San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyer

We Fight for Texas Bicycle Accident Victims

The road can be a dangerous place for bicycle riders. While more and more people are enjoying the financial and health benefits of cycling, careless and distracted drivers frequently cause serious and sometimes fatal bicycle accidents. In fact, bicycle fatalities have skyrocketed in Texas since the start of the pandemic—a 34% increase from 67 in 2019 all the way to 90 in 2021.

Unfortunately, insurance company claims adjusters and San Antonio courtrooms can be nearly as dangerous as the roads. Bicycle riders often suffer costly and catastrophic injuries, meaning insurance companies work hard to deny claims or minimize what they must pay out. They also frequently face anti-cyclist bias from police officers and juries, and are more likely to be blames for accidents that were not their fault.

These are just some of the reasons why it’s so important to talk with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious bike accident, you deserve justice and compensation. But before you file a lawsuit or accept an insurance company settlement, schedule a free consultation with a San Antonio bicycle accident lawyer from our team at Crosley Law. We have the knowledge and experience to handle serious accidents involving bicycles and other vehicles.

To learn more about our approach to bicycle collision cases, keep reading. We have additional information about Texas bicycling laws, common bike accident injuries, and more.

We’re Not Just Personal Injury Lawyers—We’re Cyclists

Years ago, Tom Crosley took up cycling in honor of a client who died in a bicycle accident. Today, many of our law firm’s employees are avid bike riders.

We understand San Antonio’s biking community because we’re part of it. That experience gives us a significant advantage: Our injury lawyers understand our city’s biking rules, the challenges that bikers face on San Antonio’s roads, and the science involved in motor vehicle crashes involving cyclists.

But our team doesn’t stop there. Our law firm uses cutting-edge litigation tactics and works with respected expert witnesses to strengthen our clients’ injury claims. We frequently consult with doctors, accident reconstruction specialists, vocational experts, long-term care planners, and others, making sure we understand every nuance of our clients’ insurance claims and losses.

Crosley Law: Getting Results in San Antonio Bicycle Accident Cases

The experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Crosley Law aggressively represent those who have been injured by a serious bike accident, as well as families of those who have lost loved ones. We’ve helped many victims navigate their bicycle accident claims, getting them the compensation and answers they deserved.

Confidential Settlement

Raymond, a star student and energetic and ambitious young man with his whole life ahead of him, was riding his bicycle down the sidewalk. He was run over by a delivery truck driver who had failed to check for pedestrians before attempting to pull out of a driveway and merge with high-speed traffic. Raymond was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, including a skull fracture and TBI.

Crosley Law’s attorneys poured their hearts and souls into this case, taking more than 30 depositions and hiring over a dozen expert witnesses in multiple fields (medicine, neuroscience, crash reconstruction, life care planning, and more). After more than three years of hard work, we were able to convince the insurance company to settle the case for an amount that can guarantee Raymond’s financial security for the rest of his life.

Crosley Law Settles Major Brain Injury Case: Ramse’s Story

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$1.5 Million Settlement

Carl was pedaling down Broadway Street in San Antonio when a Ford F-350 suddenly pulled out and smashed into him. He suffered severe injuries, many of which required emergency surgery. Even after his condition stabilized, he still required additional care, had trouble walking, and dealt with fatigue, depression, short-term memory loss, and other symptoms related to a brain injury.

The insurance company initially refused to pay, blaming Carl for crash. In the police report, an unreliable eyewitness claimed they had not seen Carl using a headlight, and Carl was too injured to provide his side of the story. Crosley Law conducted a thorough investigation, speaking with multiple expert witnesses and other eyewitnesses who were at the scene. We also conducted a mock trial to hone our arguments. Eventually, we were able to secure a sizable settlement from the insurance company in mediation.

The Crosley Law Team Secures a $1.5 Million Settlement for an Injured Bicyclist: Carl R.’s Story

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$1 Million Settlement

Wayne, an experienced cyclist and respected San Antonio attorney, was killed when an 18-wheeler passed and then turned directly in front of him. The trucker claimed that Wayne was at fault after running a stop sign, and with no other witnesses the police believed him. This would have been significantly out of character for Wayne, who was an incredibly responsible rider.

Crosley Law’s investigation painted a much different story. We were able to show that the truck driver had plenty of time and visibility to avoid the crash. Moreover, the truck itself was in dangerously poor repair, including a non-functioning turn signal that would have warned Wayne about the sudden turn. Ultimately, we were able to convince the insurance company to offer a full policy limits settlement.

A Cyclist Loses His Life in a Truck Wreck: Wayne C.’s Story

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Is San Antonio Bike-Friendly? The Answer Is Complicated

Bike ridership is increasing, and city officials are working hard to make San Antonio more bike-friendly by designing dedicated bike lanes and bike paths, establishing safe passing rules, and creating bicycle light ordinances. We’ve come a long way in the past decade.

However, many important roads still lack facilities for cyclists. According to a 2021 paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, an estimated 76% of San Antonio bicycle accidents between 2014 and 2018 (955 out of 1251 bike accidents with known location data) occurred on roads without a bike lane or other bicycle safety infrastructure.

And while the data does show that adding more bike lanes does help keep riders safer, even the best safety measures and driver education campaigns can’t always prevent catastrophic bicycle accidents caused by negligent, reckless drivers.

Over that same 5-year period (2014-2018), the researchers identified 1539 total bicycle crashes in San Antonio, with 16 resulting in death and 105 resulting in an incapacitating injury. San Antonio has also frequently been listed among the top 20 cities in the U.S. for bicyclist deaths and serious injuries.

Bicycle Traffic Laws: Who has the Right of Way?

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Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in San Antonio

While driving in San Antonio, you might occasionally see a “ghost bike,” a white-painted bike memorializing a fatal car-bike accident. These memorials are a haunting reminder that bicycle accidents have serious consequences.

Common injuries associated with bike accidents include:

• Head injuries, such as:
  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Skull fractures
  • Dental fractures
  • Intracranial hemorrhages
  • Eye injuries
• Back and spine injuries, such as:
  • Herniated discs
  • Vertebral fractures
  • Spinal cord damage
• Musculoskeletal injuries, such as:
  • Broken bones (including arm, leg, pelvic, and rib fractures)
  • Dislocations of the shoulders, knees, and other joints
  • Sprains, strains, and whiplash
• Road rash, contusions, and lacerations
• Organ damage
• Nerve damage and neuropathy

While some injured cyclists recover from their injuries, others face a lifetime of medical treatment and permanent disability.

When you work with a bike accident lawyer at Crosley Law, we can talk with you about the extent and value of the damages you might be owed for your injuries. And while every case is different, we always fight for fair compensation on behalf of our clients. Contact us today by completing our online form or by calling 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.

What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in San Antonio?

Every bike-car accident involves different facts and circumstances. In San Antonio, common causes of bicycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign, traffic light, or intersection
• Speeding
• Improper lane changes
• Distracted driving
• Drunk and drugged driving

We’ve built a reputation for our detailed bike crash investigations. Our bicycle accident lawyers frequently work with accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, and other experts who can pinpoint the precise causes of your crash. We’ll also interview witnesses, search for surveillance footage of the crash, and uncover other essential information.

What Are the Bicycle Laws in Texas and San Antonio?

It’s essential to understand bike laws in Texas and San Antonio before you take to the road. All cyclists must comply with state and municipal bike and traffic laws. If a cyclist violates these laws and causes an accident, they might be liable for damages. They might even face misdemeanor charges and fines.

As a cyclist, you typically must:

• Follow San Antonio’s safe passing protocols
• Use front and rear bike lights in the evening and early morning
• Follow all relevant traffic laws

While neither San Antonio nor Texas currently have bicycle helmet laws, Crosley Law encourages everyone to bike responsibly and use protective equipment.

Unfortunately, following the rules and wearing a helmet can’t always protect you from careless drivers. Even worse, if you’ve been hit by a driver while bicycling, the insurance company may try to offer you a low settlement by blaming you for the collision. They will do this because, in Texas, if your negligence contributed to a crash, the insurance company can use that to pay you less.

However, you should never assume that the insurance company’s assessment is fair or accurate. Instead, contact an experienced bike accident lawyer at Crosley Law for a free consultation by using our simple online form or calling us at 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.

How Much Is My Bike Accident Claim Worth?

Many factors can impact the settlement value of your bicycle crash claims. At Crosley Law, we carefully look for every insurance policy that covers your injuries. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may be able to file claims with multiple insurance companies.

Who Is Responsible for My Bike Accident Injury?

After a life-changing bicycle crash, you’ll need all the help you can get. To get the compensation you deserve, you’ll need to identify every insurance policy that covers your bicycle accident claim. Depending on the nature of your accident, you might have claims against:

• Distracted or careless drivers
• An employer (if the accident occurred within the scope of either your or the driver’s employment)
• Manufacturers of dangerous or defective products
• Your personal insurance protection (PIP) policy, which covers lost income and medical costs
• Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) policy, which should step in if the at-fault driver was underinsured or you were harmed in a hit-and-run crash
• Other negligent parties, like bars and restaurants that overserve drunk drivers

Most accident victims and their family members can’t identify all their personal injury claims without help from a knowledgeable lawyer. At Crosley Law, we guide bicycle crash victims through their complex insurance claims, giving them practical advice and helping them hold the negligent parties accountable.

Calculating Your Bike Crash Claim’s Settlement Value

As we’re identifying all the insurance policies that cover your claim, our San Antonio bike accident lawyers will start calculating your damages. Depending on the severity of your injuries and your unique circumstances, your damages might include the following:

• Medical bills and the cost of future medical care
• Lost wages and wage-earning capacity
• Medical devices and improvements you need to make to your home or vehicle so that they’re accessible
• The cost of replacing or repairing your damaged property
• Replacement services if you need help maintaining your home and caring for yourself
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral and burial expenses

We carefully analyze each client’s situation and the supporting evidence. Then, we determine the full value of their potential claims and tailor our litigation strategy to meet their needs. Our injury lawyers have a remarkable track record of success, and we have recovered millions for bike crash victims and their loved ones.

Crosley Law: Standing Up for San Antonio and Bexar County Bike Accident Victims

At Crosley Law, we fight to help our bicycle accident victims recover compensation from negligent drivers, manufacturers of defective bicycles and bike parts, insurance companies, and other responsible parties.

We know that insurance companies do not always fairly compensate injured bikers or families who have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident. Our team has the skill, experience, and tenacity you need on your side while taking on big insurance companies.

To request a free consultation to discuss your bicycle accident case with one of our experienced attorneys, please complete our online form or call our office today at 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.

References

Texas Department of Transportation (2020). Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts Calendar Year 2019. Retrieved from https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2019/01.pdf

Texas Department of Transportation (2022). Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts Calendar Year 2021. Retrieved from https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2021/01.pdf

Billah K, Sharif HO, Dessouky S. Analysis of Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Crashes in San Antonio, Texas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021 Sep 1;18(17):9220. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18179220. PMID: 34501810; PMCID: PMC8431750. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8431750/

Laws and ordinances. City of San Antonio. Retrieved from https://www.sanantonio.gov/SABikes/SafetyAndEducation/LawsAndOrdinances.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.