Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Representing Injured Cyclists Throughout Texas and Nationwide

As fuel costs rise and Americans become more aware of the negative environmental impacts associated with motor vehicles, bicycles are becoming an increasingly common form of transportation, even on busy streets and highways. However, because few cities have designated bike lanes, cyclists must share the road with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. Sadly, this close proximity increases the risk of a bicycle-vehicle accident—which can be devastating or even deadly for the cyclist involved. 

At Arnold & Itkin, we represent injured cyclists, as well as the families of those involved in fatal bike accidents. Our Houston bicycle accident attorneys understand the unique challenges these types of cases present, including the likelihood for catastrophic injuries, the immense cost of medical care, and the insurance company’s unwillingness to pay fair compensation to injured accident victims. We also know how to build powerful cases on behalf of our clients. Our team has a proven track record of winning results, having secured billions of dollars for those affected by negligence. 

If you or a loved one was hurt in a bike accident, we can help. Contact us today at (888) 493-1629 for a free review of your case.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Texas? 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 966 cyclists died in traffic accidents in 2021, making up more than 2% of all traffic-related fatalities for that calendar year. Furthermore, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that bicycle accident fatalities within the state increased by 28% between 2018 and 2022. In 2022, Texas saw more than 2,300 bicycle-related traffic accidents, leading to 333 serious injuries and 92 fatalities. 

Other shocking statistics paint the true picture of the dangers a cyclist faces on the road:

• The most common contributing factors in Texas bicycle accidents in 2022 were speeding, failure to yield the right of way, and distracted driving/driver inattention. 
• Historically, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities account for about 20% of all traffic-related fatalities each year in the state of Texas. 
• While bicycle accidents happen throughout the state, these incidents are mostly concentrated in cities and urban areas. 
• The majority (69.8% in 2021) of bicycle accident fatalities occur during nighttime, regardless of whether the area is lit or not. 
• In 2021, more than 15% of all bicycle accident fatalities in Texas involved at least one person who was impaired. 

What to Do If You Were Involved in a Bike Accident 

The first thing you should do if you were involved in a bicycle accident—regardless of when it occurred or whether you believe you suffered any major injuries—is to seek medical attention. If you have not seen a doctor yet, do so right away. Not only could you have undetected injuries, but the sooner you receive medical care, the sooner you can begin healing. Getting treatment also helps establish proof of your injuries for your future personal injury claim, should you choose to file one. 

Here are some other steps you should take after a bike accident, if you can: 

• Report the accident to the police. If necessary, call 911. If you did not call the police to the scene, be sure to report the incident as soon as possible. 
• Obtain and/or keep any evidence from the crash. This includes your damaged bike or helmet, ripped or bloodied clothing, pictures of the accident scene, and more.
• Ask for a copy of the police report and your medical records. Keep these documents and, if you hire a lawyer, be sure to give them to your legal team. 
• Avoid admitting fault or discussing who was to blame for the accident, both in real life and on social media. Don’t post anything about the accident on social media. 
• Contact an experienced bike accident attorney, like those at Arnold & Itkin, who can help with your injury claim. 

Our team understands Texas bicycle laws and can use this knowledge to determine who was at fault for the collision that caused your injuries. Whether a motorist was distracted, failed to give you the appropriate three or six feet of space when passing, or crossed into a bike lane without looking, we can build a strong case on your behalf. 

What Injuries Do Bicycle Accidents Cause?

Compared to drivers and passengers in cars, SUVs, trucks, and other enclosed motor vehicles, bicyclists have little to no protection if they are involved in an accident. As a result, cyclists are at a much higher risk of suffering severe injuries, even when wearing a helmet and protective gear. 

Common bicycle accident injuries include: 

Our Houston bicycle accident attorneys know just how damaging these injuries can be, often leading to profound physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims and their families. That is why we are so committed to helping injured cyclists. We want to make sure that you have the legal support you need during this difficult time. You can count on our firm to aggressively advocate for you and fight for the full, fair compensation you deserve.  

How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen and Who Is at Fault? 

While there are many potential causes of bicycle accidents, these causes have one thing in common: they nearly always involve some degree of negligence. Whether it was the driver of a car that carelessly caused a collision, or another bicyclist who failed to keep a proper lookout on a designated bike trail, the person or party at fault for causing the accident could be liable for your resulting medical bills and other damages. 

Bicycle accidents can occur for many different reasons, such as:

• Motorists making sudden, unexpected maneuvers, such as lane changes or turns
• Drivers cutting across or driving in designated bicycle lanes 
• Drivers and passengers suddenly opening vehicle doors without checking for cyclists
• Careless and reckless driving behaviors, such as texting while driving or speeding
• Intoxicated or impaired motorists and/or bicyclists
• Motorists failing to yield the right of way to bicyclists sharing the roadway

Sometimes, defective equipment or safety gear can worsen the effects of a crash. For example, a defective bike helmet may break upon impact, causing the cyclist to suffer a serious brain injury despite wearing the proper protective gear. Additionally, roadway defects—such as missing or illegible signage, blind curves, and potholes—can cause an accident or exacerbate the damage done. 

At Arnold & Itkin, we carefully investigate these incidents to determine exactly what happened, as well as who is responsible for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages. Depending on the specific details, this could be a negligent motorist, another bicyclist, the manufacturer of a defective auto or bicycle part, or some other party.

Are You Entitled to Compensation After a Bicycle Accident?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, or if your loved one passed away after being struck by a negligent motorist, you may be entitled to compensation. To have a case, you must prove that someone else—whether it was the driver of a vehicle, another bicyclist, or even a product manufacturer—was somehow negligent and that this is what led to your injuries. 

Anyone who injures or kills a cyclist may be held liable for a wide variety of damages, including but not limited to:  

There are many other types of physical, economic, and sometimes even punitive damages that a responsible party may be liable for if he or she showed gross negligence or was a repeat offender. At Arnold & Itkin, our bicycle accident attorneys have years of experience handling these types of claims. We are prepared to aggressively pursue compensation for injuries suffered as a result of negligent motorists and other parties. We fight for the best results—no matter what.

How a Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a bike accident, victims are left with many questions. Who will pay your medical bills? What will you tell the insurance company, and what can you do if you're suddenly blamed for the accident? An attorney from Arnold & Itkin can help.

When we take on a bicycle accident case, we:

• Handle all communication with the insurance company and other key parties
• Work with investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine what caused the incident
• Use the findings of this investigation to determine who is to blame
• Gather evidence that helps us build a strong case against the at-fault party or parties
• Determine the full and fair value of your claim based on current and future expenses and injuries
• Negotiate or litigate to seek maximum compensation so you can rebuild your life

We are here for you after a devastating bike crash. If you suffered a serious, life-changing injury, or if your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas, reach out to Arnold & Itkin today to learn how we can help. 

Contact our Houston bike accident lawyers at (888) 493-1629. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.