Bike Accidents

Austin Bike Accident Lawyers

National rankings consistently place Austin near the top of most lists of bicycle-friendly cities. Researchers constantly praise Austin for taking measures to encourage bikers that include adding more bike lanes. However, the city had and has a long way to go to protect cyclists, and it is starting from a lower safety baseline.

In addition, the temperate weather draws bicyclists out almost year-round. However, reports from the ground tell a different story. Dangerous Austin drivers still pose major risks for bikers. These drivers are among the worst in Texas in many statistical measures. In one study, Austin drivers ranked 160th out of 200 in terms of safety, which is bad news for bicyclists and everyone else on the road. 

If a driver hits you while cycling, you should speak with Austin bike accident attorneys as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Austin Bicycle Accidents

Here are some common ways that Austin drivers will cause bicycle accidents:

  • Parking alongside bike lanes and opening their car door into a passing bicyclist
  • Making an illegal turn that cuts across a bike lane or hits a biker
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist who has it
  • Not paying attention while they are driving because they are texting or doing something else that distracts them
  • Driving aggressively or recklessly

Why Bicycle Accident Injuries Are Serious

A very high percentage of bicyclists will be injured in crashes with cars. While wearing a helmet can provide some protection, bicyclists are exposed with little else to cushion them from the impact of the car or the road. Over a six-year span, more than 60% of bicyclists reported injuries after crashes with cars, and the others may have suffered more minor injuries. Roughly one in every 45 bicyclists died in crashes with cars. Bicycle accident injuries can include:

On the whole, bike accident injuries tend to be more serious than those suffered in the average car accident. The lack of physical protection for bikers makes these accidents every bit as dangerous as motorcycle accidents. As a result, settlements for these cases tend to be higher when the driver is at fault for the crash. This will also get the insurance company into action, trying to protect their own bottom line from accident liability. 

Insurance Companies Will Try to Keep You from Recovering for Your Injuries

There are a number of tried-and-true insurance company tactics meant to keep you from recovering in a bicycle accident, the first centers on liability. Since you must prove negligence in a bicycle accident, the insurance company may deny that their driver was at fault. They may also try to blame you for the accident, which could theoretically keep you from recovering. 

When it comes to negotiating a settlement, the insurance company does everything that it can to drag out settlement negotiations to tire you out and get you to take less. When it is not doing that, it is trying to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement offer that does not fairly pay you. 

What You Can Expect from a Bicycle Accident Settlement

Your bike accident settlement should include the following:

  • Lost wages for the time missed from work or the future reduction in earning capacity
  • Past and future medical bills from the accident, including surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
  • Past and future pain and suffering, including payment for physical and emotional pain
  • Emotional distress 
  • Wrongful death damages if your loved one was killed in the accident

After a bicycle accident, one of your first phone calls should be to a lawyer to protect your legal rights. The driver’s insurance company is not about to do you any favors, and they may start trying to pressure you when you are injured. A lawyer will handle the details of the insurance claim. They may file a lawsuit on your behalf if it is necessary. Either way, you can have the confidence that comes from knowing that you have an experienced advocate in your corner.

Learn More from Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyers

The Martinez Law Firm has a track record of successfully fighting for our clients when they have been injured in accidents. Insurance companies take notice of us because we have earned a reputation from years of aggressively fighting for our clients. Let us put our experience to work for you as you seek to get the money that you deserve after your bike accident. Call us today at (512) 444-0025 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. 

Austin Personal Injury Lawyer
Need Help? Get in touch with us
Millions Recovered For Our Clients
Request Free Consultation
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced lawyer today by filling out the form below, or call us at 512-444-0025
CAPTCHA image

This helps us prevent spam, thank you.

All Rights Reserved | The Martinez Law Firm, PLLC 2024