Austin Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Bicycle Accident Victims in Texas

Bicycle accidents happen in Austin all the time, especially in the high traffic areas, like in the dreaded “Doughnut of Danger.” There were 50 bicycle-crash related fatalities in Texas in 2015 alone, putting the state in third place for the highest number in the nation. As a bustling metropolitan area, vehicles and bicycles on the same roadways often cross paths. When unsafe road conditions and negligent drivers collide with bicycles, the injuries can be devastating.

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we represent injured individuals and the families of those wrongfully killed in bicycle accidents. These incidents occur all too often as a result of negligence. Our Austin bicycle accident attorneys strive to hold negligent parties accountable and seek the maximum recovery you are owed.

Call (512) 400-3278 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. If our Austin bicycle accident lawyer doesn’t win your case, you won’t pay!

Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can cause some of the most serious and life-threatening injuries of any vehicle crash. Bicyclists do not have the protection that occupants of a motor vehicle have, so they always sustain much worse injuries. While wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce a bicyclist’s risk of sustaining a traumatic head or brain injury, it does not prevent catastrophic injuries from occurring.

The six most common types of bicycle-related injuries include:

• Fractures and broken bones
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Traumatic head injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Facial and dental fractures
• Injuries to the chest and abdomen

If a bicyclist falls under a vehicle in a collision, his or her injuries will most likely be fatal. Nonfatal injuries can still result in temporary or permanent disability, including cognitive issues and physical impairments. Injured bikers may never fully recover from the accident, and they may suffer paralysis or other disabling conditions that keep them from returning to work. The majority of these accidents are 100% preventable.

Driver Negligence & Bicycle Accidents

The majority of bicycle accidents result from collisions with motor vehicles. Bicyclists can be difficult to see, and drivers do not always pay attention to the road. A distracted driver only has to take his or her eyes away from the road for a few seconds to strike a bicyclist or pedestrian. Drivers and bicyclists have a duty to obey the rules of the road and pay attention while driving. When a vehicle driver does not see a bicyclist, fails to yield at a crosswalk, follows too closely to a bike, or otherwise drives negligently, the victim of an accident may be eligible for compensation.

An Austin bicycle accident lawyer will be able to investigate the crash and tell the victim if he or she has a personal injury case. To have grounds for a lawsuit in Texas, the bicyclist must prove that the driver was negligent, and this negligence caused the crash. Texas’s comparative negligence laws state that the courts can reduce the victim’s compensation if the plaintiff was partly at fault for an accident. If, for example, you were riding a bike and used a crosswalk without waiting for the signal and a distracted driver (who reasonably could have prevented the accident) hits you, the courts may find you both at fault. You may be 10% at fault for the accident for failing to wait for the signal before crossing, while the driver is 90% responsible for not paying attention to the road. The courts would reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault. In this case, you would receive $9,000 from a $10,000 settlement. Our state’s comparative fault rules make it important to hire a competent lawyer to assist you with your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident?

A bicyclist should prioritize personal safety immediately after an accident. First, move to a safe location away from traffic. If able, call 911 to report the accident and seek medical help, even if injuries don't seem significant. While on the scene, gather contact information from witnesses and those involved in the accident. Document the surroundings and any damage with photographs. An official police report will serve as an essential piece of legal evidence. Finally, contact a bicycle accident attorney to discuss next steps and understand your legal rights.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Bicycle Accident Claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to initiate legal proceedings. However, building a strong case requires comprehensive evidence and legal strategy, so it's advisable to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Early consultation allows ample time to gather necessary documentation and negotiate effectively, ensuring you meet all legal deadlines.

What Types of Compensation Can I Expect in a Bicycle Accident Case?

Compensation in bicycle accident cases typically covers several areas, including medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and property damage. In certain cases, you might also receive punitive damages designed to punish particularly negligent behavior. Each case is unique, so consulting with our firm will provide you with an understanding of what specific compensation types you may claim, based on the circumstances and evidence of your case.

Contact Our Bike Accident Attorneys in Austin Today

Millions of Texans ride bicycles every year, putting themselves in danger at the hands of careless drivers. The Austin bicycle accident lawyers at Briggle & Polan, PLLC serve citizens in Austin and the surrounding areas who have been victims in bicycle crashes. Our experienced trial lawyers know how life-changing a serious accident can be, and we understand the intense medical treatments necessary to fully recover. We are passionate about defending the rights of those who sustained terrible injuries in avoidable accidents, and we provide dedicated, aggressive representation. Our approach has helped us secure millions on behalf of injured cyclists.

If a negligent party caused your bicycle accident, contact our team for legal assistance. Call our Austin bicycle accident attorney at (512) 400-3278 for a free consultation! Se habla español.