Dedicated Bike Accident Attorney for Mesquite, TX, Residents

Experienced Bike-Riding Personal Injury Lawyer for Mesquite

If you’ve been injured by a driver while riding your bike, the steps you take after receiving medical care for your injuries will ultimately determine the outcome of this highly unfortunate incident. You deserve compensation not only for your existing injuries but also for acute and ongoing medical care, lost wages, and physical property damage.

To get paid what you’re owed, it’s critical that you contact an attorney who’s not only experienced in injury trial proceedings but also cycling. I’m that attorney.

Welcome, I’m Bill Shirer, Cyclist at Law, and I’ve proudly represented hundreds of Texas cyclists throughout the last 28+ years. Not only am I highly experienced in trial law, but I’ve also been an avid cyclist since 1987 and ride more than 5,000 miles a year. I’m board certified in personal injury law and hold the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review.

I deeply understand how a Mesquite cycling injury can impact several areas of your life. I also know that navigating the complicated bike injury claims process requires the expertise of a highly discerning and well-informed lawyer.

As your personal injury attorney, I’m committed to providing you with knowledgeable and compassionate legal representation that allows you to get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve after suffering a cycling injury.

If you’d like to learn more about your rights and how I can help, please don’t hesitate to call my office or contact us online to request a free consultation.

Determining Liability for a Bicycle Accident

While it’s possible that only a single party caused your Mesquite bike-riding accident, it’s also possible that more than one party was at fault in some way. There are many ways for a cycling accident to occur, which means you (the cyclist), another bike rider, the driver of a vehicle, a pedestrian, or even the bicycle manufacturer may be partially or completely at fault.

As your Mesquite bike accident attorney, I’ll review each minute detail of your cycling incident to determine who’s liable for damages and who must be pursued for a settlement. If settlement negotiations fail to yield a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may be your best recourse.

Ultimately, whether you’re partially liable for the accident or hold no liability at all, I, Bill Shirer, Cyclist at Law, will fiercely advocate on your behalf.

After a cycling-related injury, what matters most is that you’re compensated appropriately. Receiving a settlement or court award can allow you to move on with your life without the burden of exorbitant medical bills, lost wages, or decreased earning capacity that may have a catastrophic effect on your personal finances.

Cyclist Laws in Mesquite, TX

In Mesquite, cyclists are required to comply with certain laws while they’re operating a bicycle on any roadway. Furthermore, certain roadways are legal to traverse by bike while others are not. Here’s what you need to know about Texas cycling laws:

• Bicycles are defined as vehicles. Cyclists have a right to the road and generally must follow the same rules of the road that drivers of motor vehicles must adhere to. There may be exceptions in certain cases, which you can read about at bikedfw.org.
• Where to ride a bicycle. Anyone operating a bicycle on a permitted roadway must ride with the flow of traffic and as near as is practical to the right edge of the roadway or curb. However, if the operator of the bicycle is passing another vehicle going in the same direction, preparing to take a left turn at an intersection, or circumnavigating hazardous road conditions, they may stray from the right side of the road. Riders operating bikes in an outside lane that is very narrow or that lacks a dedicated bike lane or those riding on a one-way street may also stray, within reason, from the farthest right side of the road.
• Sidewalk riding. There is currently no statute that prohibits or allows cyclists to operate their bikes on sidewalks.
• Use of bike paths. There is currently no statute that requires cyclists to use designated bike paths or any other paths other than permitted roadways.
• Cycling under the influence. In Texas, the DUI statute is written so that it does not directly apply to cyclists. However, no cyclist should operate a bike while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance. Although it may not be explicitly illegal according to the statute, a cyclist can still be arrested and charged with public intoxication.
• Stopping and traffic light detection. Cyclists must stop at stop signs and traffic lights. If a cyclist encounters a traffic light that fails to detect their presence, they are not permitted to disregard said traffic light.
• Road signage. Cyclists must obey all road signs that the operators of motor vehicles must obey.
• Reflectors and visibility. Cyclists are required to use red reflectors or lights on their bikes. When riding at night, cyclists must use a light, and that light must be visible from at least 500 feet away.
• Bicycle operation. A cyclist must ride atop a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle. No bike may be used to carry more persons than it is designed to carry. No one shall operate a bicycle without at least one hand on the handlebars or any unpermitted attachments.
• Brakes. No cyclist may operate a bike that does not have a brake that’s capable of making the braked wheel leave skid marks on dry pavement.

Car Drivers’ Right and Responsibilities to Cyclists

Drivers are subject to the same rules of the road as cyclists. Mesquite vehicle drivers must acknowledge that comparatively, bike riders are far less protected and far less sizable than any motor vehicle on the road.

Acting on this knowledge, operators of motor vehicles must provide a duty of care to Mesquite cyclists. Drivers must also be vigilant and remain constantly aware of their surroundings so they may identify cyclists in their blind spots or in areas that are otherwise difficult to see.

When passing cyclists, drivers must exercise caution and give bike riders at least three feet of space. A driver’s failure to exercise reasonable and ordinary care can significantly increase the risk of injury to a cyclist. If a bike rider incurs injuries due to a driver’s negligence, a personal injury lawsuit may result, and that suit will likely yield a settlement or court award paid to the cyclist.

Cyclists’ Rights and Responsibilities

Mesquite cyclists are required to operate their bikes according to the same laws of the road that vehicle drivers must follow. Cyclists may not interfere with a vehicle’s movement and must use the appropriate hand signals to indicate an upcoming turn or change of position on the road.

Furthermore, when a cyclist is operating a bicycle on a roadway, sidewalk, or path, and another person is approaching, the cyclist must give an audible warning of their presence to alert the other individual. Sounding a horn, calling out loudly, or ringing a bell are all acceptable ways of making other individuals aware of an approach or potential collision.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been in a Mesquite cycling accident that involved another cyclist, a pedestrian, or a vehicle, seek medical care immediately. In many cases, injuries may not feel serious immediately following the incident because adrenaline is high.

However, even seemingly minor injuries can cause major health issues down the road. As such, undergoing a professional medical evaluation is in the best interest of both your health and your legal case.

Here’s what you’ll need to do immediately after a bike-riding accident and in the following several days after the incident:

• Call the police even if you don’t think you are hurt or there appears to be only minor property damage.
• If you can, take as many photos as possible to thoroughly document the incident.
• If there are witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers. If you are incapable of doing so, ask someone else to gather this critical information.
• Avoid becoming angry or making any threats even if you are injured. If there is any question as to who the liable party is, an angry outburst could hurt your case.
• If you’re unsure whether you should go to the ER, go. It’s better to go and find out you’re fine than not go and deal with potentially serious complications later on.
• Call Bill Shirer, Cyclist at Law, for legal advice. The sooner you call after the accident, the faster we can get to work on your case. We can also assist you in obtaining appropriate medical care and any necessary insurance claims processes.
• Request a copy of the incident report from the police.
• Verify any witnesses you were able to write down. If you didn’t get any, check the police report to see if the authorities found any witnesses. You can also request to listen to the recording of the 911 call.
• Continue taking photos of your injuries at various intervals. Visual proof can be very helpful in your case later on.
• If you were wearing a GPS tracker, look at the data to determine if it’s helpful in the case. Avoid posting this data on social or cycling tracking sites.
• Continue getting any follow-up medical treatment that you need.

Elements of a Bicycle Accident Claim

Every bicycle accident claim starts with the police report. The authorities will thoroughly document the details of the incident and do their best to determine who’s liable. Your attorney, Bill Shirer, Esq., Cyclist at Law, will review this information to determine if filing a lawsuit is in your best interest. If another party is liable for the accident and can be convicted of negligence, a personal injury lawsuit will likely be the next step, and settlement negotiations will likely follow.

If a settlement cannot be reached, your bike accident case may proceed to court, where your attorney will advocate fiercely on your behalf. The overarching goal of a trial is to ensure you’re compensated fairly for your injuries, property damage, loss of income, and potentially diminished earning capacity.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in Mesquite

Although the total number of cyclist-vehicle collisions has decreased in recent years in Texas, the total number of fatalities resulting from accidents has seen a sharp increase. Accidents that occur on high-speed roads are more likely to result in fatalities or serious injuries than those that occur on lower-speed roadways. Accidents involving cyclists without helmets are also more likely to result in serious injury or death. In 2020 alone, 82 people lost their lives in cycling accidents in Texas, and the state sees a 9% year-over-year increase in bike- and pedestrian-related fatalities.

Best Bike Trails in Mesquite

Mesquite, TX, has several biking trails that offer cyclists a beautiful and safe place to enjoy their ride. These include:

• A-Train Rail Trail
• Arbor Hills Trail
• Bachman Lake Park Loop Trail
• Beaver Bend Trail
• Bedford Trails
• Bedford-Euless Road Greenway
• Bernal Trail
• Big Bear Creek Greenbelt
• Many, many more!

Worst Areas for Bike Riding in Mesquite

High-traffic areas in Mesquite are the most dangerous places for cyclists to ride. Even during the day when drivers can see clearly, traffic moves quickly, and it’s often difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid an accident. Likewise, dimly lit areas and those without any illumination should be avoided. Roadways with narrow shoulders can also be hazardous and are best avoided for safety’s sake.

How to Avoid a Bike Accident

Avoiding a bike accident in Mesquite isn’t always easy, but you can take measures to protect yourself to the best of your ability. Always wear a helmet, equip your bike with red reflectors and lights, wear reflective and bright clothing, and be sure to signal appropriately when you plan to turn.

As well, be mindful of parked vehicles as there may be occupants still inside who are getting ready to swing open their doors. Always remain hypervigilant while riding and resist the urge to wear headphones as any in-ear device compromises your ability to hear and react appropriately to your surroundings.

Contact the Mesquite Cyclist at Law

If you’ve been involved in a cycling accident, please don’t hesitate to contact Bill Shirer, Mesquite’s Cyclist at Law, for legal representation. Navigating the aftermath of a bike-riding accident can be difficult and overwhelming, and my office is here to help. Feel free to call me today at 972-392-1249 or contact me online, and my office will be in touch promptly.