Riding your bicycle around town, to work, for exercise, etc. is a great way to get some exercise and lessen your impact on the environment. Unfortunately, it also comes with risks that other people on the road don’t face because of the lack of protection compared to that enjoyed by drivers. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, more than 450,000 cyclists are injured in car crashes every year, and more than 1,000 people are killed. Far too many of these crashes are caused by motorists who don’t take the time to check their blind spots, mirrors, etc. for cyclists.
If you were seriously injured because of a reckless driver’s actions, it’s important to discuss your legal options with an experienced Dallas bicycle injury attorney as soon as possible. At Aldous \ Walker LLP, we have spent years representing injured victims in their time of need. Over that time, our lawyers have tried more than 200 cases in front of a jury, and through our efforts we have secured the legal outcomes our clients deserve. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Crashes
While there are any number of ways for a car to crash into a bicycle, some accidents are far more common than others.
Some of the most dangerous situations include:
Rear Ending – Reckless drivers can be just as dangerous as ones that aren’t paying attention. Sometimes the drivers who rear-end cyclists are not paying attention to the road, other times they’re driving too fast to stop in time. No matter the reason, being rear-ended on a bicycle can leave you with serious injuries.
Opening the Door of a Parked Car – Biking in a city is stressful, even on a good day. One of the most dangerous hazards, especially while riding along a bike path next to a row of parked cars is the risk of an unaware driver opening their door right as you pass by.
Turning into the Path While Travelling in the Same Direction – Drivers attempting to make a right turn should pay close attention to bikers traveling to their right before making that turn, but far too many fail to do so and cut off the cyclist. This can be caused by a number of factors, including misjudging your speed and neglecting to check their blind spots.
Turning into the Path While Travelling in the Opposite Direction – Similar to crashes caused while traveling in the same direction, these types of crashes often occur when the oncoming driver doesn’t pay attention to other people in their path or doesn’t realize how fast the cyclist is moving.
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and it's important to understand the laws and regulations that apply to these types of accidents in Dallas, TX. At Aldous \ Walker LLP, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers are well-versed in the local laws and can provide you with the guidance and representation you need.
Here are some key points to know about bicycle accident laws in Dallas:
Right-of-way: Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. They must follow traffic laws, signal their intentions, and yield the right-of-way when necessary.
Safety equipment: Bicyclists are required to use hand signals, have a white headlight and red taillight for nighttime riding, and wear a helmet if they are under the age of 18.
Shared roadways: Bicyclists have the right to use the road, and motorists are required to give them a safe amount of space when passing. It is illegal for motorists to harass or intimidate bicyclists.
Responsibility for accidents: If a motorist causes a bicycle accident due to negligence or reckless driving, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
By understanding these laws, you can better protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve if you've been injured in a bicycle accident. Contact our Dallas bicycle accident lawyers today to discuss your case and get the legal support you need.
Understanding Your Rights as a Bicycle Accident Victim
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and it's important to know your rights as a victim. At Aldous \ Walker LLP, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Dallas are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you choose us as your legal representation, we will:
Thoroughly investigate the accident: Our team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Assess your damages: We will evaluate the extent of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages you may be entitled to.
Negotiate with insurance companies: Our skilled attorneys will handle all communication with insurance companies to ensure you are not taken advantage of and that you receive a fair settlement.
Prepare for trial, if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
Find an Attorney Who Will Fight for You
If you were seriously injured in an accident caused by someone else’s reckless actions, you have the right to take your case to court. At Aldous \ Walker LLP, we have worked with countless injured victims, and through our efforts have secured them the compensation they required in their time of need.