Bicycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving victims grappling with injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about their future.
In Dallas, TX, where cycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation, crashes involving bicycles and larger motor vehicles happen more often than people like to imagine.
While the pain and suffering may be long-lasting, a Texas bicycle accident lawyer can help victims pursue compensation (i.e., lost wages, insurance claim(s), property damage, medical bills, and serious injuries).
Step 1: Getting Medical Care
The first and most vital step after a bicycle accident in Texas is prioritizing getting a thorough check-up. Even if the cyclist feels okay initially, seeking medical attention promptly is essential.
Internal bleeding or concussions may not show symptoms right away. However, they can still have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
From scrapes and bruises to more severe injuries like spinal cord injuries or broken bones, seeking medical treatment is non-negotiable.
On top of that, the hospital bills and doctor's follow-up are vital pieces of evidence in bicycle accident claims.
Step 2: Gathering Evidence
After addressing medical needs, it's time to gather evidence to support the bicycle accident claim and secure financial recovery. This includes collecting information such as:
Pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
Collecting information from witnesses who saw the accident happen.
Filing a police report at the scene of the accident.
Documenting medical records of the injuries and treatment.
Any correspondence with the negligent party or their insurance company.
Thorough documentation of the bicycle accident and its aftermath strengthens the case and increases the likelihood of receiving fair compensation for all injuries and damages.
Step 3: Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in a fair settlement, filing a personal injury suit may be necessary to pursue the compensation victims deserve.
Texas has a statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing a personal injury lawsuit, typically two years from the accident date.
To initiate a lawsuit, the plaintiff or their attorney will file a complaint with the appropriate court, detailing the circumstances of the bicycle accident, the victim's injuries, and their damages. The negligent party will then be able to respond, and the legal process will proceed from there.
Step 4: Hiring a Texas Bicycle Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal complexities of a bicycle accident lawsuit in Texas can be overwhelming, especially when recovering from injuries.
Hiring a skilled Texas bicycle accident lawyer specializing in personal injury law can alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty associated with the process.
An experienced attorney will advocate for their clients, handle communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel, and work to recover compensation. They also know how to maneuver Texas' unique bicycle accident case laws and regulations. They also know how to file a lawsuit for motorcycle accident in Texas.
Step 5: Negotiating with Insurance Company Adjusters
In many cases, bicycle accident claims are resolved through negotiations with the insurance agency rather than going to trial.
Insurance adjusters may contact the victim with a settlement offer, but it's essential to proceed cautiously and consult an attorney before accepting any offers. They also have more information on how to file a lawsuit for pedestrian accident in Texas.
Most companies offer lowball settlements to minimize their financial liability toward Texas bicycle accident victims.
Three Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often happen in the blink of an eye. Predicting such events is hard, leaving victims disoriented and anxious about what will come next.
While driving under the influence of substances is a major reason for such accidents, other external factors can also contribute to it.
Loss of Control
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is the loss of control. Whether it's due to excessive speed, improper braking, or sudden obstacles in the road, other drivers losing control of their vehicles can have disastrous consequences for nearby cyclists.
Inexperienced car drivers, in particular, may struggle to navigate busy streets or unfamiliar terrain, increasing their risk of engaging in bicycle accident cases.
However, it's not just other motorists who can cause such collisions. New and seasoned cyclists can also fall victim to loss of control, especially in adverse weather conditions or when encountering unexpected hazards.
Biker Inattention
Another cause of bicycle accident cases is inattention. Distractions such as texting, adjusting music, or even daydreaming can divert a cyclist's attention from the road ahead, increasing their risk of collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects.
In today's hyper-connected world, it's all too easy to become absorbed in smartphones or thoughts, but doing so while cycling can have severe consequences.
On top of that, fatigue or exhaustion can impair cyclists' ability to react quickly to changing conditions, further increasing their risk of accidents.
Whether due to a long day at work or a grueling uphill climb, cyclists must prioritize their safety by staying alert and focused.
Road Conditions
Uneven pavement, potholes, debris, and other hazards can pose serious threats to cyclists, causing them to lose control or crash unexpectedly.
Inadequate signage or poorly designed intersections can also contribute to confusion and accidents, especially for cyclists sharing the road with motor vehicles. Moreover, rough weather can further worsen these hazards, making cycling even more dangerous.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of wounds, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering trauma.
Scrapes and Bruises
Among the most minor injuries sustained in bike accidents are scrapes and bruises. While these bicycle accident injuries may seem insignificant compared to more severe trauma, they can still cause pain and discomfort for cyclists.
Fractures and Broken Bones
More serious injuries frequently seen in bicycle accident lawsuits are fractures and broken bones. The impact of a collision with a motor vehicle or a fall from a bicycle can exert tremendous force on the body, resulting in fractures or breaks in bones such as the arms, legs, wrists, or collarbones.
Head Injuries
Perhaps the most concerning wounds associated with bicycle accident lawsuits are head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Even a seemingly minor concussion has devastating consequences, leading to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, or even permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Bike accident suits also include claims of vertebral injuries, which have the potential to cause partial or complete paralysis.
Damage to the spinal cord can mess up communication between the brain and the body. This leads to loss of sensation, motor function, or bowel and bladder control. It can also lead to towering medical expenses.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and ligament tears are common in most bicycle accidents, mainly when cyclists are thrown from their bikes or collide with stationary objects.
Final Words
Every bicycle accident is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pursuing compensation. However, consulting with the qualified lawyers at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys will maximize a biker's chances of securing just reimbursement.
Stating, "We Go to War for You," the legal team can guide victims throughout the claims process and help them seek compensation from the party responsible for the bicycle accident in Texas.
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