Cycling is a healthy, efficient, and eco-friendly way to move around. However, on Texas roads, it’s not always the safest way to travel, especially when a reckless act by a driver leads to a bicycle accident. Knowing why bicycle accidents happen in Texas can help you stay safe on the roads and know what to do in the event of an accident.
Top Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Texas
There are several main reasons why bicycle accidents happen in Texas.
Distracted Driving
The rise in smartphone use has led to more bicycle accidents. When drivers look at their phones to read texts or check social media, they often don't see cyclists, and even a few seconds of not watching the road can cause serious harm to someone on a bike.
Distraction also includes drivers who eat, adjust their GPS, or reach for items while driving. Bikes are already harder to spot than cars, and when a driver isn't paying attention, the danger gets much worse.
Texas law doesn't allow reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while driving, but many people still do it, making distracted driving one of the main causes of bicycle accidents in Texas.
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
Many bicycle crashes happen because drivers don't yield when they should. Drivers often don't look carefully enough for cyclists before proceeding through intersections, and a 2022 report shows that 34% of cyclist deaths occurred at intersections.
Unfortunately, when a car doesn't yield to a bike that has the right-of-way, the cyclist has little chance of avoiding a crash.
Unsafe Lane Changes and Turns
Drivers often don't realize how fast cyclists are moving or simply don't look for them before changing lanes, and when a driver suddenly moves into a cyclist's path, the cyclist has little time to react. Right-hook accidents, where a car turns right and cuts off a cyclist going straight, are very common and dangerous.
Left-turn accidents are also dangerous. These usually happen when a driver turning left at an intersection doesn't yield to an oncoming cyclist. Because the driver is watching for cars, they might completely miss seeing the bicycle.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
A speeding driver has less time to see a cyclist and stop, and the faster the car is going, the worse the injuries will be for the cyclist. The difference between a driver going the speed limit and one going just 10 mph faster can mean the difference between minor injuries and death for a cyclist.
Reckless driving, like weaving through traffic, running red lights, or driving aggressively, creates unpredictable situations that cyclists can't prepare for. Even careful cyclists who follow all the rules can get hurt when drivers act recklessly.
Dooring Accidents
One common bicycle accident happens when someone in a parked car opens their door right in front of a cyclist. These "dooring" crashes can throw cyclists into traffic or cause them to hit the door at full speed.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk or drugged driving is another major cause of bicycle accidents. When drivers are impaired, they have slower reactions and worse judgment. This makes them much more likely to hit cyclists and cause serious injuries or death.
Poor Road Conditions and Infrastructure
Bad roads and lack of bike lanes also cause bicycle accidents in Texas. Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and inadequate bike lanes force cyclists to make sudden moves that may put them in the path of cars.
Construction areas are also especially dangerous, as detours may send cyclists into traffic without enough protection or warning to drivers.
Legal Rights and Options for Bicycle Accident Victims
Texas law allows injured cyclists to seek money from drivers who caused the crash. A bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your options and deal with insurance companies. You may get money for medical bills, lost wages, repairs, and pain and suffering.
For serious injuries, future medical costs and lost earning ability should also be part of any settlement.
Texas follows modified comparative negligence, which means you can get compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your payment may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why it helps to have a bike accident lawyer who can show that the driver was mostly at fault.
FAQ
What Should I Do Right After a Bicycle Accident?
First, get medical help, even if you feel okay, as some injuries don't show up right away. If possible, take pictures of the scene and get contact information from the driver and witnesses. Report the accident to the police and don't discuss who was at fault with insurance companies before talking to a bicycle accident lawyer.
Can I Get Money if I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet?
Yes, you can still get compensation even if you weren't wearing a helmet in Texas. Helmets are recommended for safety, but Texas doesn't have a statewide helmet law for cyclists. However, not wearing a helmet might affect how much money you receive if your injuries would have been less serious with head protection.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This time limit makes it important to talk to a bike accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights.
Get Help From a Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Even the safest cyclists can become victims of accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, reach out to the Ramsey Law Group. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys understand these cases and are committed to helping victims get the money they deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation, where we’ll discuss your case and explain your options.