San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you were hit by a vehicle while cycling in San Antonio, you are likely facing excruciating injuries and mounting stress. Crashes between bicycles and motor vehicles have been on the rise not only in Texas but across the country. Bicycles have a much lower profile on the road, which makes them susceptible to serious road accidents.
Alpha Accident Lawyers is a top-rated Texas personal injury law firm representing motor vehicle crash victims. If you were on your bike when the accident happened, you may have options for financial recovery from the driver. Call our San Antonio bicycle accident lawyer today to find out more and schedule a free consultation.
Alpha Accident Lawyers Can Help
With a 99% success rate and millions recovered for clients, the bicycle accident lawyers at Alpha Accident Lawyers can help you recover financial compensation for your medical treatment relating to your injuries, damage to your bike, and lost income if you missed work because of the incident.
We take a personal, dedicated approach to every case and treat our clients like family. When you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, you need answers fast. We will investigate your case immediately to determine liability and calculate your losses.
Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not collect any upfront legal fees unless and until we win. We also offer a completely free consultation to understand the details of your case.
Texas Bicycle Laws: What to Know
Bicyclists in Texas must adhere to most of the same rules and regulations as vehicle drivers since they are treated the same. Here are some important laws to know:
- Respect traffic signals and signs.
- Maintain at least one hand on the handlebar when riding.
- Ride as close to the right curb as possible when moving slower than traffic.
- Bicyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns.
- Bicyclists may ride side by side as long as it doesn’t interfere with traffic.
- E-bike riders must be at least 16 years old and are limited to a maximum speed of 20mph.
In addition to statewide laws, these are San Antonio-specific ordinances all bicyclists must follow:
- Bike Lights: All bicycles must have a front white light and a rear red reflector or light.
- Passing: When passing a bicyclist, a vehicle must maintain 3 feet of space between the car and the bicycle. Commercial or large trucks must maintain at least 6 feet of space.
- Sidewalks: Bicycles are not permitted to ride on sidewalks in San Antonio.
Those who violate state law or city ordinances may face fines of up to $200 or more.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
While San Antonio has improved its bike safety in recent years, the city still has a long way to go. In 2021, there were 294 bicycle accidents, resulting in five bicycle fatalities, ten serious injuries, and 159 possible injuries. The most accidents occurred in the fall and spring, while the most crashes happened on Tuesdays and Fridays.
San Antonio bicycle accidents happen most frequently at intersections (60%). These are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:
Failure to Yield
According to the NHTSA, failing to yield the right of way is the leading cause of fatal bicycle accidents in the U.S. The city of San Antonio is no different, with a quarter of all intersection crashes happening because someone fails to yield. Fault can lie on the driver if they did not stop or check for oncoming cyclists. Cyclists can also be at fault if they dart into traffic without looking for oncoming traffic.
Distracted Driving or Bicycling
Distractions are extremely dangerous, whether on the driver’s or cyclist’s side. While texting and driving is illegal in Texas, many accidents still happen because motor vehicle drivers engage in this dangerous behavior. Even a few seconds of inattention can cause a serious rear-end accident.
Bicyclists can also be distracted, which can cause them to collide with a parked or moving vehicle. Therefore, cyclists must always be aware of their surroundings and ride defensively.
Poor Visibility
Bicycles have a much lower profile on the road, which makes spotting them difficult in certain situations. Bike accidents often occur because the driver does not see the cyclist. This is especially true at night, which is why all bikes must be equipped with front and rear lights.
Low visibility can result in right-turn collisions when a driver turns right and collides with a cyclist. Left-turn collisions, also known as left-hook collisions, are another common cause of San Antonio bicycle accidents.
Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
Drivers or cyclists who run red lights or stop signs put themselves in clear danger. Not following traffic laws is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents, including those with bicycles.
If a vehicle driver runs a red light, they may hit a cyclist who has the right-of-way, leaving them with severe injuries. Cyclists are required to stop at red lights and stop signs. Maintaining a safe speed is also crucial in lowering the severity of a crash.
Dooring
Dooring occurs when a driver opens a car door without looking for oncoming bicyclists. This can result in a cyclist hitting the open door and being propelled off their bike. Texas has a specific law prohibiting anyone from opening the door of a motor vehicle unless it is done in a safe manner and does not impede traffic.
When parked next to a bike lane, drivers and passengers must always check before opening their doors. Cyclists are advised to ride a safe distance of three feet away from parked cars.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is defined as driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI/DWI). It is an extremely serious charge that can result in steep fines and jail time. Impaired driving accidents with bicyclists frequently end tragically, with the cyclist succumbing to their serious injuries.
Keep in mind that riding a bike while intoxicated can also lead to a DWI charge.
Dangerous Intersections in San Antonio
The following intersections in San Antonio have been identified as accident hotspots:
- Losoya St. and Houston St.
- Alamo St. and Market St.
- Jackson St. and Evergreen St.
- Alamo St. and 8th St.
- Navarro St. and Commerce St.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you sustained injuries as a cyclist, obtaining fair compensation can be a long, drawn-out struggle with the insurance company. They will try to minimize your payout or place liability on you. An experienced bicycle accident attorney in San Antonio can protect you from their tactics to ensure you receive money for your medical bills and other losses.
The last thing you need to worry about is dealing with calls from the insurance company day and night. Our robust legal team will take care of everything so you can focus on regaining your strength. We have a wealth of experience handling bicycle accident claims and helping bicycle accident victims recover from their injuries in Bexar County.
When you hire our lawyers, we will immediately gather evidence and investigate your accident. We will then draft a demand letter to be sent to the other party’s insurance company outlining the victim’s losses. Finally, our lawyer can take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Compensation in Bicycle Accident Cases
Depending on whether you were injured in the bike accident, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation to make yourself “whole” again. The value of your bike accident case will depend on the severity of your injuries, the effects of the injuries on your life, your expenses, and the liability of both parties.
Typically, bicycle accident victims may be able to recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic (special) damages cover the victim’s actual financial losses, while non-economic (general) damages compensate a victim for intangible losses.
Your San Antonio bicycle accident claim may include the following:
- Medical expenses: emergency room and ambulance costs, medical treatment, surgery, etc.
- Future medical expenses, including physical therapy
- Lost wages and job benefits
- Future loss of earning
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including PTSD and anxiety
- Permanent disability
- Diminished quality of life
- Property damage for your bike and other personal items damaged in the accident
- Wrongful death damages if the accident results in a death
The Statute of Limitations in Texas
In order to recover compensation in a bicycle accident lawsuit, you must file a claim within two years of your accident. If your accident was more than two years ago, you will unlikely be able to recover damages. Contacting a San Antonio bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible will help preserve your right to monetary benefits.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
When a bike rider is hit by a car, whether in a T-bone accident, sideswipe collision, or rear-end collision, injuries can be catastrophic. The impact of a crash can leave a cyclist with severe head trauma, even with a helmet on. The greater the speed of the vehicle, the more serious the crash.
These are some of the most common bicycle accident injuries we see at our San Antonio law firm:
- Whiplash
- Road rash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Face and dental injuries
- Internal injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries
If your loved one did not survive their injuries in a bicycle crash, you should speak to a wrongful death lawyer immediately. Filing a wrongful death claim can help you recover expenses related to the loss of your loved one. It can also help provide closure during an extremely painful time.
Proving Liability in a Bicycle Accident Claim
Proving liability in a bicycle accident requires a close examination of the accident, any injuries involved, right-of-way, and more. Generally, bicycle accident attorneys will determine liability by investigating and identifying the at-fault party using the police report, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence. A liable party could be a driver, a cyclist, a government agency, or multiple parties.
A personal injury attorney uses the following elements to determine negligence in a bicycle accident case:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a duty of care.
- Breach of duty: The defendant breached their duty of care by failing to yield, speeding, etc.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly led to the accident.
- Damages: The accident led to injuries and subsequent financial losses.
It is important to understand that Texas follows a modified comparative negligence law. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot seek compensation. However, if your portion of fault is lower than 50%, you can recover damages, but it will be reduced accordingly.
Contact Our San Antonio Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your legal rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Delaying the legal process can jeopardize your ability to obtain full and fair compensation, so it's imperative to reach out to us as soon as possible. Contact our San Antonio bicycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your future and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Alpha Accident Lawyers — San Antonio, TX
Address: 118 Broadway Suite 534, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (726) 610-3212
