West Lake Hills Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Serious injuries from bicycle accidents happen too often. Too many drivers fail to account for cyclists, and a bicycle’s lack of weight and safety features compared with a car means that often the cyclist bears the brunt of the driver’s carelessness.
When you find yourself in this situation, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Medical expenses can mount quickly, and dealing with insurance companies can be a difficult process. A West Lake Hills bicycle accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies and seek to hold the other driver responsible for paying you back for the losses you incurred as a result of your injuries. Call one of our skilled accident attorneys today to learn more.
What If Multiple People Caused the Wreck?
Proving who and what caused the bicycle crash is one of the most important steps an attorney in West Lake Hills can help an injured cyclist establish. The hurt person can hold another driver legally and financially responsible for their injuries only if they can prove the driver caused those injuries.
Often, however, accidents are not black and white. In most cases, there are multiple actions that cause the crash. Sometimes, both the cyclist and the driver can be partially responsible for the wreck.
Even if they are partially responsible, the cyclist could still recover. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 provides that an injured person who is partially responsible for the accident can still recover compensation. However, there are two important caveats: first, the amount that the injured person would have recovered will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault; second, the injured person cannot recover anything if their percentage of responsibility is greater than the person’s from whom they are seeking compensation.
Bicycle Regulations
Several laws apply to the operation of bicycles on public roadways. These laws are meant to help keep cyclists safe and decrease the risk of injuries. Failing to comply with any of these rules also makes it more likely that a cyclist will be deemed partially responsible for any wrecks that occur, potentially reducing or eliminating what they can recover for their injuries.
Therefore, it is important that all cyclists know and comply with the laws applicable to them. A few such regulations include:
- Texas Transportation Code § 551.101 – provides that, in general, a cyclist must comply with all the rules of the road that apply to a driver of a car, truck, or other motor vehicle
- Texas Transportation Code § 551.102 – establishes that a cyclist can ride only on the bicycle’s normal seat and cannot carry more passengers than the bicycle is designed to hold; that is, riding on the handlebars or hub of the bike’s wheel is prohibited
- Texas Transportation Code § 551.103 – prescribes that cyclists cannot ride more than two abreast outside of a designated bicycle lane and that cyclists traveling slower than the other cars on the road must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb
- Texas Transportation Code § 551.104 – all bicycles must have proper safety equipment, including functioning brakes and, if ridden at night, lighting on the front and rear of the bicycle
A lawyer with experience handling cycling wrecks in West Lake Hills can help cyclists understand what other laws may be applicable in the cyclist’s specific context. A lawyer can also assist a cyclist involved analyze their compliance with the applicable rules at the time of the wreck and the impact that will have on the potential recovery.
Contact a West Lake Hills Attorney Regarding a Bicycle Crash Today
When you have been hurt by another driver while cycling, you should not deal with the consequences on your own. An attorney can help you investigate the wreck, determine who was responsible, and protect your right to receive compensation for your injuries. You should be able to focus on healing and recovering rather than worrying about medical expenses and legal processes.
Schedule an initial consultation with a West Lake Hills bicycle accident lawyer to learn more about how they may help in your situation.
