Dallas Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bike Accident Law Firm in Dallas

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) rightly touts its Dallas District Bicycle Program as an inexpensive and efficient form of transportation. Dallas has some of the best bicycle trails in Texas. Each day many people ride their bicycles to and from work, for exercise around White Rock Lake, or numerous trails in and around Dallas.

While we would like to think of Dallas being bicycle-friendly, not all drivers act responsibly or respect the rights of bicyclists in Dallas and throughout Texas. As a result, we see large numbers of bicycle accidents resulting from negligent drivers who fail to obey the rules of the road, and when you’re injured in an accident like this it is imperative to contact a personal injury lawyer with a proven record in court.

Each year, the grim reality is that over 1,230 bicyclists have lost their lives in car crashes, while an alarming 299,944 have endured injuries due to bicycling accidents. These devastating incidents incur a staggering cost of over $10 billion in lifetime medical expenses and productivity losses.

Tragically, despite their pain and suffering, many victims are denied the just compensation they rightfully deserve due to motorists’ negligence in ensuring cyclists’ safety. These vulnerable road users merit unwavering legal advocacy to secure the fair recompense they need to reclaim their previous quality of life.

Every driver must take all precautions and obey the rules of the roads when sharing our streets and highways with bicyclists. Even in areas that do not have dedicated bike lanes or paths, bicyclists have a right to ride on the road and have the right-of-way just as a car would. Many drivers, however, are reckless and fail to yield to bicyclists.

We see many accidents when a car makes a right turn and fails to yield to a bicyclist traveling in the bike lane or on the road. Injuries may also occur when drivers negligently park vehicles in the bike paths or swerve into the bike lanes.

Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable when sharing the road with larger, faster-moving cars. Even with properly functioning safety equipment and helmets, a bicyclist stands no chance when a car turns into his or her path or runs the bicyclist off the road.

Hit by a Car While Biking in Dallas? Brace Yourself!

Car versus bike accidents never end well. Prepare for a mountain of injuries and bills from such clashes. Your greatest foe is not your ailments but the other party’s insurance company.

These adjusters, employed by bigwig insurers, have no qualms about shrugging off your injuries or long-term medical needs. They will go to any lengths to shield their client’s policies, even in cases of catastrophic injuries.

But not when we’re on your side! We’re committed to holding insurance companies accountable for the recklessness of their clients.

If their client caused your biking injuries, they’ll try to palm you off with a quick buck or drag the case out to avoid paying what you deserve.

Even a relatively minor collision between a car and a bike can create traumatic and devastating injuries for the cyclist, including road burn, fractures, and head injuries. In the severest cases, the bicyclist can be killed if run over or hit at a high speed.

Get our Dallas bicycle accident attorneys to pursue the rightful compensation you deserve. It’s the only way to avoid being saddled with medical debt and the lingering pain of negligence.

Types of Bicycle Accidents: What Texas Cyclists Need to Know

Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries and financial burdens for cyclists, particularly in bustling urban areas like Dallas, Texas. Understanding the types of bicycle accidents and the laws that govern them is crucial for ensuring safety and seeking justice after an incident. This guide highlights common accidents, Texas-specific legal considerations, and safety tips to protect cyclists on Dallas streets.

Vehicle Collisions Involving Bicycles

In Texas cities like Dallas, collisions with motor vehicles are among the leading causes of bicycle accidents. These can include:

• Left Hook Accidents: When a vehicle turning left cuts across the path of a cyclist.
• Right Hook Accidents: When a vehicle turns right into the cyclist’s path, often at intersections.
• Rear-End Bicycle Accidents: These occur when drivers fail to maintain a safe distance behind a cyclist.

Texas Transportation Code § 545.053 requires drivers to maintain a safe passing distance of at least three feet for standard vehicles and six feet for commercial trucks.

Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents

Hit-and-run cases are particularly devastating for cyclists. In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense under Texas Penal Code § 550.021. Cyclists involved in hit-and-run accidents in Dallas can rely on law enforcement and attorneys to identify the perpetrator using traffic camera footage and witness statements.

Commercial Vehicle and Delivery Truck Collisions

With the increase in delivery vehicles in Dallas, accidents involving commercial trucks and vans have risen. These large vehicles pose significant risks due to their size and limited visibility. Cyclists injured in these accidents may file claims against the driver, their employer, or both under Texas vicarious liability laws.

Bicycle Accidents in Shared and Recreational Spaces

Crosswalk and Shared Pathway Collisions

Cyclists in Dallas often share paths with pedestrians, leading to accidents. Texas law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (Texas Transportation Code § 551.101).

Trail Congestion and Park Accidents

Dallas is home to popular cycling trails such as the Katy Trail and White Rock Lake Trail. Congestion in these areas increases the risk of accidents. Cyclists must follow posted speed limits and exercise caution to prevent collisions.

Single-Bicycle Accidents: Common Causes

Road Defects and Potholes

Dallas cyclists frequently encounter potholes and poorly maintained roads. Under Texas premises liability laws, local governments may be held liable for injuries caused by hazardous road conditions if they failed to address known defects.

Weather-Related Incidents

Unpredictable Texas weather, including sudden rainstorms, can make roads slick and hazardous for cyclists.

Mechanical Failures

Common issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, and chain breaks can cause single-bicycle crashes. Regular bike maintenance is essential to reduce these risks.

E-Bike Accidents: A Growing Concern

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in Dallas, but they come with unique risks:

• High-Speed Collisions: E-bikes can travel at higher speeds than traditional bicycles, increasing the severity of accidents.
• Battery Malfunctions: Issues like battery fires can result in serious injuries.

Texas law requires e-bikes to adhere to specific speed limits (no more than 28 mph) and restricts their use on certain trails.

Accidents Involving Child Cyclists

Children are among the most vulnerable road users in Texas. Common accident scenarios include:

• School Zone Accidents: Cyclists under 14 often face dangers near schools due to distracted drivers. Dallas school zones are marked with reduced speed limits to enhance safety.
• Park Incidents: Recreational areas like Klyde Warren Park present risks from mixed-use traffic.

Parents can seek damages on behalf of their children under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.001.

Legal Considerations for Dallas Cyclists

Liability in Bicycle Accidents

Texas follows a comparative negligence system, which means a cyclist can recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. This is critical in shared-path or intersection accidents where liability may be disputed.

Hit-and-Run Investigations

Dallas police often use advanced technologies like traffic cameras to identify hit-and-run drivers. Victims can also pursue compensation through their uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the at-fault driver is not found.

Filing Deadlines

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. Prompt legal action is crucial to preserve evidence and build a strong case.

Causes of Accidents with Bicycles

It is a well-known fact that cyclists are at an increased risk of accidents in comparison to motorists. Unfortunately, these types of incidents are all too common as drivers still fail to recognize and share the road with bicycles. According to Bicycling Magazine, the most common ways that drivers cause accidents with bicyclists involve a negligent disregard for the safety of cyclists on the roads. Let’s take a closer look at the most frequent causes of bicycle-related accidents.

Failure to See a Cyclist

One of the most common causes of bicycle-related accidents involves a driver failing to see a cyclist and then making a left-hand turn. This is particularly common since cyclists can be difficult to spot, especially during hours of low visibility like sunrise or sunset. Drivers should always check both their mirrors and blind spots before making any turns to ensure that no bicycles will be affected by their actions.

Striking from Behind

Another frequent cause of bicycle-related accidents involves motorists striking cyclists from behind. This often occurs when a motorist fails to stop in time and can result in serious injuries or even death depending on the speed at which they are traveling. Motorists should always leave plenty of space between themselves and cyclists when passing and drive slowly enough to ensure they can easily stop in case of an emergency.

Failing to Yield Right-of-Way

This problem is particularly prevalent because many drivers still ignore laws requiring them to yield the right-of-way to cyclists in certain situations. For example, when turning onto a road or making a lane change, drivers must first yield the right-of-way to any cyclists in close vicinity. Neglecting this can have dangerous consequences by forcing cyclists off the road and into harm’s way.

Passing then Turning

This type of accident occurs when a motorist passes a bicycle on the left and then turns right into its path. This usually happens because drivers either misjudge the distance between themselves and the bike or simply do not expect it to still be there after passing it. To avoid such scenarios, drivers should always double-check their rearview mirror for any approaching bikes before making any sudden turns.

Doorings

Finally, doorings represent another common form of bicycle-related accident and occurs when a cyclist riding next to parked cars collides with a door opened by a motorist. This problem is fairly unique to cyclists as they are much more likely to ride alongside parked cars than regular vehicles, increasing their chances of getting doored in the process. All drivers should always check their side mirrors carefully before opening their doors to avoid such incidents altogether.

Contact Our Dallas Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, Genthe Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced team understands the complexities of bicycle accident cases, from vehicle collisions to road defect claims. We are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve, whether it’s medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Don’t face the legal process alone. Contact Genthe Law Firm today for a free consultation. Call us at (214) 957-0898 or fill out our Contact Form to discuss your case. With Genthe Law Firm, you’ll have a trusted advocate by your side every step of the way.

Dallas Bicycle Accident Resources