Denton Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Many people across the United States ride bicycles for transportation, for health, and for enjoyment. In Texas, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and cyclists are required by law to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. In fact, cyclists have just as much right to the road as motorists. Bicyclists, however, are much more defenseless to injury or even death as they are sometimes not visible, and in many cases, drivers of motor vehicles are simply not paying attention to bicyclists. Unfortunately, not everyone shares the same “share the road with bicycles” attitude and many cyclists are harassed, thrown off their bikes during “near miss” accidents, or hit by vehicles. 

At a national level, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2017, 783 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the United States and the number of bicyclist injuries was an estimated 49,000. In 2016, there were 840 cyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States, an increase from 829 in 2015. Cyclist deaths accounted for 2.2 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. 

In 2016, the average age of cyclists killed in traffic crashes was 46. Over the past 10 years, the average age of cyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes has steadily increased. The average age of cyclists killed has increased from 40 in 2007 to 46 in 2016. The majority of cyclists killed (84%) in 2016 were males. The largest number of cyclist fatalities were in age groups 50 to 54 and 55 to 59 with 12 percent each. In 2016, the population-based cyclist fatality rate was 5.6 times higher for males than for females. Children under 15 accounted for 7 percent of all cyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2016.

Below is chart from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with the total fatalities and cyclist fatalities in traffic accidents from 2007 – 2016:

According to the Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts, in Texas there were 57 cyclist fatalities in 2017.   Likewise, according to the Texas Department of Transportation:

• From 2007 to 2012, there have been 12,789 crashes in Texas involving bicycles, resulting in 12,132 injuries and 297 fatalities;
• Over one-quarter (27%) of cyclists involved in crashes are younger than 15; another 25% are between 15 and 24; and
• Males represented 81% of bicycle crash victims (2007-2012).

In fact, statistics further show that the number of fatal bike accidents is on the rise. In 2015, there were 45,000 reported bicycle accidents in the United States, down from 50,000 reported accidents in the prior year. However, the number of fatal accidents increased by more than 12% during this same time.

In an accident contest between a bicycle and a car or a truck, in every instance, the cyclist will lose.  Drivers of motor vehicles, because of their larger mass and speed have a duty to pay careful attention to cyclists on the road. If drivers are negligent and that negligence causes a bicycle accident, the attorneys at Chandler | Ross, PLLC will hold them responsible.  If you or someone you love is injured in a bicycle accident in Denton, Dallas, or Forth Worth, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. From the moment you are injured, your personal injury attorneys at Chandler | Ross, PLLC will go to work fighting to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Bicycle Accident Injuries are Often Catastrophic

Due to the speed at which bicycle accidents occur and the little protection a bicycle offers, cyclists who are hit by motor vehicles usually sustain severe and life-changing injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (neck and/or back)
• Broken and/or facture bones (hands, legs, clavicle, elbows)
• Joint dislocation
• Dental and jaw injuries
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis
• Disfigurement
• Road rash
• Severe soft tissue injuries

Any of these catastrophic injuries can, and most likely will, greatly diminish a cyclist’s quality of life. Cyclists who are involved in a traffic collision may find their entire life turned upside down. They may be unable to work, provide for their family, enjoy their hobbies, or even ride a bike again. Exorbitant medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and long-term disability are just a few of the costs that can cripple an injured cyclist and his or her family.

Bicycle Laws in Texas

The Texas Transportation Code statutes address the laws that all bicyclists must follow in the State of Texas. These rules include:

• Obeying traffic signals and traffic signs
• Riding near a curb and in the same direction as other traffic
• At least one hand must always be on a handlebar
• Use arm and hand signals when appropriate to signal to other drivers
• One rider only per saddle
• Two riders abreast in a lane is appropriate as long as traffic is not impeded
• While bicyclists have an obligation to follow the laws of the road, so do motor vehicle drivers—and all motorists must yield the right-of-way to a bicycle when appropriate, just like any other vehicle.

Under Texas law, a driver can found negligent and liable for damages if a plaintiff can show that the driver violated driving related laws. Common examples include speeding, running through a red light, failure to yield the right of way, and generally not adhering to the traffic laws.

Unfortunately, some drivers do not always watch for cyclists on the road, and distracted driving can lead to horrific bicycle accidents. When this occurs, insurance companies will often try to blame the cyclist—citing that they swerved into oncoming traffic or into the vehicle’s path. Sadly, this is far from the truth and our experienced personal injury attorneys will investigate your accident closely to determine who is ultimately responsible for your accident—and your injuries.

With offices in Denton, Dallas, and Fort Worth, our Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Chandler | Ross, PLLC are well positioned to provide the most effective and highly-skilled representation possible.  Don’t wait, and don’t compromise – contact us today to see how we can help you.  In most cases, you pay nothing unless we settle your case or win a verdict.  Contact Us now at (940)-800-2500 or support@chandlerrosslaw.com to schedule your free personal injury case evaluation and consultation.