Experienced Bike Riding Personal Injury Lawyer for North Richland Hills
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in North Richland Hills, TX, you need to seek medical care as quickly as possible. Then, you need to hire a lawyer who can review your case and see if you are entitled to compensation.
We are Cyclist at Law, and we are here to defend your rights and protect your interests. Even if you follow all the necessary safety precautions, you may still be involved in a serious bicycle accident. You need to understand your rights, make sure they are protected, and focus all of your attention on your medical recovery. We have a tremendous amount of experience representing bicycle riders who have been involved in serious accidents, and it would be our pleasure to review your case as well.
Learn more about bicycle accidents in North Richland Hills below, and contact us today for a case review.
Determining Liability for a Bicycle Accident
First, understand that bicycles are required to follow the same rules of the road as vehicles. There are several specific factors that will be involved in determining who is at fault following a bicycle accident. Some of the most important indicators that the driver might be responsible for the accident include:
- The driver has a duty of care to take all reasonable measures to avoid a collision. If the driver does not take these measures, then he or she could be blamed for the accident.
- If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, gross negligence could be a determining factor. As a result, the driver could be held responsible for the accident.
- If the driver was distracted while driving, he or she could be held responsible for the accident. It is critical for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and be aware of their surroundings.
Even though there is a high likelihood that the driver could be held responsible for the accident, it is important for all bicycle riders to reach out to a lawyer who can review the circumstances surrounding their case and ensure their rights are protected. Keep in mind that you have two years from the original date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Cyclist Laws in North Richland Hills, TX
Bicycle riders are required to follow the rules of the road. These rules are the same as they are for motor vehicles. Some of the most important laws that bicycle riders need to follow include:
- Cyclists are required to ride in the designated bike lane. If there is no bike lane available, cyclists are required to ride on the far right-hand side of the road.
- Bicycle riders are required to use hand signals if they are turning. Cyclists are also required to use hand signals if they are stopping.
- At night, bicycle riders are required to use lights and reflectors. That way, it is easier for drivers to see them.
- There are some cities where bicyclists are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk. If that is the case, bicycles are not allowed to be ridden there.
- Cyclists are not allowed to attach a trailer or wagon to their bikes.
- Cyclists are not allowed to have someone else sitting on the back of the bike if there is no seat there.
- These are just a few of the most important laws that bicycle riders in North Richland Hills, Texas are required to follow.
Car Driver’s Rights and Responsibilities to Cyclists
Cars are required to coexist on the road with cyclists. Therefore, there are several important rights and responsibilities that drivers need to provide to cyclists. Some of the most important factors to keep in mind include:
- It is important for drivers to provide bicyclists with plenty of space when they are passing them. Drivers do not want to get too close to cyclists, as it could unnecessarily increase the chances of a collision occurring.
- Drivers are also required to look for cyclists before they turn. Even though bicycles can be harder to see, drivers are required to look both ways and ensure they are not going to collide with a cyclist, particularly if they are turning right, as cyclists tend to ride on the right-hand side of the road.
- If a driver is attempting to pass a cyclist on a narrow road, they need to make sure traffic is not coming toward them in the opposite direction. Otherwise, they could have a difficult time passing the cyclist without colliding with either the cyclist or another motor vehicle.
Even though cyclists are required to follow the same driving laws as motor vehicles, cyclists are also significantly more vulnerable when compared to the standard car. Therefore, drivers need to use extreme caution when there are cyclists on the road.
Cyclists’ Rights and Responsibilities
On the other hand, there are several important responsibilities that bicycle riders have when they are on the road. They include:
- Unlike pedestrians, who should walk against traffic, cyclists are required to ride with traffic. That means that cyclists should be traveling in the same direction as the car on their side of the road.
- If there is a bike lane available, cyclists are required to use it. The bike lane is the safest place for cyclists on the road, and deviating from the bike lane could cause drivers to get nervous, leading to unpredictable behavior.
- Cyclists also need to avoid riding on the sidewalk when possible. The sidewalk can be a bit unpredictable and place pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
- Because cyclists do not have turn signals and brake lights, it is incumbent on cyclists to make sure they signal their actions to other drivers. That way, they do not take drivers by surprise.
If cyclists follow these rules, they will have an easier time coexisting on the road with motor vehicles.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, there are several important steps to keep in mind. They include:
- First, you need to call 911 to report the accident. Always ask for emergency personnel to come to the scene.
- Take stock of your injuries and where you are located. If you feel like you can do so safely, move to a safe location. Take pictures of everything that happened at the scene.
- If you can move safely, you may want to head to the motor vehicle to see if anyone in the other car has been injured.
- When the police arrive, provide them with your version of the events. Do not worry about what the other person is saying. The only thing you can do is provide the police officer with your perspective on what happened.
- Make sure you get a copy of the report from the police officer. You need to make sure you have a copy of the report because it is the only evidence that an accident happened.
- You always need to see a doctor following a bicycle accident. You may have injuries under the surface, and you need to make sure nothing is overlooked. Ask for a copy of your medical record after the appointment, and don’t forget to go to your follow-up visits.
- Reach out to an attorney who can review your case and see if you are entitled to compensation.
There is also a chance that you may be involved in an accident that does not involve another motor vehicle. For example, you may suffer a fall on harsh terrain, or you might collide with another cyclist. Some of the most important steps to follow include:
- People fall off the bike from time to time. If you feel like you have not suffered any injuries, then you may want to get up and keep going.
- On the other hand, keep in mind that there are accidents that could cause serious injuries even if they do not involve a motor vehicle. You may want to collect information from the other person, and you might want to take pictures of the scene where the accident happened.
- You could still see a doctor following the accident, and you must make sure your injuries are treated appropriately.
- Then, do not forget to reach out to an attorney who can review your case and see if someone else should be held responsible.
You do not have to go through the recovery process alone. There are professionals who can review your case and see if you are entitled to damages.
Elements of a Bicycle Accident Claim
There are several factors that are involved in a bicycle accident claim. They include:
- First, liability has to be determined. Cyclists are protected because they are vulnerable, and motor vehicles are required to follow the rules of the road. A lawyer can review the report and make sure the right party is held responsible.
- Then, your compensation will be determined by a number of factors. For example, the more severe injuries are, the greater your damages might be.
- If you are hurt and unable to return to work, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost income.
- If the other party is guilty of gross negligence, you could also be entitled to punitive damages.
Work with an attorney who can maximize the size of your settlement.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in North Richland Hills
According to one website, there were more than 16,800 bicycle crashes, leading to more than 9,700 injuries and 362 fatalities. Shockingly, many of these accidents involve children. Because bicycle accidents are common in Texas, including in North Richland Hills, it is important to put safety first every time you get on a bicycle.
Best Bike Trails in North Richland Hills
Some of the best locations for biking in North Richland Hills include:
- Fossil Creek Park MTB Trail
- Cross Timbers Park
- Linda Spurlock Park
Consider checking out a few of these locations.
Worst Areas for Bike Riding in North Richland Hills
On the other hand, there are several locations that you should avoid when you are riding a bike. Some of the worst areas for cyclists include:
- Busy intersections, particularly ones with multiple lanes of traffic
- Large highways and interstates, including Interstate 820 (where bikes are usually not allowed)
- Unlit roads and paths, particularly late at night
- Busy city streets, particularly those with lots of pedestrians
When possible, try to keep your bike in an area with a designated bike lane.
How to Avoid a Bike Accident
If you want to avoid a bike accident, some of the most important tips to keep in mind include:
- Ensure you are riding a bike that has working brakes and is the right size for you
- Always wear a helmet when you ride a bike
- Do not ride a bike with headphones in your ears
- Make sure you have headlights and reflectors that make it easier for drivers to see you
Then, if you are involved in a bike accident, reach out to a lawyer who can help you.
Contact the North Richland Hills Cyclist At Law
At Cyclist at Law, it would be our pleasure to represent you following a bike accident. Contact us today for a case review.
