Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX

Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney

To Prevent Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively

As the amount of cyclists increases, the number of accidents involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other car collisions, a large number of them happen at intersections.

Many of these accidents are the result of motorists that seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look for bicyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.

These types of collisions are worsened by excessively large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are endangered by quickly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they completely cross the intersection.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of bicycle collisions include:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some motorists may not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the road. This lack of awareness can be particularly hazardous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the road while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous areas for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where collisions leading to devastating injuries take place.

A driver failing to observe bicyclists on the street

Motorists not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common reason for a crash involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists must take precautions to reduce this very avoidable cause of bike collisions.

Cyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of an accident. Similarly, drivers must know that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be especially careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a lot of bike commuters.

Drivers encroaching into bike lanes

Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, cyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and reckless drivers. Cars can inadvertently or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of inattention. This can possibly cause a bicyclist to sustain significant injuries.

Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door

As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a major danger to cyclists, particularly in urban settings. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause catastrophic injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Engaging in defensive riding techniques is the most effective way for a cyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.

Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist

Distracted driving is one of the most significant concerns for road safety that we face today. As smartphones have become a major part of our everyday lives, many people find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a threat to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians since they have almost zero protection if they are struck. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other things might divert into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a bicyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a bicyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big problem that it's been identified as the leading cause of bicycle accidents involving automobiles.

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots

When a driver that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not completely check their surroundings, it can result in serious consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are beginning to reduce these types of collisions. But drivers can not rely on these technologies instead of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.

How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?

Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Houston is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries. When moving in traffic, bicyclists need to do the following:

• Follow the rules of the road
• Assume that vehicles and drivers will fail to see you
• Provide cars a wide berth
• Regularly yield to motor vehicles under certain conditions when you don't know if a motorist has spotted you
• You should have appropriate safety gear

How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?

• Wear a properly-fitting helmet
• Wear bright or reflective clothing
• Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
• Follow all posted traffic laws
• Trip with the circulation of traffic
• Use bike lanes whenever possible
• Be sure your bicycle is in good working condition
• Remain alert at all times and avoid distracted riding

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, it is essential to do the following:

• Call 911 and file a police report. Do not let a driver talk you into not making a police report. That can lead to issues later.
• Exchange information with the motorist that hit you. Photograph of his or her driver's license and insurance coverage card.
• Take multiple photos of your bike, the vehicle that hit you, and the scene of the accident.
• Get witness information from anyone that happened to see the collision. Don't skip this step, as authorities do not always take down witness information and you may need it later.
• If needed, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Contact an experienced bike accident attorney in Houston. Do this before calling the other side's insurance company.

Contact a Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney at Dunk Law Firm

If you suffer an injury in an accident with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you need to consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer immediately. They will help figure out whether you may have a valid personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent driver.

At Dunk Law Firm, our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers assist bicyclists in pursuing claims against negligent drivers that have caused severe injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or pursuing a remedy through other means.

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