When people think of vehicle accidents, they generally think of car accidents. However, bicycle accidents can also be considered vehicle accidents, and they are seen far less often then vehicle-on-vehicle collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)tracks bicycle accidents along with car accidents across the country to identify trends and provide safety information. What the research shows is that bicycle accidents end far worse for the person on the bike than the person in a vehicle.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you have legal rights just like you would if you were in a car. Consult a bicycle accident lawyer serving Midland to discuss your legal options. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC at (713) 850-8600 to speak to our legal team about your case.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
There are many types of bicycle accidents that can happen. This is because bicycles share the roadway with other vehicles, but are much smaller and harder to see than other vehicles. Without proper care and adhering to the rules of the road, bikers can get into serious accidents. Some of the possible types of bicycle accidents include:
- Car door accidents: Car door accidents happen when a parked car opens a door and impacts a bike.
- Sideswipes: Sideswipes happen when a bike slides along the side of another vehicle, usually a parked car.
- Car-on-bicycle collisions: Many of the most serious accidents include cars colliding with bikes. Bikes have virtually no safety features to protect the rider, making these accidents severe in most cases.
- Intersection crossing accidents: When crossing intersections, bikes must follow the same rules as everyone else. There is a chance that the bike could be hit by a car if the rules are not followed.
- Bike-on-bike collisions: Since bikes generally share a side of the road, they pass in close proximity to each other. This raises the chances of two bikes colliding with each other.
- Turn accidents: Many bike and car accidents happen when a car turns in front of a bike. The bike usually hits the car, leading to serious injuries for the rider.
There are many types of bicycle accidents that are not covered on this list. Being in a bike accident can be disorienting. If you are in an accident, seek medical attention for everyone involved. This will ensure that everyone’s injuries are taken care of.
When to Seek Legal Action
Choosing to seek legal action is a big decision for most people. It can be stressful and overwhelming. However, there are cases where legal action is the best option. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, then you will likely have medical and other expenses. Unless you have plenty of money saved up, these expenses could severely hurt your finances. In these cases, seeking legal action can help you receive financial recovery, which will help with the financial burdens of recovering from your accident.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injuries in Texas
One thing to consider when thinking about legal action is that there is a statute of limitations on filing your claims. It is a two-year time period that starts the day of the accident and limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you think that you will take legal action, consult a lawyer as soon as possible. This gives the lawyer more time to review the case, investigate, and file the lawsuit within the time frame.
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can cause a range of injury types. The injuries received depend on the specifics of the accident. Some of these potential injuries include:
- Bruises: Bruises are common after bike accidents. They can happen from the collision or from falling off of the bike afterward.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are more common at high-speed accidents involving other objects or other vehicles.
- Road rash: Road rash is a friction burn and lacerations received from sliding over the pavement. This can happen after a collision.
- Crush syndrome: Crush syndrome can happen when a bike rider is trapped under a heavy object, like a car. This can happen after a collision and requires extensive medical treatment to resolve.
- Brain injuries: Brain injuries are common since bikes lack safety systems to reduce the damage caused by an impact.
- Unconsciousness: Head injuries can leave riders unconscious.
- Concussions: Concussions are brain injuries that cause systemic damage without causing unconsciousness. Multiple concussions around the same time can be fatal.
There are many other types of injuries not covered on this list. If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident, consult a lawyer to see what legal steps you can take to recover damages. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ at (713) 850-8600 to speak to our legal team about your case.
The Severity of Your Injuries
The injuries caused in a bicycle accident tend to be more severe. This is because bikes do not have safety features to mitigate impacts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collects information on bicycle accidents, and there are many accidents each year. There is a significant chance of death in a bicycle accident as well. Proper protective equipment and following the rules of the road can have a major impact on the severity of injuries in an accident.
Understanding Your Rights
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, then you have the same legal rights as if you were in a car. A bicycle is also considered to be a vehicle and is bound by the same laws and privileges as other vehicles. You may have the right to seek damages from the driver that is responsible for the accident. Before making any decisions, consult a lawyer to see what your options are.
Discuss Your Potential Case with Our Legal Team
If you or a loved one is injured in a bike accident, consult a bicycle accident lawyer serving Midland to see if you have a case to seek damages. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ at (713) 850-8600 to speak to our legal team about the specifics of your accident.
