Biking is such a great activity, and it's a popular one here in Houston, Texas.
With so many parks and trails, it's great fun to take the family on an afternoon bike ride. However, bikes are often hit by cars that can cause devastating injuries and impact your life for many years. The personal injury lawyers at Salazar & Velazquez can help. Our talented team has many clients who have been hit by a car while riding a bicycle. If you've been the victim of a bicycle accident, call for a free consultation today!
COMMON TYPES OF COLLISIONS BETWEEN BICYCLISTS AND MOTORISTS IN HOUSTON
The right hook is a very common cause of bicycle accidents. This occurs when the bicycle and car are in the same lane heading the same direction. The vehicle passes the bicyclist on the left, but then cuts over to the bicyclist's lane too early, hitting the bicyclist. This type of bicycle accident accounts for almost 15% of all bike accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Right Cross
Another common bicycle accident occurs when a car pulls out from the right in front of a biker, causing them to crash.
The Left Cross
The left cross occurs when a car turning left turns in front of or into an oncoming bicycle healing towards them. These can be head-to-head collisions, which can cause severe injury to the bicyclist.
From Behind
Many bicyclists are hit from behind but not as many as you may think. In fact, about 45% of bicycle and car collisions happen when the car and the bike are heading in the same direction according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Car Dooring
This is surprisingly one of the most common ways bicyclists are hit. This occurs when the driver of a parked car opens their car door in front of a bicyclist. This can be devastating if the bicyclist then is bounced into traffic.
COMMON CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS IN HOUSTON
Distracted Drivers
Distracted drivers cause the majority of vehicle accidents of all types, including bicyclists. Unfortunately, our cell phones are to blame for most of these distractions, such as texting, reading their phones, dialing a phone number, or engaging in social media. Other distractions include eating and drinking in the car and dealing with kids and dogs.
Coming Too Close to the Bicyclist
Drivers often underestimate how much room they should leave a bicyclist. Thus, they end up clipping the bicyclist's tires, sending them crashing to the pavement.
Speeding
If you are speeding, it takes much longer to slow down and respond to road hazards, including bicyclists who are using the road. While hitting a bicyclist at any speed can cause severe injuries, bicyclists are more likely to die from a high-velocity impact over a low one.
Drunk Drivers
Drunk drivers are a danger to everyone on the road, including bicyclists. When you are high or drunk, your ability to make decisions is impaired, which can cause you to misjudge a bicyclist or not see them altogether.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Many people in a rush think they can just drive recklessly with no consequences. One common way drivers use to keep moving in traffic is not to yield when they should. Thus, in roundabouts, merging lanes, and intersections, bicyclists are often hit by drivers in a rush.
Running a Red Light or a Stop Sign
Another common traffic violation drivers make is running a red light or blowing through a stop sign. This causes numerous types of accidents, including bicycle accidents. These types of bicycle collisions often happen in neighborhoods or by drivers who become complacent.
BICYCLISTS' ROAD RESPONSIBILITIES
As you can see, drivers have a big responsibility when it comes to watching out for bicyclists. However, bicyclists themselves cause a fair amount of bicycle accidents when they don't follow the rules of the road. Some common mistakes bicyclists make when biking on roads include:
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Bicyclists make this mistake all the time, oftentimes in residential neighborhoods, too. They mistakenly believe there is not a car at the intersection and fail to stop.
Weaving Through Traffic
Since bicyclists are so small, bicyclists may get in the habit of weaving through traffic, especially if it is going slow. This can cause major bike accidents.
Failure to Signal
Bicyclists have to signal when they turn, either with their hands or with a mechanical turn signal. Many bicycles fail to do so.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Some bicyclists tend to move from lane to lane with little thought of the cars around them.
It is everyone's responsibility while operating any type of moving vehicle to do so safely. Our bicycle accident attorneys are well-versed in the applicable law for bicyclists in Texas. Contact us to learn more today.
HOW TO SUBMIT A BICYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM
Initial Injury
If you are a bicyclist who was hit by a car, the police will come to the scene of the accident and file a report. Eye-wintess testimony will be taken, and the driver or you may be issued a citation for violating any of vehicle or bike laws. If you've been injured, it is highly suggested that you see a doctor or go to the hospital to assess your condition and determine if any injuries occurred.
Partner with a Top-Rated Bicycle Accident Attorney in Houston
If you were injured when hit by a vehicle in Houston, you'll want to partner with a top-notch bicycle accident lawyer who can help. Find one who has experience in dealing with bicycle accidents, so you can have the best chance for a favorable outcome.
Investigation
Once you retain a bicycle injury lawyer, they will perform their own investigation into your case. They will obtain copies of the police report, re-interview any witnesses, and determine the claim and liability in your case.
Build Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Our bicycle claim accident attorneys will begin to compile all of the necessary documentation for your case, including expert testimony from your doctors and the state of your injuries and the impact they may have on your future. This can be a long process, so it's important to exercise patience for your bicycle accident case.
Settlement or Litigation
The majority of bicycle accident cases are settled with insurance companies out of court. Our bicycle accident attorneys are tough negotiators, and we will continue to fight and re-negotiate until we believe you have fair and just compensation. However, if there is no movement, your bicycle accident case will move to litigation, which is where a judge and possibly a jury will decide your claim.