Bicycling is enjoyable but carries risks, some of which the rider cannot control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated the greatest risk of injury when biking involved head trauma from collisions with vehicles.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one as a result of a bicycle collision with a motor vehicle, a bicycle accident lawyer serving Conroe can help you pursue recovery from the negligent driver. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to speak with us about your case.
Bicycle Laws and Regulations
Except in instances in which a right or duty does not apply to riding a bicycle, the Texas Transportation Code states that bicyclist are subject to the same rights and rules as motorists. This means that while bicyclists have an obligation to abide by the rules of the road and pay attention to their surroundings, drivers have the same responsibility to treat bicyclists like other vehicles on the road.
When they fail to do so, serious accidents can occur, and the injured bicyclist can hold them accountable for their unlawful acts. A bicycle accident lawyer serving Conroe can help you pursue financial compensation for your losses.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the negligent behaviors of motorists plays a significant role in this statistic, with the majority of cyclist fatalities occurring due to a vehicle collision. The causes vary based on location and circumstances, but a few contributing factors top the list.
Failure to Yield
Some bike accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to bicyclists, particularly when crossing at intersections and when pulling into traffic between two blocks. The driver may fail to see the bicyclist or erroneously assume they have the right of way. Driver education regarding the rights of bicyclists could help decrease the number of accidents caused by the driver’s failure to yield. In the meantime, drivers can prevent accidents by giving the bicyclist the right of way when in doubt.
Making Turns
Drivers often cause bicycle accidents when turning. While they may remain aware of the other vehicles in traffic, the inconspicuous nature of bicycles makes oversight easy. However, drivers have a responsibility to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists at all times, including while making turns. Collisions commonly occur when a driver turns left into the path of an oncoming cyclist or passes a cyclist and then turns right in front of them.
Negligent Driving
With so many devices and features to distract drivers, the increased risk of traffic collisions makes bicycling particularly dangerous. Other driver behaviors that contributes to bicycle accidents include speeding and impaired driving, which can cause distraction, slower reaction times, and increased braking time.
The NHTSA report concluded that 82% of fatal cycling accidents occur when the front of a vehicle strikes the bicycle. If you lost a loved one as a result of a driver’s negligent or unlawful actions, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ can help you determine if you have a case. Contact us today at (713) 850-8600 for your case evaluation.
You May Qualify for Financial Compensation
Bicycle accidents often leave victims and their families struggling on a long-term basis. If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you may experience chronic health concerns, mounting bills, and an inability to work. For those who lost loved ones, the lack of financial and emotional support can take a serious toll on your quality of life.
A bicycle accident lawyer serving Conroe can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries and losses. They may include:
- Emergency medical bills and related healthcare and rehabilitation expenses.
- Wages lost due to an inability to perform at work, as well as future income.
- Pain and suffering or mental anguish caused by your injuries or loss.
- Funeral and burial expenses for the loved one you lost in the accident.
- Loss of consortium, also known as loss of companionship, for the sudden and wrongful death of your spouse or other loved one.
Awards vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
An Attorney Can Help You Build Your Case
If the idea of pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death case on your own feels intimidating, an attorney can help ease your burden by managing the difficult aspects of the case on your behalf.
After gathering information from you about your specific circumstances, they can investigate the claim and seek the documentation and evidence necessary to prove the driver’s liability in the case. Then, they can strategize an approach based on your goals to seek the financial awards you deserve and represent you in court.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Today
Our lawyers and legal professionals understand that no amount of financial damages can replace your loved one or take away the pain of your injuries, but legal action can provide justice and recovery for losses. You have a right to seek legal counsel if you decide to take legal action.
We stand for victims’ rights, and we believe in holding irresponsible drivers accountable for the harm they cause. If you suffered injuries or the wrongful death of a spouse or family member in a bicycle accident, our attorneys can help you fight for your case. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ at (713) 850-8600 to get started.