Nationwide, bike crashes and fatalities are on the rise, and San Antonio is not immune. As more cyclists hit our city’s roads, we’ve experienced more car-bike collisions, many with tragic results. In 2018, San Antonio’s number of fatal bike crashes doubled.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle crash, you may be entitled to compensation, but it’s not an easy process. Before you file a lawsuit or accept a settlement, contact the bike accident attorneys at Crosley Law. We have experience handling catastrophic injury claims involving bicycles and motor vehicles and will sit down with you and discuss your case and options during a free consultation.
For more information about bicycle crashes and personal injury claims, keep reading, or fill out our form to schedule a free consultation.
San Antonio’s Bike Fatalities Doubled in 2018
Texas had 2,426 crashes involving bicycles in 2018. Unfortunately, fatal crashes are on the rise. Compared to 2017, there was a 26% increase in fatal bike crashes in Texas, and San Antonio’s rate doubled.
Research suggests that there are several common risk factors involved in bike-car collisions, including:
- Males in their 50s are most at risk of a fatal bike crash.
- Urban areas and non-intersections pose the most risk.
- Alcohol was a potential factor in 37% of bicyclist fatalities.
- The most dangerous time for bicyclists is between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Understanding Texas’ Bicycle Laws
Not only do Texas’ bike laws help keep you safe, but they can also affect your claim—for better or for worse. By failing to follow the rules for bicyclists, the insurance company may claim you were partially responsible for the crash and your injuries.
Cyclists in Texas must follow the rules of the road, obey traffic signals, and comply with other state and local laws. While following these laws won’t necessarily keep you safe from reckless drivers, it can help. Additionally, obeying bike laws also keeps the insurance companies from being able to claim that you contributed to the crash, which can drastically decrease or even eliminate your compensation for your injuries.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Crashes
You’ve probably seen San Antonio’s “ghost bikes,” which serve as memorials for bicyclists killed in motor vehicle collisions, and as a reminder for drivers to share the road. Even when not fatal, car-bike crashes can cause significant injuries. Common injuries include:
- Brain hemorrhages
- Skull and dental fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage and neuropathy
- Broken bones (often limbs and ribs)
- Dislocated limbs
- Sprains and strains
- Road rash and lacerations
Some injuries are only temporary, but others result in a lifetime of treatments, therapies, and disability.
The effect your injuries will have on your life and livelihood, whether temporary or permanent, is an essential factor to consider when estimating the value of your claim. When you work with Crosley Law, we calculate your compensation with all of these factors in mind. And we fight for justice for all of our clients.
Multiple Parties Can Contribute to a Bicycle Crash
Every bicycle crash is different. Depending on the specific circumstances of your accident, your claim could involve more than one negligent party. While additional policies and responsible parties can provide more avenues of recovering the compensation you deserve, it can also further complicate your case. You may have claims against:
- Reckless or negligent drivers
- The other driver’s employer if the collision occurred while they were on the job
- Manufacturers of defective or dangerous parts and products
- Mechanics who performed faulty repair jobs
- Your personal insurance protection (PIP) policy
- Other personal auto insurance, such as collision policies
- Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) policy
Identifying all potentially negligent parties and sources of recovery can be difficult without help from an experienced accident attorney. At Crosley Law, we thoroughly analyze our clients’ cases to determine the unique aspects and parties involved in their case to help get them the full compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for more information about our advanced approach to litigation.
Crosley Law Aggressively Represents San Antonio Bike Accident Victims
At Crosley Law, we represent injured cyclists and their families. We fight to help our clients get the compensation they deserve from all negligent parties involved in their case. Don’t rely on the insurance company to offer you a fair settlement if you’ve been injured in a bike-car crash, contact our attorneys today.
Get the help you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation by completing our online form or calling 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.
At Crosley Law, we represent injured cyclists and their families. We fight to help our clients get the compensation they deserve from all negligent parties involved in their case. Don’t rely on the insurance company to offer you a fair settlement if you’ve been injured in a bike-car crash, contact our attorneys today.
Get the help you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation by completing our online form or calling 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.
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Crosley Law Firm, PC is a professional corporation of trial lawyers focused on representing individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injuries or wrongful death. If you’ve been injured, fill out the form for a free consultation, or call 210-LAW-3000.