Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Houston, Texas
Bicyclists on Houston roads face a higher risk of accidental injuries due to their lack of protection compared to car drivers. Unlike drivers in vehicles that have metal frames, airbags, and seatbelts, cyclists are fully exposed to the impact of a collision. A sideswipe, rear-end collision, or failure to yield can lead to devastating injuries such as spinal cord injuries, head trauma, or even death. The vulnerability of cyclists is compounded by the fact that Houston’s busy streets may sometimes lack dedicated bike lanes, leaving them to ride alongside much larger and faster-moving vehicles.
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our personal injury lawyers in Houston are fiercely dedicated to protecting the rights of injured cyclists. We understand the unique challenges that cyclists face on the road and their uphill battle to obtain fair compensation for their injuries. With over $500 million recovered for clients, attorney Amanda Demanda is a respected figure in personal injury law, known for her aggressive advocacy and legal skills. Our award-winning bike accident law firm in Houston, recognized as the “Best Personal Injury Law Firm,” will leave no stone unturned when fighting for maximum compensation for you.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Houston
Houston’s Vision Zero report shows that there were 32 bicycle accidents involving serious injuries in Houston in 2022.
- Trends in Bicycle Crashes: In recent years, the number of serious injury bicycle accidents in Houston has varied:
- 46 accidents in 2018
- 45 accidents in 2019
- 27 accidents in 2020
- 47 accidents in 2021
- 32 accidents in 2022
- Fatal Bicycle Crashes: On average, 12 cyclists die annually in Houston due to accidents. In 2022, 11 deaths were reported in bicycle accidents.
- Types of Injuries: Serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and blunt force injuries, are prevalent in these accidents.
- Safety Measures: In response to this situation, Houston has been implementing safety initiatives aimed at protecting cyclists, such as improving road designs and launching awareness campaigns.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Houston
In the experience of our bicycle injury lawyers in Houston, the following types of negligent actions of drivers most commonly result in bicycle accidents in Houston:
Failure to Yield at Intersections
One of the most common negligent actions involves drivers failing to yield to bicyclists at intersections. Many drivers either misjudge the speed of approaching cyclists or are simply unaware of their presence. This leads to dangerous collisions, particularly when motorists make left or right turns without checking for bikes in their blind spots.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorists who fail to signal or check blind spots when changing lanes can easily sideswipe a bicyclist. This is especially dangerous on roads without designated bike lanes or on shared roads, where cyclists may ride close to vehicle traffic. Our Houston bike accident lawyer will prove the liability of the negligent driver in these cases.
Tailgating
When drivers follow too closely behind cyclists, they create a dangerous situation, especially if the cyclist needs to brake suddenly. Tailgating increases the risk of rear-end collisions, which can throw the cyclist off their bike and result in severe injuries. Maintaining a safe distance is critical to prevent such accidents.
Ignoring Bicycle Lanes
In Houston, many streets have designated bike lanes to protect cyclists. However, some motorists ignore these lanes by drifting into them or parking in them, forcing cyclists to merge into traffic. Failing to respect these lanes constitutes a form of negligence. Many bicycle accident claims in Houston result from this negligence of car drivers.
Failure to Signal
Drivers who fail to use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns create unpredictable and unsafe conditions for cyclists. Cyclists rely on visual cues from drivers to navigate safely, and the absence of proper signaling often leads to collisions. Our Houston bicycle accident lawyer will find evidence of this negligence to build a strong bicycle accident claim for the injured victims.
Opening Car Doors Without Looking (Dooring)
A common but preventable cause of bike accidents is when drivers or passengers open car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist without checking. “Dooring” is dangerous because it gives cyclists little to no time to react, sometimes forcing them to swerve into traffic or suffer direct impact with the door. Vehicle damage, witness testimony, or other accident scene evidence may be required to prove negligence.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs severely diminishes a driver’s ability to make sound judgments and react appropriately to road conditions. Drunk or impaired drivers are far more likely to collide with bicyclists, either due to veering out of their lanes or completely disregarding traffic signals and signs. In this type of bicycle accident case, our Houston bike accident lawyers will prove alcohol impairment from police records.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, whether caused by cell phone use, eating, or interacting with in-car entertainment systems, is a significant cause of bicycle accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they may not see a cyclist in time to avoid a collision.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit greatly increases the chances of a collision with a cyclist. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and makes it more difficult to stop quickly if a bicyclist suddenly appears. It also amplifies the impact force during a collision, leading to more serious injuries for the cyclist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Bicycle Accidents
Do I need to file a police report after a bicycle accident in Houston?
Yes, it is recommended to file a police report after a bicycle accident in Houston. Under Texas traffic laws, any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement. The police report can serve as critical evidence when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
If I was partially at fault for the bicycle accident, can I still recover compensation?
Yes, under Texas law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a bicycle accident in Houston?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a bicycle accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. If the claim is against a government entity, such as for dangerous road conditions, you must also file a notice of claim much sooner, often within six months.
Why Choose Our Houston, TX Bicycle Accident Lawyers for Your Case?
When you need Houston bike injury legal assistance, you should choose our skilled and proven bicycle accident lawyers at Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers.
We Negotiate the Highest Settlements but Treat Your Case as if it Will Go to Trial
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we don’t settle for lowball offers from insurance companies. In personal injury cases, treating your insurance claim like a trial case is important. Our Houston bicycle accident attorney builds each claim diligently, presenting strong evidence, hiring expert witnesses when needed, and preparing for trial from the outset. This aggressive strategy ensures that insurance companies understand the seriousness of your claim and are forced to consider its true value. By preparing for your case as though it is heading to court, we maximize our negotiating leverage with the insurers.
Insurance Companies Recognize Our Formidable Record and Trial Capabilities
Insurance companies only pay what you deserve when they are afraid of what a jury might award you in court. Our Houston bicycle accident lawyers at Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers have recovered $500 million+ in settlements and verdicts, making us well-known among insurance carriers for our trial capabilities. When insurers know they are up against seasoned litigators who are prepared to take a case to court, they are much more likely to offer a fair settlement early in the process. This reputation enables us to achieve the highest compensation for bicycle accident victims because the insurer may want to avoid the prospect of facing the jury before a strong trial team.
We Provide Client-Centric Representation
Our law firm is client-first, which means that your needs are always at the forefront of every decision we make. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges a bicycle accident can impose, so we take every step to ensure you are supported throughout the entire process. Our approach is one of open communication and responsiveness, keeping you informed and involved while we handle the complexities of your case. This personalized representation ensures that your voice is heard and your rights are fully protected.
Contingency Fee Arrangement – You Don’t Pay Until We Win
We believe in making top-tier legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial standing. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay a dime until we win your case. This commitment means you can focus on your recovery while we work tirelessly to secure your compensation. You have nothing to lose by hiring our team, but everything to gain when we fight for you.To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
Abogados para Latinos - At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we understand the importance of having legal representation that speaks your language and understands your culture. That’s why we have a dedicated team of native Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff who are ready to assist you. We are proud to serve Miami's vibrant Hispanic community, offering compassionate and culturally sensitive legal services in both English and Spanish. Whether you're more comfortable speaking Spanish or simply want a Spanish-fluent lawyer who understands the unique challenges faced by Latinos, our team is here to provide you with the support and expertise you need to navigate the legal system with confidence.
