Hutto Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a bicycle can be much more environmentally friendly and physically healthy than driving or riding in a car, but it can also be more dangerous. Even if you wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, and stay focused on your surroundings at all times while riding, a single careless or reckless act by a nearby driver could lead to an accident that leaves you with catastrophic injuries and losses.
Fortunately, guidance from a skilled Hutto bicycle accident lawyer can be key both to understanding what rights you have in this sort of situation and to proactively enforcing those rights through settlement negotiations or civil litigation. Whether you just need help covering short-term expenses or you are recovering from life-altering harm, working with a seasoned personal injury attorney may be vital to getting back on your feet.
Are Drivers Always to Blame for Bike Collisions?
Drivers owe the same duty of care to everyone on the road, including motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. This means that if a driver strikes and injures someone riding their bike because they themselves did something irresponsible or illegal, they breach their duty of care and will likely be responsible for any ensuing losses.
However, bicyclists also need to act responsibly, and a rider who partially causes a crash due to their negligence might be barred from collecting some damages. For example, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001 prohibits anyone found primarily at fault for an accident from recovering any civil compensation for ensuing injuries, and TX. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §33.012 allows courts to proportionally reduce the available compensation for any cyclist or plaintiff assigned a smaller percentage of fault.
Furthermore, certain bike accidents may stem from negligence by people who were not directly involved in the wreck at all—municipal authorities who failed to maintain riding surfaces in good condition, for instance, or a manufacturer that produced a fundamentally flawed bicycle. A knowledgeable Hutto bike accident attorney can provide crucial assistance with sorting out who is to blame for a specific incident and taking action against them accordingly.
Recovering for All Available Damages
Both economic and non-economic forms of harm stemming from accident-related injuries can be factored into a comprehensive bike accident claim, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost work wages/salary
- Property damage, including bike repair/replacement costs if needed
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
Additionally, if a bike collision causes long-term or permanent injuries, it may be important to incorporate future losses like rehabilitative care costs, lost ability to work, and reduced enjoyment of daily life. Once again, a bicycle accident lawyer in Hutto can help identify what losses may be compensable in a specific situation and what financial values they should be assigned.
Talk to a Hutto Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
While bicycle accidents generally do not occur at the same speeds as motor vehicle collisions, they can still cause the same level of life-changing trauma. Fortunately, you have a right to demand restitution from whoever is directly responsible for your accident for all your short-term and long-term losses.
A Hutto bicycle accident lawyer can play a key role in achieving a favorable resolution to this sort of civil claim. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.
