle laws will help you steer clear of a dangerous situation and help you build a solid case if an incident takes place.

How Can an Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You Secure a Fair Settlement?

Working with professional personal injury lawyers who specialize in bicycle accidents comes with a set of significant benefits. For instance:

• Legal expertise

  A committed legal representative possesses the necessary knowledge of the law system and has the required field experience to build a solid claim aimed at success.

• Free case evaluation

  If you are not sure whether your case is worth the fuss of filing a settlement, many reliable law firms can assess your case’s worth for free and guide you in the right direction.

• Evidence attainment

  Many personal injury claims may not stand a chance without undeniable proof of the other party’s negligence. Skilled lawyers have access to various resources that a plaintiff can’t obtain on their own.

• Liability demonstration

  A victim’s word against the defendant’s may not convince the insurance company to settle their claim in full. A qualified attorney will design a solid case that reflects the at-fault party’s liability ultimately.

• Insurance negotiations

  It takes unparalleled skill, persuasion, and persistence to negotiate a fair compensation out of an insurance provider. A trusted legal assistant will deflect lowball offers and take the case to trial if the agreement can’t be achieved.

Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident Claim in Texas

There’s a reason why an expert personal injury attorney would advise you to file a settlement claim as soon as possible. All personal injury claims have an expiration date, so to speak. It is called a Statute of Limitations. In Texas, the Statute of Limitation for bike accidents is two years from the date of the incident. 

Although there may be some exceptions to the rule, depending on individual conditions and consequences of the accident, failing to file your claim within the given deadline will result in losing your right to any reimbursement.

Contact Our Experienced Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today!

We know how scary and unfamiliar the legal terrain may seem, but our bike accident lawyers are the trusted guidance you can count on! You don’t have to face the challenges on your own! We’ll handle the complexities of the legal process while you concentrate on your recovery, and all you need to do is contact us today.

Get your free legal consultation today and start the path to a rightful recovery tomorrow! 

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