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Houston Boating Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, contact the Houston bicycle accident lawyers at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. for help. We have extensive experience handling pedestrian and bicycle accident claims and a proven track record of fighting to obtain the maximum compensation possible for our clients.

When a bike is involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, the consequences are often devastating for the cyclist. Because of a lack of protective structure and difference in mass, cyclists are more vulnerable to severe injuries and even death in the event of a motor vehicle crash. In fact, cyclists are twice as likely as motorists to die on roadways in the United States, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS).

Bicycling has grown significantly in popularity over the past decade. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there was a 64 percent increase in the number of people using a bicycle to commute to work from 2000 to 2012. While bicycling certainly has many benefits, cyclists are at a higher risk of crash-related injury and deaths than motor vehicles occupants.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Between 2010 and 2012 there was a 16 percent increase in the number of cyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 900 cyclists were killed and there were an estimated 494,000 emergency department visits due to bicycle-related injuries inn 2013. Overall, cyclists accounted for 2 percent of all traffic deaths ad 2 percent of all crash-related injuries in 2014.

Bicycle accidents are most likely to occur in urban areas and between the hours of 6 pm and 9 pm, according to the NHTSA. The vast majority of cyclists killed in 2014 were males between the ages of 20 to 24. The most common types of bicycle collisions involving motor vehicles include the following:

  • Rear end
  • Cyclist side/car front
  • Side-impact or T-Bone
  • Head-on

Bicycle Accidents in Texas

Texas is one of the most dangerous states for cyclists. Based on federal data from 2013, California, Florida, and Texas had the highest number of cyclist fatalities. A TDSHS study of motor vehicle crashes involving cyclists from 2012 to 2013 found that 70 percent of cyclists experienced an injury or death. In 2015, there were 51 cyclists killed in Texas, which is a 2 percent increase from 2014.

There are several reasons Texas has higher injury and fatality rates than other states. First, the infrastructure in Texas is not currently designed to adequately accommodate bicycles and there is no state-wide safe passage law, which sets the minimum clearance distance when passing cyclists. In addition, there is no law requiring cyclists to wear a helmet, which can greatly reduce the risk of death and severity of injury in the event of a crash.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities as motorists. Most bicycle accidents are preventable if motorists and cyclists obey traffic laws, drive defensively, and share the road responsibly.

Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:

  • Riding or driving under the influence of alcohol – alcohol involvement, either on the part of the cyclist or motorist, was a factor in 34 percent of all fatal cyclist crashes in 2013
  • Failure to yield by driver or cyclist
  • Distracted riding or driving
  • Stop sign or traffic signal violations
  • Turning or merging into a cyclist/driver’s path because the cyclist/driver failed to adequately survey their surroundings
  • Car door opened in the pathway of cyclist

Skilled Representation For Your Bicycle Accident Claim

At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., our talented team of Houston personal injury lawyers have more than four decades of experience handling virtually every type of car accident case, including bicycle accidents. We can help you understand your legal options, explain the compensation you may be entitled to, and pursue a personal injury claim on your behalf while you focus on recovery. In the past, we have helped countless motorcycle accident victims recover compensation for past and future:

  • Medical costs
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Physical limitations
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical pain
  • Mental anguish

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents

What can I do to avoid a bicycle accident?

Because you cannot always rely on motorists to have a cyclist’s best interests in mind, there are steps you can take to protect yourself when you head out for a bike ride, including:

  • Wearing a fitted helmet.
  • Ensuring you are visible at all times, day or night, using light clothing, reflectors, and lights.
  • Opting to ride on roadways and routes that are less crowded.
  • Always, always maintaining control of your bicycle.
What types of injuries typically result from bicycle accidents?

There are many different types of injuries that can happen as a result of bike accidents. Keep in mind that the severity of the injury doesn’t always match the severity of the crash. Sometimes a fall at a slow speed, for instance, can still cause serious injuries.

With bicycle accidents, you will most commonly find victims suffer the following injuries:

What should I do if I was hit by a motorist while riding my bike?

As we just discussed, serious injuries can result from a bicycle accident. It is important that you seek medical attention immediately – even if you think you are unhurt. Certain injuries may not be felt right away, but still require treatment.

Local law enforcement needs to be made aware of the accident, as well. Having a report written up will allow you to move forward with getting compensated for your injuries. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, as well as any damage – including damage to your bike and the vehicle that hit you and your own physical injuries. And, don’t forget to get the contact information of the other party and any witnesses.

When you have a moment to breathe after the accident and once you are medically stable, call The Krist Law Firm at (281) 326-9197.

How much of a settlement can I expect from my bicycle accident?

Settlements will always vary based on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the injuries, and the overall damages. Once an attorney reviews your case, you should be able to get a clearer picture of what you may expect to receive in your bicycle accident case.

Talk to a Houston Bike Accident Lawyer Today

To find out how we can put our extensive knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you, call The Krist Law Firm, P.C. today at 281-283-8500 to receive a free, no-risk consultation with an experienced Houston bike accident lawyer today.