Bicycle Accidents Lawyer

Helping Texas Accident Victims Find Justice and Compensation

A bicycle accident can change your life. If it does, our lawyers will be there to advocate for you.

Being a bicyclist in Pearland and the surrounding areas of Brazoria County, Texas may be fun, a great way to get some exercise, and the environmentally-conscious choice, but it is also dangerous. Over a six-year period in Texas, there were more than 12,700 bicycle crashes recorded, as well as nearly 300 cyclist fatalities. While Pearland is not the riskiest city in our state in which to ride, a bicyclist is not truly protected from the risk of an accident anywhere in Texas.

At the law offices of Scott M. Brown & Associates, our experienced Pearland bicycle accident lawyers are passionate about representing bicyclists whose lives have been changed as a result of a bicycle accident. If you have been in a bicycle accident in Pearland, call us directly today for a consultation.

What Are the Common Causes of a Bicycle Accident?

Like car and truck accidents, the common causes of a bicycle accident include:

Distracted Driving

A bicycle on the road might easily go unnoticed by drivers who are texting, fidgeting with the radio, or attempting to use a GPS to plan their trip. But inattentive driving affects cyclists just as much as it does drivers. A bicyclist may be less focused on the road and more interested in playing the next music on their phone.

Drunk Driving

Despite being against the law, drunk driving continues to be a serious issue in the United States today. Driving under the influence might slow down a person’s reaction time in an emergency. An intoxicated motorist might not be able to stop in time if a bicycle passes them on the road.

Lack of Yield

On our roads, bikers have the right of way. However, many drivers choose to disregard this reality. They make an effort to either pass the bike by or swerve around them. In turn, the bike rider could be unable to halt and collide directly with the automobile. You must keep in mind that drivers and cyclists have the same rights and privileges. When a car fails to yield to a bike, a dangerous scenario results.

Tailgating

Vehicles may not be aware of their proximity to cyclists when they attempt to pass them on the road. Although it is required by law, not all drivers give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. This leads to a disastrous incident.

Dooring Accidents

Sometimes the motorist just fails to notice the rider until it is too late. A driver could open their door in the path of a bicycle that is traveling beside a row of parallel-parked autos. It’s possible that the biker won’t be able to avoid hitting the door, falling over the open door, and suffering severe injuries.

Speeding

Everyone is rushing to get where they need to go, and sometimes we move too quickly. Speeding may put everyone on the road at risk depending on the weather, road hazards, and volume of traffic. If something blocks your route, such as a bicycle turning in front of you, it will be more difficult to stop the quicker you are traveling.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Bicycle Accidents in Texas?

Bicycle accidents are not all the same. When determining who is at fault, somewhat changing conditions might mean a world of difference. Scott M. Brown & Associates investigates every aspect of a bicycle accident. Determine who is responsible for any bicycle accident involving another vehicle with the assistance of our knowledgeable bicycle accidents lawyer.

Texas is known as a “comparative fault” state. This implies that even if the wounded rider contributed to the collision, they may still be entitled to compensation. This implies that the amount of blame the cyclist bears for the accident may be deducted from whatever compensation they get.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident With a Car or Truck?

• Stay at the Scene. A police officer’s documentation is a requirement to file a claim for property damage or personal injury. You might receive a hit-and-run ticket if you leave the site of an accident after inflicting injuries or property damage.
• Get the License Plate Number of the Vehicles Involved in the Accident. This information will be crucial since it is the only one that can be used to identify the owners of the incident’s involved vehicles. This information will be useful to our knowledgeable Texas bicycle accidents lawyer since it will allow us to determine who was involved in the collision and who could be at fault.
• Get Your Bearings. Verify the safety of anyone hurt in the accident. No one should be moved until an ambulance or authorities arrive if they are unconscious, were thrown from their bicycle, are pinned beneath anything, or are experiencing neck or back discomfort.
• Call the Police. In Texas, drivers of the involved cars are obligated to notify the local police station if there are injuries or property damages totaling more than $500. No matter what, it is typically preferable to call.
• Don’t Move the Objects. When police officer arrives on the scene, they will gather information and check to see where the cars are after a collision. This might play a significant role in the officer’s narrative description and a sketch of the wreckage. It is advised that you leave the vehicles in their current locations as much as possible because of this.
• Gather Information Especially for Witnesses. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses you may find at the site. Due to their lack of vested interest in the crash, third-party witnesses might be highly valuable in demonstrating how it happened. Obtaining the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any drivers as well as their insurance information.
• Know That Anything You Say Can Be Used Against You in Court. When drivers accept blame or claim that the accident was their fault, certain insurance plans include coverage exclusions. In general, it is not a good idea to speculate about what or who could have caused the accident; instead, just describe the events as you recall them.

It’s typically futile to attempt to explain how a collision happened to anybody but the investigating officer since everything you say or do might be used against you in court as an “admission” or “statement against interest.”

Although people frequently may not have a clear remembrance of what was said, keeping quiet about the specifics of the incident can hopefully prevent any problems in court.

• Take Photos. Take several pictures of the accident site, your property damage, your injuries, and any skid marks—or lack thereof—that may have existed before the accident.
• Refer to Your Insurance Policy. You have been paying for insurance coverage, so you should use it if you ever need to file a claim. Your medical bills can be covered by medical payment coverage.

If you have an uninsured motorist policy on your automobile or vehicle, which is highly recommended, you may be covered even if the other drivers involved in the accident do not have insurance. Your collision coverage may cover your personal property damage.

We frequently hear worries about insurance premiums going up after filing a claim. If you are concerned about this please allow our skilled bicycle accidents lawyer to provide you with additional information on this topic.

• Understand Early Settlement Offers. When an insurance provider offers a quick settlement, be wary. Some injuries worsened a few days after the collision. Many cases are resolved with early, extremely low offers that are probably insufficient to cover the ongoing problems, time away from work, and agony resulting from your injuries. Give yourself at least a few days to be sure that no new pains or aches appear.
• Read Every Document That the Insurance Company Asks You to Sign. Make careful that when handling any property damage, you are not waiving your personal injury claim. When a release for property damage includes wording that releases a personal injury claim, those claims may be permanently waived. Contact us for more details about bicycle claims.
• Consider Getting a Consultation With a Texas Bicycle Accidents Lawyer. Our knowledgeable bicycle accidents lawyer reassures you, clarifies the procedure, and highlights the advantages of having representation for your claim. Make a call to Scott M. Brown & Associates now.

What Are the Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

As you can expect, a collision with a vehicle or truck can result in serious and perhaps fatal damage to the bicyclists. A cyclist may suffer from several common injuries, including:

• Head trauma (such as a traumatic brain injury, concussion, or a brain bleed)
• Neck and spine injuries that couple lead to whiplash or paralysis
• Back pain such as a herniated disc or muscle spasms
• Internal bleeding and soft tissue damage
• Broken bones
• Cuts, bruises, and road rash

 

Damages Incurred in a Bicycle Accident can be Significant 

Our lawyers understand that when a bicyclist and a motor vehicle collide, it is often not the 4,000-pound (or greater) vehicle that is impacted, but instead the cyclist. When a cyclist is hit by a car, they may suffer severe and life-changing, if not fatal, injuries, as well as tens of thousands of dollars in financial losses. These losses are in the form of:

• Medical expenses: A cyclist involved in an accident will likely require emergency transportation to a hospital, surgeries, in-hospital stays, and perhaps weeks’ or months’ worth of treatment.
• Lost wages: If a cyclist is seriously injured in a crash, chances are that they will be unable to return to work in the near future, resulting in the potential loss of wages totally thousands of dollars. This can be a huge financial strain on a cyclist who is already coping with high medical costs.
• Property damage losses: In addition to the cost of the bike involved in the crash, which could be very expensive, a cyclist may also require replacement of clothing and personal items they have on them at the time of the incident, such as a smartphone.
• Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life: The noneconomic losses suffered by a cyclist can be significant. Our lawyers believe that injured cyclists should be compensated for their pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life in addition to actual financial losses.

How to Determine If You Can File a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Answer a few questions:

• Were you hurt while riding your bicycle?
• Did someone hit you, causing you to be injured while riding your bicycle?
• Was the person who hit you being negligent?

If the responses are yes, you probably have a claim. Personal injury cases include claims involving bicycle accidents. The responsible party is facing a personal injury suit from you. That would be the one who is in charge of your wounds.

Instead of immediately requesting compensation from the driver of the vehicle that struck you, you would request that their insurance company pay for the following:

• Your medical bills
• Your lost wages
• Your pain and suffering

All of this is something you may talk about with our Texas bicycle accidents lawyer during a consultation.

Why Do I Need a Bicycle Accidents Lawyer in Texas?

Our bicycle accidents lawyer at Scott M. Brown & Associates has been assisting injury victims across the state for many years. We’ll determine who caused the accident after conducting a comprehensive investigation, and we’ll negotiate with the insurance provider on your behalf to make sure you receive the full amount of any losses you may have sustained.

Our Texas personal injury lawyer is prepared to take on the insurance company with years of expertise, a proven track record of success, and a plethora of resources at our disposal. Make a call to us right now to schedule a consultation.

Here are a few other crucial ways our skilled bicycle accidents lawyer can help with your case:

Avoid Complicated Legal Traps

Keep in mind that you should refrain from speaking with any insurance providers before seeking legal counsel. Any words you utter might be used against you as they develop their counter-argument.

Instead, our bicycle accidents lawyer may write a letter on your behalf that can protect you from future legal snares.

Our Top Priority is to See You Fully Recovered.

Our knowledgeable bicycle accidents lawyer will be by your side as soon as your accident occurs to make sure you get the finest care available. Our legal experience guarantees that the responsible parties pay you the money you require to pay for all recovery expenses.

By doing this, you’ll have the highest chance of fully recovering and getting back to your routine.

Your Legal Rights Are Completely Safeguarded

Our bicycle accidents lawyer has extensive knowledge and experience, so we are aware that injuries to cyclists don’t often manifest themselves right away. This indicates that you require legal assistance to get payment for future medical services.

Accidental injuries may involve physical and emotional stress that manifests later and may need expert assistance. For as long as you require, we can make sure that all of your legal interests are safeguarded.

Personalization of Your Compensation Case

Our skilled bicycle accidents lawyer is aware of all the pitfalls, technicalities, and paperwork mistakes to watch out for in a compensation case. This guarantees that you will always receive the money that is due to you.

We also have a thorough understanding of all the guidelines for submitting a personal injury claim. We are fully capable of creating the right legal plan to meet your specific requirements.

Get Professional Guidance on Establishing Fault

The success of your compensation claim depends on your ability to establish the parties’ liability for your accident’s carelessness. We will provide you with all the help you need in locating and demonstrating errors. From this point, you may submit a claim that precisely details the compensation you deserve.

Discover the Tranquility You Deserve

You’ll be able to rest easier at night with the aid of our legal team knowing that you have their expertise as leverage.  This enables you to recuperate fully without the pressure of attempting to design your scenario while having little to no system knowledge.

The confidence that you will be compensated for medical expenses, missed wages, and pain and suffering are what you most need when healing after an accident. This is the responsibility of our knowledgeable bicycle accidents lawyer, and the value of this peace of mind to your rehabilitation should not be understated.

How Our Lawyers can Help

If you have been hit by a car while riding your bike, our lawyers can help you by:

• Opening an investigation into your case;
• Gathering evidence;
• Identifying all potentially-liable parties;
• Identifying sources of compensation (i.e. insurance parties);
• Valuing your claim and calculating your damages;
• Issuing a demand letter to the insurance company;
• Negotiating your settlement; and
• Representing you in litigation if a settlement cannot be reached.

Call Our Pearland Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today

Our bicycle accident attorneys will be by your side throughout the duration of your case. We know how traumatic a crash can be; let us help you recover the compensation that you deserve.

For your consultation with our injury lawyers, reach out to our team directly today. You can call us, stop by our office in person, or send us a message to learn more.