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. 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.

Process for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Texas

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. Here are some important steps to take after a bike accident in Dallas:

1. Seek medical treatment
2. Document the scene
3. Contact the police
4. Exchange information
5. Gather witness statements
6. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer

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

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident claim is two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a claim within two years, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. It’s important to consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed correctly and on time.

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 expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover indirect losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and 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.

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.

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.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

Bike accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, especially in the busy streets of Dallas. Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Illegal maneuvering or lane changes
• Rear-end accidents
• Distracted or careless driving
• Drunk driving
• Improper turns
• Opening the door of a parked car
• Careless driving

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. Common bicyclist injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Road rash and abrasions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Soft tissue injuries affecting muscles, tendons, or ligaments

Pay Nothing Until We Achieve a Fair Settlement

Since 2012, our firm has been dedicated to securing justice and financial relief for the wrongfully injured. With a proven track record of results and tens of millions recovered for clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including our recent recognition on the "2024 Top 100 Verdicts in Texas," our award-winning trial attorneys never shy away from a fight.

Our litigators prepare every case for trial if that's what it takes to achieve the maximum compensation you deserve, giving you peace of mind that your rights are protected and allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we only get paid if you do, removing financial risk and aligning our success directly with yours.

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.