Bicycle accidents are frequently caused by negligent drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. If you or a loved one has been injured in a recent cycling collision caused by a negligent driver, you should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible who can explain your best legal options.
A Houston bicycle accident lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas can investigate the details of your crash, gather and preserve vital evidence, and handle all interactions with the insurance company to secure compensation for your injuries. One of our skilled attorneys can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you receive fair treatment from the insurance companies and the courts.
How Does Negligence Cause Bicycle Accidents?
Negligence is a primary cause of bicycle accidents, often leading to collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles. Drivers and cyclists both have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing these types of collisions. If someone fails to meet this duty of care and causes a crash, they may be found negligent.
Evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports, can be used to prove negligence in a bicycle wreck case. Common negligent causes of cycling accidents include:
- Drivers who run red lights or stop signs
- Drivers who speed excessively, reducing their reaction time
- Drivers who do not check blind spots or signal before changing lanes
- Drivers who may not yield to cyclists at intersections or when turning
- Drivers or passengers who open car doors without first checking for cyclists
- Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or engage with in-car systems, often failing to notice cyclists
Cyclists are exposed to the full force of impact in collisions, leading to severe injuries even in minor accidents. These include injuries to the head, brain, spine, and internal organs. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a cycling accident, a Houston attorney can immediately get to work to preserve your right to compensation from the negligent driver.
Financial Recovery in Bicycle Accident Claims
If you are involved in a bicycle collision, you might be able to recover financial compensation for your losses, including economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include immediate and long-term costs of treatment, such as:
- Doctor visits
- Rehabilitation
- Hospital stays
- Medical devices
- Prescription drugs
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income, including wages already missed and potential future earnings affected by the injury.
Non-economic damages can address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, along with the limitations the injury imposes on your ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed. If the injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or partner, they can seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support. In rare cases of reckless or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, a court might award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar future behavior.
Factors Influencing Financial Recovery
The amount of financial recovery you may receive in a bicycle accident claim could be affected by several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, with more serious injuries potentially leading to higher settlements. Liability is another key factor, as clear evidence of the other party’s fault can strengthen your claim.
The limits of the at-fault party’s insurance policy can also impact the potential compensation. Finally, having legal representation from an experienced bicycle collision attorney in Houston can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
Call a Bicycle Crash Attorney in Houston Today
Determining fault in bicycle collisions can be complex. The driver’s insurance company may claim that the cyclist was riding erratically, that they were not following traffic laws or that they were not visible. Gathering evidence to prove the driver’s negligence is crucial, and this may require thorough investigation and potentially consultation with expert witnesses.
A Houston bicycle accident lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas has the knowledge and resources to seamlessly handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact our attorneys today to set up your free case review and discuss how we can advocate for your legal rights.