Sharing the Road With Bicyclists in New Braunfels
When motorists get behind the wheel, they have an obligation to drive safely. If they fail to meet this duty of care, they can cause serious injuries to others, especially cyclists. A driver who does not pay attention while sharing the road with bicyclists in New Braunfels can and should be held responsible for their negligence.
If you were injured in this type of accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced bike accident attorney at Felix Gonzalez Law can build a legal case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
What Responsibilities Does a Driver Owe to Cyclists?
When sharing New Braunfels roads, motorists owe cyclists the same duty of care that they owe other drivers. This involves following the law and taking the precautions necessary to avoid collisions. Certain additional concerns apply in regard to cyclists.
Seeing Cyclists
As they do not take up as much space on the road, bicyclists are far more likely than motorists to go unnoticed. In addition, they do not have the metal shell of a car to help protect them from the impact of an accident. For these reasons, drivers must take extra care to watch for cyclists and stay aware of their movements. In particular, drivers should check their blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
Giving Cyclists Adequate Space
Motorists must also consider just how vulnerable bicyclists are when cars pass them. The law requires drivers to stay within the speed limit and leave at least 3 feet between the bike and the car.
Drivers should also consider whether cyclists may be passing before they open car doors after parking on a roadside. Dooring accidents are commonly underestimated, and the resulting injuries can be severe.
Treating Cyclists Like Other Drivers
Texas Transportation Code § 551 grants bicyclists the same status as motorists. This means drivers must:
- Yield the right-of-way to cyclists as required by law
- Pass cyclists safely, allowing them at least 3 feet of clearance whenever possible
- Check to ensure that every turn is safe to make, which includes checking for cyclists when turning right on red
- Pay careful attention to blind spots whenever changing lanes
Drivers should recognize that it is more difficult to judge a cyclist’s speed and distance, and proceed accordingly.
Pursuing a Bike Accident Claim
For those injured in a bike accident, pursuing the full compensation they deserve requires proving several basic elements.
The Driver Breached Their Duty of Care
As drivers have a responsibility to safely share the road with cyclists, it is important to prove that the at-fault New Braunfels motorist failed to live up to their responsibility. This often translates to driver negligence, which can take many forms, including impairment, distraction, and driving at excess speed.
The Driver’s Negligence Caused the Bike Accident
The injured party will also need to prove that the driver’s negligence was directly responsible for the bike accident that caused their injury. A dedicated bike accident lawyer can gather the evidence necessary to prove cause and effect in a legal case.
The Cyclist Suffered Legal Damages as a Result
The compensation a person recovers through a bike accident claim will be a direct reflection of the losses they suffered in each of the following categories:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses—past and future
- Lost income, which may include lost earning potential
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering, which should never be minimized
Call Felix Gonzalez for Help Understanding the Laws That Govern Drivers Sharing the Road With Cyclists
The laws that govern how drivers act when sharing the road with bicyclists in New Braunfels can be difficult to navigate on your own. If a driver caused you harm while you were cycling, the seasoned attorneys at Felix Gonzalez Law can pursue a claim that addresses your full range of losses, helping you to move forward with your recovery. Contact us today to learn more.
