San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyer

San Antonio Bicycle Accident Attorney

San Antonio is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with ongoing efforts to improve its cycling infrastructure. The city has invested in dedicated bike lanes, multi-use trails, and bike-share programs like BCycle to encourage cycling as a mode of transportation. Tragically, drivers do not always watch bicyclists or yield to bikes properly. If you or a loved one was hurt in a cycling accident, you can rely on the services of our San Antonio bicycle accident lawyer.

At KLJ Law, PLLC, our founding attorney understands the challenges injured bicyclists face during recovery. Medical treatments can be costly, and it’s not always clear who will pay for missed time from work.

Why Choose KLJ Law, PLLC?

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you need a personal injury attorney you can rely on. Our founding attorney brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to each case. Coming from a small ranching town, we understand the value of hard work and perseverance. We also understand the importance of representing clients from all walks of life.

Our attorney is fluent in Spanish and is committed to helping clients from all walks of life. When you choose us, you’re choosing an advocate who truly understands the complexities of bicycle accident cases and the importance of protecting your rights. We will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle deaths peak during warmer months, with the highest rates of fatalities typically occurring in August. Drivers may fail to notice cyclists on the road, especially at intersections or when making turns. Some of the most common causes of bicycle fatalities include distracted driving and poor road conditions.

• Distracted driving: Texting or using a phone increases the risk of collision. Many drivers do not give cyclists enough space when passing. This can lead to dangerous situations where the cyclist is forced off the road or clipped by the vehicle.
• Doored accidents: So-called doored accidents are another frequent cause of bicycle injuries. This occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, giving them little time to react. Such incidents are especially common in urban areas with street parking.
• Poor road conditions: This could include bicycle accidents that happen because of potholes, debris, and uneven pavement. These pose significant hazards to cyclists. Cyclists can easily lose control of their bicycle when encountering these obstacles. Lack of proper bicycle lanes or clear signage for shared roads can further exacerbate the danger.
• Low visibility: Another leading cause of accidents is riding at night or during times of low visibility. Without proper lighting or reflective gear, cyclists are at high risk of being hit by a vehicle. Drivers may not see them in time. Similarly, bad weather conditions like rain or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slick, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Cyclist error: Cyclist errors include behaviors like running stop signs, riding against traffic, or making sudden lane changes without signaling. Everyone on the road shares the responsibility of following traffic laws to ensure everyone’s safety.

Any cyclist who is injured due to the negligence or misconduct of another person can seek compensation with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Under Texas law, the at-fault party can be held financially liable for any damage or physical harm they cause.

Potential Injuries Following a Bicycle Wreck

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which are potentially life-altering. One common injury following a bicycle wreck is head trauma. Head injuries can be very severe, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet. Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur. These can lead to cognitive impairment, long-term disabilities, or even death.

Road rash (serious skin abrasions and scrapes) can also occur. Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, or collarbone, are common due to the impact of the fall or collision with a vehicle or stationary object. Serious internal injuries can also happen. These damage the lungs, spleen, liver, and other internal organs. Internal damage may not be noticeable at first, so immediate medical attention is recommended.

Other Serious Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are another severe consequence of a bicycle collision. They could lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. In some cases, cyclists may suffer from dental injuries, facial fractures, or even disfigurement.

Psychological harm, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also emerge after a bicycle wreck. The mental toll can affect the rider’s confidence and willingness to get back on a bicycle. Any accident involving a bicyclist and motor vehicle should be followed up with a medical examination even when the cyclist believes they did not incur any serious injuries.

Proving Fault and Seeking Compensation Following a Bicycle Collision

One of the first steps your attorney may undertake is to establish who is at fault for causing the accident. Texas is an at-fault state when it comes to liability. This means the party who causes an accident can be held financially responsible for any damage or bodily injury.

Once your personal injury lawyer has reviewed police records, photos, and other forms of evidence, they may determine the driver was at fault because they failed to follow traffic laws or were distracted while driving. Cyclists are also required to follow road rules, and if they disobey traffic signs or engage in reckless behavior, it could impact their ability to recover compensation.

Evidence is key when it comes to proving fault. Witness statements can be a valuable form of evidence, especially when those statements align with photographs and the police report tied to the accident. Traffic cameras or nearby surveillance footage may also provide valuable insights into how the accident happened.

What You Should Do

Cyclists should also document their injuries and seek medical treatment. In some cases, an accident reconstruction professional may be called in to clarify how the collision likely occurred. Once fault is established, your bicycle injury lawyer can seek compensation for your injuries.

This may include medical bills, lost wages due to missed time from work, and property damage such as bike repairs or replacement. Compensation can also be sought for pain and suffering. This is a form of non-economic damage that results from the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.

If the driver’s actions were particularly egregious, such as driving under the influence or fleeing the scene, the cyclist may be entitled to punitive damages. Compensation can come from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your lawyer may consider filing a personal injury claim in court.

FAQs

Who Is Usually at Fault If a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

When a vehicle strikes a bicyclist, the driver of the motor vehicle is usually at fault. Vehicle drivers can become distracted and veer into the lane of a bicyclist or force the cyclist off the road, which can lead to serious injuries. Poor road conditions or inadequate signage can also contribute to accidents. Proving fault following a bicycle accident can be difficult if the cyclist does not have proper legal representation.

What Is the Injury Rate of Bicyclists in the United States?

Each year in the United States, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die, and over 130,000 are injured in road crashes. While bicycle trips account for just 1% of all travel, cyclists represent more than 2% of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. The annual costs of bicycle injuries and deaths from these crashes exceed $23 billion. This includes healthcare, lost work productivity, and the loss of quality of life.

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in Texas?

Accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means they are only paid when their clients receive a favorable settlement or jury verdict. The fee is a set percentage that both the attorney and client agree to early in a case. This is disclosed in the attorney-client agreement. Clients can benefit from not having to pay a retainer fee under this model.

How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Bicycle Accident in Texas?

The compensation you receive following a bicycle accident is dependent on the quality of your legal representation. With the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can receive fair compensation that fully covers your financial losses and future treatment costs. If your medical bills are high due to treatment costs and you have missed considerable time from work, your compensation could be considerable.

Schedule Your Bicycle Accident Consultation Today

A bicycle collision can lead to serious bodily injury and sometimes even death. If you or someone you love was harmed while riding their bicycle, the at-fault party can be held accountable when you partner with KLJ Law, PLLC. Our founding attorney can help you seek the financial compensation you rightfully deserve.

With proper legal representation, you can be fairly compensated for your financial losses or even non-economic damages like pain and suffering. We have helped many San Antonio residents receive what they are owed, and we can do the same for you. We welcome you to contact our office today to schedule a consultation.