Bicycle Accidents

Supporting Injured Cyclists in Texas

Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries and complex legal questions. If you've been hurt while cycling in Texas, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your rights. AskLitigation is here to help you understand your options and pursue fair compensation.

Cyclist injuries are common in urban areas, intersections, and on shared roads. Our attorneys handle cases involving not only bicycle accidents but also car accidents and pedestrian accidents.

What Counts as a Bicycle Accident?

A bicycle accident occurs when a cyclist is injured due to:

• Collisions with motor vehicles
• Dangerous road conditions or defects
• Dooring incidents (car doors opening into cyclists)
• Collisions with pedestrians or other cyclists
• Defective bicycle equipment
• Inadequate road design or signage

Texas's growing cycling community faces unique challenges on roads primarily designed for vehicles.

Texas Bicycle Laws and Your Rights

Texas law provides specific protections for cyclists:

• Same Rights as Vehicles: Bicycles are vehicles under Texas law with equal road rights
• Ride with Traffic: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic
• Rightmost Lane: Cyclists should use the rightmost lane going in their direction
• Safe Passing Law: Motorists must pass with at least 3 feet of clearance (6 feet for commercial vehicles)
• Lighting Requirements: Bikes need white front light and red rear reflector at night
• Local Variations: Cities may have additional ordinances

Knowing these laws is crucial for establishing liability in accident claims.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Texas

Most Texas bicycle accidents result from:

• Distracted driving (cell phones, eating, GPS)
• Failure to yield at intersections
• Right-hook turns (turning right across bike path)
• Left-cross collisions (left turns into cyclists)
• Passing too closely
• Driving in or blocking bike lanes
• Road rage or aggressive driving
• Poor road maintenance

Texas's rapid urban growth has created challenges for safe cycling infrastructure.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If you're in a bicycle accident in Texas:

1. Call 911 - Get police and EMS on scene
2. Stay at the scene - Don't leave until police arrive
3. Document the accident - Photos of everything
4. Exchange information - Driver's license, insurance, contact
5. Get witness details - Critical for proving fault
6. Seek medical care - Create medical records immediately
7. Preserve evidence - Keep damaged bike and gear
8. Avoid statements - Don't admit fault or give recorded statements
9. Contact an attorney - Texas law can be complex

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries

Texas bicycle accident victims may recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Physical pain and mental anguish
• Physical impairment and disfigurement
• Property damage replacement
• Loss of consortium for spouses
• Exemplary damages for gross negligence
• Wrongful death damages

Texas doesn't cap most personal injury damages, allowing full recovery.

Texas Modified Comparative Fault Rule

Texas follows the 51% bar rule:

• You can recover if you're 50% or less at fault
• Compensation reduced by your fault percentage
• If 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
• Factors include helmet use, visibility gear, traffic law compliance

Proper legal representation helps minimize fault attribution.

Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim

In Texas, you have:

• Two years from the accident date for personal injury
• Two years for property damage claims
• Six months notice for claims against government entities

Don't wait - evidence disappears and witnesses forget details.

Unique Challenges for Texas Cyclists

Texas cyclists face particular hazards:

• Limited cycling infrastructure in many areas
• High-speed roads with minimal shoulders
• Extreme weather conditions
• Urban sprawl requiring long-distance cycling
• Mix of rural and urban riding conditions
• Large vehicles (trucks, SUVs) prevalent

These factors contribute to serious injury risks.

Insurance Coverage for Bicycle Accidents

Understanding Texas insurance options:

• Your auto insurance may cover you while cycling
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applies
• Health insurance covers medical bills
• Homeowner's insurance may cover property damage
• Driver's liability insurance is primary coverage

Review all policies to maximize available coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Bicycle Accidents

Is wearing a helmet required in Texas?

Texas has no statewide helmet law for any age. However, some cities require helmets for minors. Not wearing one may affect your damage recovery if head injuries occur.

Can I recover damages if I was riding on the sidewalk?

Texas law allows sidewalk riding unless prohibited by local ordinance. If legal where you rode, it shouldn't bar recovery, though it may affect fault determination.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents may be covered by your uninsured motorist coverage. Report immediately to police and your insurance. Criminal charges may help identify the driver.

Can I sue if poor road conditions caused my accident?

Yes, government entities can be liable for dangerous road conditions, but sovereign immunity limits apply. You must provide notice within 6 months and prove they knew of the hazard.