Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle accidents present unique challenges that require specialized legal expertise. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable on Dallas roads, facing serious injuries even in minor collisions due to the lack of protection against vehicles weighing thousands of pounds more. Whether you ride a traditional bicycle or a motorized bicycle, you face the same dangers from negligent drivers. One false move can lead to serious, sometimes even fatal, injuries.

Insurance companies often exploit this vulnerability by:

• Attempting to shift blame to the cyclist for "not being visible enough"
• Downplaying the severity of injuries that may not be immediately apparent
• Using complex traffic laws to minimize their liability
• Offering quick, inadequate settlements before the full extent of injuries is known

These tactics require attorneys who understand both the medical complexities of bicycle injuries and the legal strategies insurance companies use to avoid fair compensation. Our experience handling challenging cases against powerful opponents—combined with our team's insider knowledge from the insurance defense side—positions us to anticipate and counter these tactics effectively.

Who Is At Fault in a Bicycle Accident?

As an at-fault state, Texas requires drivers to purchase insurance under the fault system. After an accident, the victim may file a claim through the at-fault driver's insurance. The insurance company is then responsible for determining liability and coverage based on who was responsible for the accident.

If a motorist hits a bicyclist, the bicyclist can file a claim against the at-fault driver to cover damages. Insurance companies will often try to obtain the victim's recorded statement immediately after the claim is filed. These interviews can serve as crucial evidence in determining the validity of the bicyclist's claim. Because insurers have a reputation for shortchanging victims to maximize profits and evade fair payouts, it's crucial to seek legal counsel before giving a statement.

In a bike injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the motorist's actions directly caused their injuries. While insurers play a role in assessing fault, our Dallas bike accident lawyers can assist with meticulously proving liability and negotiate effectively on your behalf. We are prepared to take a firm stance against lowball settlement offers and even pursue bad faith insurance litigation if necessary, ensuring insurers don't take advantage of you, especially if they try to blame you for your injuries.

Understanding Texas Bicycle Laws

Understanding your rights as a bicyclist is paramount to staying safe and holding negligent parties accountable for illegal violations, especially when they lead to serious injuries. However, it’s important to understand that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law, meaning that cyclists are required to follow the same traffic rules and regulations as motor vehicle drivers.

In Dallas, bikers are required to obey various bicycle laws to stay safe on the road (Texas Transportation Code § 551). These include:

• Obeying traffic regulations: Bicyclists carry the same responsibilities as other motorists, including stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, displaying proper illumination, and riding with the designated flow of traffic.
• Helmet requirements: While adult bicyclists aren’t required to wear a helmet, helmets are mandatory for riders under the age of 18. However, this rule also applies when an adult cyclist allows a minor to operate a bicycle or transports a minor without a helmet using a sidecar, trailer, child carrier, or other device attached to the adult's bicycle (Dallas City Code § 9-8).
• Avoiding sidewalks: While bicyclists are permitted to use the sidewalks in the Central Business District, bicycling on sidewalks is restricted in most areas of the city (Dallas City Code § 9-1). Keep in mind that bicyclists are still required to yield to pedestrians, announce their presence from behind, obey traffic signs and signals, and travel at safe speeds while using sidewalks.
• Using hand signals: Similar to motor vehicle drivers using blinkers, bicyclists are required to use hand signals to indicate stops and directional changes. The only exception applies to bicycles equipped with electrical signals.
• Using designated bike lanes: When available, bikers are required to use designated bike lanes. Bicyclists using the main road are permitted to ride two abreast in a single lane, so long as they are not riding in parallel with cars.
• Use lights for nighttime bicycling: State law requires bicyclists to have a white light on the front of their bike and a red reflector on the back while riding at night.

While these rules may seem intimidating, our skilled litigators are well-versed in the legal intricacies of state and city ordinances, drawing on diverse expertise to help you pursue justice after a bicycle accident.

Motorized Bicycles: Technology and Risk

Bicycling is a classic form of transportation that keeps our environment clean, encourages us to go outdoors, and promotes cardiovascular exercise. With the advent of technology, bicycles have evolved to include motors for partial or full assistance with pedaling. Bicycles, traditionally a casual form of transportation limited by mileage and energy, can now be a main method for daily travel.

While technology has allowed for the advancement of bicycles, the insertion of a motor has unfortunately led to increased risk of injury for cyclists. Motorized cyclists face an increased length of travel while still facing the same dangers. Motorized bicycles can be a technology for the future, but only if cyclists are protected from serious injury. The laws surrounding motorized bicycles continue to develop, and our lawyers are committed to ensuring justice prevails for vulnerable victims.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

Bike accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, especially in the busy streets of Dallas. The laws afford cyclists the same protections as other vehicle operators. Cars must afford the right-of-way and yield to cyclists to keep the roads safe. Unfortunately, a motorist creates a high level of risk when acting in a negligent manner.

Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Illegal maneuvering or lane changes
• Rear-end accidents
• Distracted or careless driving (including cell phone use)
• Drunk driving
• Improper turns
• Opening the door of a parked car
• Careless driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield right-of-way

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accident injuries can be especially severe due to the lack of bodily protection from large vehicles, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries. Even cyclists wearing helmets are no match for thousand-pound vehicles.

Common bicyclist injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Bone fractures and broken bones
• Road rash and abrasions
• Soft tissue injuries affecting muscles, tendons, or ligaments
• Catastrophic injuries

What Damages Are Recoverable in Bicycle Accident Claims?

Both economic and non-economic damages are recoverable in a Texas bicycle accident claim.

Economic damages include direct financial losses, such as:

• Medical costs and expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage to your bicycle

Non-economic damages cover indirect losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Partnering with a trusted lawyer is a nonnegotiable step to accurately calculate damages and recover a fair settlement in your case.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Sustaining an unexpected injury can be overwhelming and disorienting for bicyclists. Knowing what steps to take is essential to recover financial relief for medical care and other expenses.

After a bike accident in Dallas, what you do next can impact the success of your claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor.
2. Document the scene and your injuries with photos and notes.
3. Call the police and ensure a report is filed.
4. Collect driver and witness information.
5. Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters until you speak to your lawyer.
6. Contact MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.

Process for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Texas

After a traumatic event, the last thing anyone would want to do is think about how to protect themselves. The reality, though, is that after an accident, a series of events occur that could ultimately determine the fate of your case. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the entire claims process, from initial filing through negotiation and, if necessary, trial.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in TX?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims is two years from the date of injury. Missing this deadline can bar your right to compensation, so contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin your claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bicycle Accident Claim in Dallas?

Unexpected accidents can lead to severe injuries and stress for bicyclists, including financial hardships. It’s understandable to feel concerned about accruing medical bills and other treatment costs during your recovery, especially in the face of lost wages or loss of earning capacity. While it may be tempting to save money by forgoing legal representation, waiving your right to legal counsel can significantly decrease the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

A proper lawyer can help protect you and make sure your chance for compensation for your injuries is not jeopardized. At MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have many years of experience handling personal injury claims and a proven track record of securing significant recoveries for our clients. Our Dallas bicycle accident lawyers can help you meticulously gather evidence, fearlessly negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum financial recovery for your injuries.

Pay Nothing Until We Achieve a Fair Settlement

Since 2012, our firm has been dedicated to securing justice for the wrongfully injured. With tens of millions recovered across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including recognition in the 2024 Top 100 Verdicts in Texas, our award-winning trial attorneys are ready to fight for you.

We prepare every case for trial, not quick settlement, ensuring your case gets the attention and strategy it deserves. You pay no upfront fees—we only get paid when we win your case.

Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact our award-winning Dallas bicycle accident attorneys for a free consultation - we've recovered millions for cyclists just like you, and we're ready to fight for maximum compensation in your case.