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 often occur due to negligence. Our Austin bicycle accident attorneys strive to hold negligent parties accountable and seek the maximum recovery you may be owed.
Call (512) 400-3278 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. If our Austin bicycle accident lawyer does not win your case, you will not pay!
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can cause some of the most serious and life-threatening injuries of any vehicular crash. Bicyclists lack the protection that occupants of a motor vehicle have, which often results in more severe injuries. While wearing a bicycle helmet may 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, their injuries are likely to be fatal. Nonfatal injuries can still result in temporary or permanent disability, including cognitive issues and physical impairments. Injured cyclists may never fully recover from the accident and may suffer paralysis or other disabling conditions that prevent them from returning to work. The majority of these accidents are entirely 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 adequate attention to the road. A distracted driver only needs to glance away for a few seconds to hit a bicyclist or pedestrian. Drivers and bicyclists must obey the rules of the road and stay attentive while driving. When a driver fails to see a bicyclist, does not yield at a crosswalk, follows a bike too closely, or drives negligently in other ways, the victim of an accident may be eligible for compensation.
An Austin bicycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash and determine if the victim has a personal injury case. To have grounds for a lawsuit in Texas, the bicyclist must prove that the driver was negligent and that 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. For instance, if you were riding a bike and used a crosswalk without waiting for the signal and a distracted driver, who could have reasonably prevented the accident, hits you, the courts may find you both at fault. You might be 10% at fault for not waiting for the signal, while the driver is 90% responsible for not paying attention. 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 crucial to hire a skilled 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 each year, putting themselves at risk due to careless drivers. The Austin bicycle accident lawyers at Briggle & Polan, PLLC serve citizens in Austin and surrounding areas who have been victims in bicycle crashes. Our experienced trial lawyers understand how life-changing a serious accident can be and are familiar with the intense medical treatments necessary for full recovery. We are passionate about defending the rights of those who sustain terrible injuries in preventable 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.
Hear From Our Clients
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I highly recommend Briggle & Polan, PLLC.
“If you are looking for excellent and honest attorneys, call them. You will not be disappointed.”
- Paige -
Parker and Hayden were positive, energetic, and did everything in their power to help me.
“I would definitely recommend them to anyone that needs help with their case.”
- Matt -
Thank you, Briggle & Polan.
“I very much appreciate all their hard work and will be happy to refer to them should the need come up for friends and acquaintances.”
- Sandi -
They got me the help I? needed within a few days of hiring them.
“My settlement was awesome and I got everything I needed to get back on my feet”
- Karina -
These guys really helped me when no one else would.
“They really fought for me and their paralegals were the best. They were constantly in communication with me and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a lawyer.”
- Lauren
We've Recovered Millions
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1,800,000.00 Delivery Truck Accident
Our client was t-boned by a large package delivery truck that was traveling in excess of 70 mph. He sustained a severe neck injury that required spinal surgery. Our firm recovered $1,800,000 on behalf of our client.
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$350 Thousand Company Truck Collision
Our client was struck by a company truck that ran a red light at a busy intersection. *Net to client was $166,651.36.
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400,000.00 Company Truck Wreck
Our client was traveling down a residential street when a company truck backed out of a driveway into the side of her vehicle. *Net to client was $110,000.
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$100 Thousand DWI Wreck Resolved
Our client was struck by a drunk driver in Round Rock, Texas. *Net to client was $51,113.04.
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$115 Thousand Distracted Driver Caused Collision
A distracted driver failed to yield the right of way to our client, causing a collision. *Net to client was $25,035.44.
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$132 Thousand Distracted Driver
Our client was the passenger in a vehicle struck by a distracted motorist who failed to yield the right of way at an intersection. *Net to client was $33,250.59.
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$112.5 Thousand Truck Crash Into Building
A company driver lost control of his vehicle and smashed into a convenience store, injuring our client in the process. *Net to client was $30,259.56.
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$82 Thousand T-Bone Collision
Our client had to be airlifted to the hospital as a result of a t-bone collision. *Net proceeds to client were $23,914.57.
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$85 Thousand T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client was t-boned by a distracted driver who ran a stop sign and required surgery for injuries sustained. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $30,267.51.
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$225 Thousand Collision With A Distracted Driver Operating An 18-Wheeler
Our client severely injured her back in the wreck and the driver did not have the required commercial driver's license needed to operate the truck. *Net proceeds to client were $89,737.54.
