WERE YOU HIT & HURT IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?
Representing those injured in Bike Accidents in Harris County & Throughout Texas
Whether you ride your bike for fun, take part in amateur races, or rely on your bicycle for daily transportation, you face certain significant risks every time you share the road with motor vehicles. Every year, thousands of bicyclists are injured or killed by careless and reckless drivers throughout Texas, including in busy areas like Houston. And while there are certain things you can do to keep yourself safe, you cannot always protect yourself from the negligent conduct of others.
If you were injured in a bike accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. At Payne Law Firm, our Houston bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights following an accident, including your potential right to financial compensation. We are known for our aggressive approach, as well as our compassionate, client-focused service. To date, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of injured individuals and the families of those wrongfully killed, and our team is ready to fight for you.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (713) 999-4801 or contact us online today. Hablamos español.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Generally speaking, the leading cause of bicycle accidents in Texas and throughout the United States is negligence. Whether you were struck by a motor vehicle while sharing the road or were involved in a crash with another bicyclist, chances are, the accident could have been—and should have been—prevented.
Some of the leading causes of bicycle accidents that can be attributed to negligence include:
- Speeding
- General carelessness
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated/drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Unsafe turns, including turning without checking blind spots
- Unlawful passing
- Failure to maintain a safe distance
- Disobeying traffic laws/rules of the road
- Dangerous lane changes
- Driving in designated bicycle lanes
- Opening car doors suddenly/without looking
Because cyclists have relatively little protection, even when they wear the proper safety gear, motorists have a responsibility to drive with caution and safely share the road with people on bikes. When they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible for resulting damages.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because of the unprotected nature of a bicycle, when a cyclist is hit by a caSr their injuries tend to be quite serious. Studies show that the most common injuries sustained in car vs. bike accidents include:
- Head injuries – concussions, traumatic brain injuries, facial injuries
- Back injuries – spinal cord injuries, injured discs, neck injuries, paralysis
- Broken bones – fractures, dislocations, serious breaks
- Soft tissue injuries – bruises, sprains, pulled or torn muscles
Each of these injuries may require extensive surgery and physical therapy in order to restore you to your former health. In some cases a full recovery isn’t possible, which may mean increased costs for you as you seek to adapt your life to accommodate new physical limitations.
What Do You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, there are several steps you should take to protect both your immediate safety and your rights.
To the best of your ability, try to do the following after a bicycle accident:
- Check yourself for injuries and, if necessary, call 911. Remain at the scene and wait for help to arrive. Avoid saying anything that could be construed as admitting fault.
- Get the other party’s name, phone number, address, and insurance information, if possible. If the driver flees the scene, try to record any information you can about them or their vehicle.
- Have the police come out to the scene of the accident and file an accident report. In Texas, you must report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage of over $1,000.
- Document the scene by taking pictures of the crash, your bike, and your injuries. Talk to any witnesses and, if possible, get their name(s) and contact information.
- If you do not receive emergency medical care, see a doctor or another health care provider as soon as possible after the accident.
- Preserve evidence that can be useful in your claim, such as the clothing you were wearing and your bike in its current condition. Avoid having your bike repaired until your claim is resolved.
- Seek professional advice from a qualified attorney. You should discuss your options with a lawyer who can help you prepare your claim and fight for fair compensation.
Because Texas follows a fault-based system, you will likely need to prove that the motorist who hit you or the other person or party responsible for the accident was negligent or acted wrongfully in some way. Your attorney can help you in this process by investigating the accident, collecting evidence, gathering medical records, and submitting necessary documents along with your official claim.
How Do I Claim Insurance After a Bike Accident?
If you want to file a claim with your own insurance company following your accident, you should reach out to your insurance company over the phone and speak with them about filing a claim. However, if you wish to pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance, or run into issues with your own insurance company, our team is just a phone call away.
Some quick tips for filing an insurance claim after a bike accident include:
- Keeping all receipts and invoices from doctor’s visits, prescription medication, bicycle repair, etc.
- Avoid speculating with either insurance company about what you think happened
- Do not give any information to the driver’s insurance company without first speaking to a lawyer
How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Bike Accident?
We can’t give you an exact estimate of how big a settlement you may be eligible for without knowing the details of your case. Your exact settlement amount will vary depending on the following:
- How severe your injuries were
- What kind of negligence played a part in causing your accident
- Whether or not you had any fault in the accident
- Whether the driver was intoxicated or breaking the law in some way at the time of your accident
- What kind of damage was done to your personal property
- Whether or not your injuries will affect your ability to work in the future
Get in touch with us today at (713) 999-4801 or submit a free online case evaluation form to request a complimentary consultation.
Client Testimonials
Holding Negligent Motorists Accountable
At Payne Law Firm, we believe that negligent and reckless motorist should be brought to justice. We can help you fight for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, lost quality of life, pain and suffering, and other damages. We leverage our years of experience and reputation for aggressive advocacy to the benefit of our clients, pushing back against insurance companies’ attempts to dispute, devalue, or deny rightful claims.
When you turn to Payne Law Firm, you can trust that we will fight for you. Our Houston bicycle accident lawyers understand your unique challenges, concerns, and needs. We develop personalized legal strategies and work directly with our clients so that they can feel confident in their cases. We are available to discuss your bike accident case at no cost to you, and we do not collect any attorney fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Get Serious With A Free Consult
WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED, YOU NEED A SERIOUS LAWYER. CONTACT US TODAY.
WERE YOU HIT & HURT IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?
Representing those injured in Bike Accidents in Harris County & Throughout Texas
Whether you ride your bike for fun, take part in amateur races, or rely on your bicycle for daily transportation, you face certain significant risks every time you share the road with motor vehicles. Every year, thousands of bicyclists are injured or killed by careless and reckless drivers throughout Texas, including in busy areas like Houston. And while there are certain things you can do to keep yourself safe, you cannot always protect yourself from the negligent conduct of others.
If you were injured in a bike accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. At Payne Law Firm, our Houston bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights following an accident, including your potential right to financial compensation. We are known for our aggressive approach, as well as our compassionate, client-focused service. To date, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of injured individuals and the families of those wrongfully killed, and our team is ready to fight for you.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (346) 421-1462 or contact us online today. Hablamos español.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Generally speaking, the leading cause of bicycle accidents in Texas and throughout the United States is negligence. Whether you were struck by a motor vehicle while sharing the road or were involved in a crash with another bicyclist, chances are, the accident could have been—and should have been—prevented.
Some of the leading causes of bicycle accidents that can be attributed to negligence include:
- Speeding
- General carelessness
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated/drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Unsafe turns, including turning without checking blind spots
- Unlawful passing
- Failure to maintain a safe distance
- Disobeying traffic laws/rules of the road
- Dangerous lane changes
- Driving in designated bicycle lanes
- Opening car doors suddenly/without looking
Because cyclists have relatively little protection, even when they wear the proper safety gear, motorists have a responsibility to drive with caution and safely share the road with people on bikes. When they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible for resulting damages.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because of the unprotected nature of a bicycle, when a cyclist is hit by a caSr their injuries tend to be quite serious. Studies show that the most common injuries sustained in car vs. bike accidents include:
- Head injuries – concussions, traumatic brain injuries, facial injuries
- Back injuries – spinal cord injuries, injured discs, neck injuries, paralysis
- Broken bones – fractures, dislocations, serious breaks
- Soft tissue injuries – bruises, sprains, pulled or torn muscles
Each of these injuries may require extensive surgery and physical therapy in order to restore you to your former health. In some cases a full recovery isn’t possible, which may mean increased costs for you as you seek to adapt your life to accommodate new physical limitations.
What Do You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, there are several steps you should take to protect both your immediate safety and your rights.
To the best of your ability, try to do the following after a bicycle accident:
- Check yourself for injuries and, if necessary, call 911. Remain at the scene and wait for help to arrive. Avoid saying anything that could be construed as admitting fault.
- Get the other party’s name, phone number, address, and insurance information, if possible. If the driver flees the scene, try to record any information you can about them or their vehicle.
- Have the police come out to the scene of the accident and file an accident report. In Texas, you must report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage of over $1,000.
- Document the scene by taking pictures of the crash, your bike, and your injuries. Talk to any witnesses and, if possible, get their name(s) and contact information.
- If you do not receive emergency medical care, see a doctor or another health care provider as soon as possible after the accident.
- Preserve evidence that can be useful in your claim, such as the clothing you were wearing and your bike in its current condition. Avoid having your bike repaired until your claim is resolved.
- Seek professional advice from a qualified attorney. You should discuss your options with a lawyer who can help you prepare your claim and fight for fair compensation.
Because Texas follows a fault-based system, you will likely need to prove that the motorist who hit you or the other person or party responsible for the accident was negligent or acted wrongfully in some way. Your attorney can help you in this process by investigating the accident, collecting evidence, gathering medical records, and submitting necessary documents along with your official claim.
How Do I Claim Insurance After a Bike Accident?
If you want to file a claim with your own insurance company following your accident, you should reach out to your insurance company over the phone and speak with them about filing a claim. However, if you wish to pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance, or run into issues with your own insurance company, our team is just a phone call away.
Some quick tips for filing an insurance claim after a bike accident include:
- Keeping all receipts and invoices from doctor’s visits, prescription medication, bicycle repair, etc.
- Avoid speculating with either insurance company about what you think happened
- Do not give any information to the driver’s insurance company without first speaking to a lawyer
How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Bike Accident?
We can’t give you an exact estimate of how big a settlement you may be eligible for without knowing the details of your case. Your exact settlement amount will vary depending on the following:
- How severe your injuries were
- What kind of negligence played a part in causing your accident
- Whether or not you had any fault in the accident
- Whether the driver was intoxicated or breaking the law in some way at the time of your accident
- What kind of damage was done to your personal property
- Whether or not your injuries will affect your ability to work in the future
Get in touch with us today at (346) 421-1462 or submit a free online case evaluation form to request a complimentary consultation.
When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Houston, you may be wondering when you should get a lawyer. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the accident and the extent of your injuries. If you’ve suffered injuries that require medical attention or if there is significant damage to your vehicle, it’s a good idea to consult with a Houston car accident attorney as soon as possible.
An experienced lawyer will be able to advise you on your legal rights and options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contacting a car accident attorney early on will also give them ample time to investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. Don’t wait too long to seek legal assistance – the sooner you do, the better.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
As with other types of personal injury cases, you have a limited time to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas. The statute of limitations, or deadline, to file these types of claims is typically two years from the date of the accident.
Although you have two years to file a lawsuit, it is important that you take immediate action in the wake of the accident. The sooner you reach out to our Houston car accident lawyers, the sooner they can begin investigating your claim, gathering evidence, and building your case. The liable party’s insurance company will likely take immediate action to dispute your claim; you should be ready to protect your rights immediately after the accident. Reach out to our team at Payne Law Firm today to learn more.
Do Most Car Accident Cases Settle?
Yes. Most personal injury claims (about 95%) are able to reach a settlement pre-trial. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to hire a lawyer. In many cases, the reason victims are able to get a fair settlement without having to go to trial is because they hired a lawyer who was able to work with the insurance company on their behalf and negotiate a fair settlement. In many cases, hiring a lawyer to fight for you helps show the insurance company that you take your claim seriously, and so should they. And on the off-chance that your case isn’t able to be resolved outside of court, you already have a team ready to take on the insurance company in front of a judge or jury.
Holding Negligent Motorists Accountable
At Payne Law Firm, we believe that negligent and reckless motorist should be brought to justice. We can help you fight for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, lost quality of life, pain and suffering, and other damages. We leverage our years of experience and reputation for aggressive advocacy to the benefit of our clients, pushing back against insurance companies’ attempts to dispute, devalue, or deny rightful claims.
When you turn to Payne Law Firm, you can trust that we will fight for you. Our Houston bicycle accident lawyers understand your unique challenges, concerns, and needs. We develop personalized legal strategies and work directly with our clients so that they can feel confident in their cases. We are available to discuss your bike accident case at no cost to you, and we do not collect any attorney fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Call Us Today to Learn More
If you or a loved one is suffering from a serious injury, it is important to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Payne Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning you do not owe a dime unless/until we recover a settlement or verdict for you.
We provide legal services in English and Spanish and are happy to answer any questions you may have throughout the legal process. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we are ready to fight for you and the recovery you deserve.
To schedule a consultation, call our office in Houston at (713) 999-4801 today. You can also fill out our contact form online with our Houston car accident lawyer.
Client Testimonials
Holding Negligent Motorists Accountable
At Payne Law Firm, we believe that negligent and reckless motorist should be brought to justice. We can help you fight for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, lost quality of life, pain and suffering, and other damages. We leverage our years of experience and reputation for aggressive advocacy to the benefit of our clients, pushing back against insurance companies’ attempts to dispute, devalue, or deny rightful claims.
When you turn to Payne Law Firm, you can trust that we will fight for you. Our Houston bicycle accident lawyers understand your unique challenges, concerns, and needs. We develop personalized legal strategies and work directly with our clients so that they can feel confident in their cases. We are available to discuss your bike accident case at no cost to you, and we do not collect any attorney fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
What Sets Us ApArt
serious lawyers for serious accidents
client Focused
We will help you every step of the way, providing answers to your questions and continuing to update you on the status of your case.
A History of Success
We have helped over a thousand injured individuals and families get the compensation they deserved.
Battle-Tested
We not only understand the complexities of insurance companies but know how to fight them.
Full Transparency
Our team knows the importance of your case and is committed to doing what is best for you.
What Sets Us ApArt
serious lawyers for serious accidents
client Focused
We will help you every step of the way, providing answers to your questions and continuing to update you on the status of your case.
A History of Success
We have helped over a thousand injured individuals and families get the compensation they deserved.
Battle-Tested
We not only understand the complexities of insurance companies but know how to fight them.
Full Transparency
Our team knows the importance of your case and is committed to doing what is best for you.
