McAllen Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Bike Riding Personal Injury Lawyer for McAllen

If you’ve suffered injuries while riding your bike, and those injuries were the fault of another person, you have rights. What you choose to do immediately after obtaining medical care for your injuries will ultimately determine the outcome of your unfortunate incident.

After a cycling accident, there is a chance your life will never be the same, and you deserve compensation, not only for your injuries but also for lost wages, property damage, and medical care. If you want the best chance of receiving the compensation you’re owed, it’s crucial that you contact an experienced bike riding personal injury lawyer in McAllen who can advocate on your behalf.

Bill Shirer, Esq. Cyclist at Law is that lawyer. For nearly 30 years, Bill has proudly represented injured Texas cyclists, and when you need an attorney who has your best interests at heart, he’s here for you, too. Bill is board certified in personal injury trial law, and as an accomplished cyclist himself, he deeply understands the physical, emotional, and financial turmoil you may be going through.

Even minor bike accident claims can be remarkably complicated, and Bill has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate any claim with ease. If you’d like to learn more about your rights as an injured cyclist or have Bill review your case to determine if there’s legal footing for a personal injury settlement or lawsuit, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Feel free to contact our office today to schedule a no-obligation, free consultation to discuss your case.

Determining Liability for a Bicycle Accident

A cycling accident may be the fault of one party, but two or more parties may also be at fault. Depending on the details involved in your accident, a driver, another cyclist, a pedestrian, or the manufacturer of your bike may be culpable. There’s also a chance you may be partially at fault for the incident.

Determining liability for the accident is a crucial step in ascertaining whether there are legal grounds to ask for a personal injury settlement or file a lawsuit. Even if you’re partially at fault for the injuries you suffered, McAllen’s Cyclist at Law will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you’re owed.

Bill will thoroughly review the details of your case to determine whether a motorist failed to provide a duty of care to you, the cyclist. All motorists are required to provide this duty of care to individuals riding bikes on roadways, sidewalks, parking lots, and in other areas. If your injuries appear to be the fault of a negligent driver, there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to obtain a settlement or court award.

If a motorist was not involved in your accident, but a pedestrian or another cyclist was, the same idea applies. And if your accident was caused by faulty equipment, and the manufacturer of your bike appears to be liable for your injuries, Bill will work ceaselessly to get you the settlement or court award you deserve.

Cyclist Laws in McAllen, TX

In McAllen, bicyclists have the same rights and duties on the road as motorists and must obey all road signs and traffic signals. However, cyclists may not ride their bikes on every roadway and can only operate bikes on routes that are designated for bicycle use. As a cyclist, you are required to comply with the following Texas bicycle laws:

1. Bicycles may only operate on roads, bike paths, and routes that are designated for bike riding.
2. Cyclists must ride as close to the curb or right side of the roadway as is reasonably possible and must move in the same direction as vehicle traffic. When necessary for safety, a cyclist may take the lane.
3. Cyclists must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
4. Cyclists must use the appropriate hand and arm signals when stopping or changing directions to alert motorists of their intentions.
5. Only one cyclist may ride per saddle. Two cyclists may ride on the same bike only if it is a tandem bicycle.
6. Every cyclist’s bike must be equipped with a properly functioning brake that is capable of leaving skid marks on clean, dry, level pavement.
7. Cyclists may not operate a bicycle at night unless it is equipped with a front-mounted headlamp that can be seen from at least 500 feet in front of the bike. The bike must also have a rear-mounted, red reflector that can be seen from at least 300 feet away or a red light that can be seen from at least 500 feet away.
8. Cyclists may ride two abreast on a roadway but must ride in the lane. However, they must not impede the normal flow of traffic.
9. Cyclists may not ride more than two abreast on a roadway unless they are riding on a part of the roadway that’s specifically designated for the operation of bicycles.
10. Cyclists are required to yield right of way to pedestrians on sidewalks. When riding in shared use areas, cyclists must pass pedestrians cautiously after giving audible notice of their intentions.

For more detailed information about bicycle laws in McAllen, TX, visit txdot.gov’s Laws and Regulations FAQ.

Car Driver’s Right and Responsibilities to Cyclists

McAllen motorists must acknowledge that, compared to the driver of a vehicle, a cyclist is largely unprotected. As such, vehicle drivers have a duty of reasonable care to anyone riding a bike on a McAllen roadway. That means that if a motorist violates a traffic law and strikes a cyclist as a result, that motorist can be charged with negligence.

Drivers of motor vehicles are required to look for cyclists in difficult-to-see areas, such as blind spots, and remain constantly aware of their surroundings on the road. Motorists must also exercise caution when passing bike riders on the road and give cyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance when driving by.

When the driver of a vehicle fails to exercise a reasonable duty of care in the presence of a bike rider, that person significantly increases their risk of injuring a cyclist out of negligence. And if a driver does cause an accident with a cyclist out of negligence, he or she can be pursued for a personal injury settlement or may become the subject of a lawsuit.

Cyclists’ Rights and Responsibilities

Just as motorists have a duty of care to cyclists, bike riders have a duty of care to vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Cyclists must always signal when they wish to stop or turn on the road, and they may not interfere with a vehicle’s movement. Cyclists must also give audible notice of their presence when riding in areas where pedestrians are also permitted to walk.

When a cyclist is approaching a pedestrian, he or she must call out loudly, ring a bell, or sound a horn to alert the pedestrian of an approach. When passing a pedestrian, cyclists must exercise caution and give the pedestrian a reasonable amount of space, just as a driver must give a cyclist reasonable space when passing on the road.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

After you are involved in a bicycle accident, your well-being takes priority. However, it’s also important that you document the incident as thoroughly as possible if you’re able to. First and foremost, call emergency medical personnel if you’ve been injured. Do not admit fault in any way and do not apologize.

Contact the police and ask them to arrive at the scene, so you may file an accident report and relay the details of the incident to the authorities. If you have your smartphone, take photos of the scene of the accident, your injuries, the area where the incident occurred, any damage to your bicycle, and the vehicle that was involved in the accident. You can also record a video with this information, explaining what happened as you film.

If there is anyone who witnessed the accident, ask them for their contact information and full name. Right down the license plate numbers of any vehicles involved in the accident and those that could contain witnesses. Write down the contact information of anyone who was involved in the incident and be sure to document everything as thoroughly as possible.

After you’ve received medical care, call the law office of Bill Shirer, Cyclist at Law with the details of the incident. Bill and his team will thoroughly review the details of your case to determine if you have legal footing to ask for a personal injury settlement or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties.

Elements of a Bicycle Accident Claim

Cyclist at Law, McAllen’s trusted bike accident attorney, can help you file your personal injury claim properly, so you have the highest chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Every bicycle accident claim begins with a police report. The details contained within that report play a central role in ascertaining who the liable party or parties in the accident are.

Once liability for the accident has been determined, the next step in the claims process is to determine the amount of damages and negotiate with the liable party’s insurance and legal counsel. From there, a personal injury settlement may be agreed upon, but if a settlement cannot be reached, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary.

Ultimately, the goal of any McAllen bicycle accident claim is to get the victim the financial compensation they deserve. A bike accident can result in considerable pain and suffering, extensive medical care, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and several incident-related expenses. If you are a victim, you deserve compensation for all of these things, and it’s Cyclist at Law’s goal to ensure you receive it.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in McAllen

Many of the most populated cities in Texas are also some of the most dangerous cities in the country for cyclists. From 2010 to 2016, 410 bicycle accidents occurred in Hidalgo County. In 2017, the State of Texas ranked third in the nation for bicycle fatalities.

McAllen may not be the worst city in Texas for bicycle accidents, but dozens of these unfortunate incidents happen every year. If you’re involved in a bicycle accident in McAllen, protect your rights and finances by working with an experienced and knowledgeable bike accident attorney.

Best Bike Trails in McAllen

McAllen is full of scenic trails for bikers and pedestrians. Some of the best bike trails in and around McAllen include:

• Historic Battlefield Trail
• Mission Hike and Bike Trail
• Paseo de la Resaca Community Trail
• Arroyo Colorado Trail
• Bicentennial Hike and Bike Trail
• Belden Trail
• Arroyo Colorado Trail
• 25th Street Hike and Bike Trail
• Las Palmas Park Trail
• Retama Village Park Trail
• Westside Park Trail
• Retama Village Park Trail
• Los Encinos Park Trail & Fitness System
• La Vista Park Trail & Fitness System
• Schupp Park Trail & Fitness System

Worst Areas for Bike Riding in McAllen

Cyclists in McAllen should avoid the busiest roadways in the city, especially during hours of peak traffic and at night. Any street or roadway with a narrow shoulder can also be dangerous for cyclists and should be avoided.

When riding in the dark, any roadway or trail without sufficient lighting should also be avoided.

How to Avoid a Bike Accident

Using the appropriate hand and arm signals, wearing appropriate attire, and riding in a safe manner in accordance with the law are the best ways to avoid a bike accident in McAllen. Always signal when you intend to stop or turn and always wear light-colored, easily visible clothing.

It’s also smart to wear something reflective, in addition to having reflectors and lights mounted on your bicycle. Because headphones can impede your ability to stay aware while you’re biking, it’s in your best interest to avoid wearing anything in or over your ears. Even if your earphones allow pass-through noise, having anything in your ears can cause you to miss sounds on the road that may indicate the presence of a motorist or pedestrian.

While riding, be hypervigilant of your surroundings. Pay special attention at intersections and when passing by parked cars. Vehicle doors can open unexpectedly at any moment, and you must be prepared to react quickly and accordingly.

Contact the McAllen Cyclist at Law

If you or someone you love has been involved in a bicycle accident in McAllen, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Bill Shirer, Cyclist at Law, for help. Bill and his team will carefully and thoroughly review the details of your case to determine if you are eligible for financial compensation. Even if you’re partially liable for the incident, McAllen’s Cyclist at Law will advocate fiercely on your behalf to ensure you get what you’re owed.

To schedule a consultation or learn more about your rights as an injured cyclist, give our office a call today to discuss your case. You can also contact us online with your questions or concerns, and we’ll be in touch promptly.