Crosley LawNew Braunfels Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicyclist safety is a nationwide concern, with 857 cyclists killed in bike-car crashes in 2018. Distracted and careless drivers caused the vast majority of these fatalities and injured many other cyclists. Injuries suffered by cyclists in motor vehicle crashes tend to be severe and cause dramatic changes to the victim’s way of life.  

Injured cyclists often turn to personal injury claims to get the compensation and justice they deserve. However, many find that these negotiations and processes are challenging and too stressful to handle on their own. 

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car-bike collision, contact the bike accident attorneys at Crosley Law. Our experienced attorneys have handled bike crashes in New Braunfels and throughout Texas and are committed to getting our clients the compensation they deserve. 

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your legal rights and options and answer any questions you have regarding personal injury claims. 

Texas Bicyclist Fatalities Increase by 26% in 2018

In 2018, Texas had 26% more bicyclist fatalities than the previous year, and a total of 2,426 bike-car crashes. While the specific cause of this spike is unknown, recent studies by the CDC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed common risk factors. The studies showed that: 

• 50-year-old males were most at risk of a fatal bike crash 
• Urban areas were more dangerous for cyclists than rural areas 
• Contrary to popular belief, non-intersections are more dangerous 
• 37% of fatal bike-car collisions involved alcohol 
• More fatalities and crashes occurred between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM 

The Importance of Understanding Texas’ Bicycle Laws 

Motor vehicle drivers aren’t the only road-users required to follow traffic laws. Cyclists have their own set of rules and must follow them to protect themselves and others. But safety isn’t the only reason cyclists should know and obey bike laws; failure to follow bicycle laws could also affect a victim’s case. If the opposition can prove that a cyclist was not obeying all traffic and bike laws, they may be able to decrease or even eliminate the victim’s compensation by placing some of the blame for the collision on the victim. 

Although obeying bike laws won’t guarantee your safety or the strength of your personal injury claim, it will help. But it’s also essential to keep in mind that even if the insurance companies can’t blame you for the crash, they will try to refuse your claim and minimize your compensation by downplaying the extent and cause of your injuries. 

Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Crashes

In many cities in Texas and across the nation, you’ll see bikes painted all white on the side of the road. Known as “ghost bikes,” they mark the place where a cyclist died in a motor vehicle collision. The memorials both honor the dead and remind all road users of the dangers and serious consequences of car-bike collisions. 

Even more common than cyclist fatalities, riders hit by motor vehicles often sustain severe and potentially life-altering injuries. 

Common cyclist injuries include: 

• Brain bleeding (or hemorrhages) 
• Skull, dental, and other fractures 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 
• Organ damage (common in the liver, pancreas, and lungs)  
• Nerve damage (also called neuropathy) 
• Broken bones such as limbs or ribs often limbs and ribs 
• Dislocated limbs 
• Strains and sprains 
• Road rash and lacerations 

While many victims understand the immediate costs resulting from their crash, medical bills and missed work aren’t the only expenses you need to factor in when considering a settlement. 

While some injuries are only temporary and heal over time, others have permanent effects on the victim’s lives. Severe bike crash injuries can result in a lifetime of treatments, therapy, and mobility issues.  

You must consider these potential effects when calculating the value of your claim to ensure that your compensation will cover your future needs and financial concerns. When you work with the attorneys at Crosley Law, you’re working with an experienced team that considers every possible angle and factor when estimating your compensation. And you can rest assured that we will fight to get you fair compensation.

Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries? There Could Be More Than One Negligent Party

While most victims are quick to focus on the driver of the motor vehicle that hit them, don’t assume the driver is the only party responsible for causing your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, other parties, such as the driver’s employer or mechanic, could also be partially accountable.  

The addition of third parties and their insurance companies can complicate your claim, but may also increase the amount of compensation you can recover. Potential negligent parties and applicable insurance policies may include:  

• The reckless or negligent driver 
• The driver’s employer if they were on the job 
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers who produced defective parts 
• A mechanic who performed a faulty repair job 
• Personal auto insurance like personal injury protection or collision insurance 
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) insurance 

Injured in a New Braunfels Bike Accident? Contact Crosley Law  

At Crosley Law, we analyze the details of each client’s case to identify the unique factors and parties involved. And we fight to hold all negligent parties responsible for their actions. Our attorneys have experience helping cyclists in New Braunfels and throughout Texas get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. 

If you’ve been injured while cycling in New Braunfels, contact us today to learn more about getting the help you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation by completing our online form or calling 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.