Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in Leander
There are thousands of cyclists on the road every day, whether for an environmentally friendly commute, cardio workout, or leisurely ride for fun. Unfortunately, the benefits of riding a bike can be overwhelmed by catastrophe when a negligent motor vehicle driver collides with a cyclist.
Common injuries from bicycle accidents in Leander can lead to physical pain, mental anguish, and a significant disruption to your daily life. In severe cases, these injuries can cause permanent damage or even death. Such impacts can be costly, but with the help of a local bike crash attorney, you could seek compensation for the harm a negligent driver inflicted on you.
Common Bike Collision Injuries
Bicycle accidents can cause any number of injuries that range from benign to deadly.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the most common bike accident injuries in Leander are superficial wounds like abrasions and bruising, often referred to as road rash, caused by relatively low-impact crashes. However, even bike accidents that occur at slow speeds can cause broken bones, severe lacerations, and ruptured organs.
The AAFP reports that head injuries are the primary cause of death for cyclists injured while riding. Though the state does not have mandatory bike helmet laws, the Texas Department of Transportation strongly encourages all riders to wear secure and properly fitted helmets to prevent traumatic brain injuries.
Brain injuries are particularly common in bike accidents caused by motor vehicle drivers. Traffic collisions generally create the most severe injuries, lifelong disabilities, and deaths for cyclists. Costs related to these injuries include medical care, lost wages, and reparations for lost quality of life.
Our attorneys can help injured riders collect financial compensation for damages caused by negligent drivers.
State Negligent Car Crash Laws
Drivers who crash their cars into cyclists often do so negligently. Under the law, a person may be considered negligent when they carelessly violated a reasonable safety norm and injured someone as a result. Drivers are expected to focus on the road and obey traffic laws while they are behind the wheel. A negligent driver could violate this duty of care by speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or texting while driving.
The state follows a doctrine of proportionate responsibility, however. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 explains that in an injury lawsuit, the injured person could have their compensation reduced or canceled entirely when a jury determines they were also behaving negligently at the time of the accident. A cyclist who did not abide by required bicycle laws, like signaling as required by Texas Transportation Code § 545.107, may be considered comparatively negligent.
When the jury finds the plaintiff no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, the amount of compensation will be lowered proportionally. When the court finds the injured cyclist is more than 50 percent responsible, they may deny them any compensation.
As such, it is not always enough to prove the other side’s negligence in a bike crash lawsuit––injured bike riders may also need to prepare a defense against accusations of their own negligence. An attorney in Leander can help a cyclist prepare for securing compensation for their accident injuries.
Call to Learn More About Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents in Leander
Common injuries from bicycle accidents in Leander can be physically, emotionally, and financially damaging, especially when a motor vehicle is involved in a collision. A negligent driver may owe you compensation for the harm they caused when they crashed into you on the road. Working with an experienced lawyer on your injury or wrongful death lawsuit can provide you with the support you need to hold the driver legally and financially accountable for their negligent actions. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.
