Austin Bike Accident Attorney
Apart from a helmet, bicyclists basically have nothing to protect them from the impact of a vehicle, which is why bike accidents often end in severe injuries or death. Unfortunately, Texas is one of the most dangerous states for riders, especially in large cities such as Austin. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to file a legal claim for compensation. The Villarreal & Begum Law Firm is a leading Austin personal injury law firm. Our lawyers will assess the facts of your case, determine who is responsible, and fight for the financial security you need to recover. Call (512) 888-7777 or contact us online to arrange your free consultation.
Why Choose Our Austin Bike Accident Attorney?
- We have extensive trial experience and a record of success. If an out-of-court settlement is not possible, rest assured we will be prepared to litigate on your behalf.
- You can feel confident knowing that your anxieties and worries are being taken care of and given the dedicated attention of a highly skilled personal injury attorney.
- We handle all bicycle accident cases on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay anything unless we recover money for you.
How Common are Bike Accidents in Austin?
Travis County, where Austin is located, is second among the top 10 counties by the total number of bicycle crashes between 2010 to 2016, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).
- 1,985 accidents involving bicycles occurred in Travis County, out of the 16,807 bike accidents that took place in Texas during that time period.
- Data from the U.S Department of Transportation for 2017, shows Austin as being in the top 10 cities that have a higher rate of pedalcyclist (two-wheel riders) fatalities, out of all cities across the U.S. with populations over 500,000.
- The majority of these fatal bicycle accidents in Austin and nationally happen between 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.
The state of Texas as a whole, is the third most dangerous state for bicyclists.
Injuries that Result from Bicycle Accidents
When a car or truck hits a bicycle, the rider is likely to suffer devastating and even life-changing injuries, if they are not killed. Those often include the following:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Abrasions (“road rash”)
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injury
Bike accident victims typically face overwhelming medical expenses, extended time away from work, and the need for long-term care. An Austin bike accident attorney will fight for your future by securing the fair amount of compensation your injuries are warranted.
Who is Liable for Bike Accidents?
The person considered liable for a bike accident is usually the person who is also considered negligent, or careless. This is often the motorist, as they are held to a higher duty of care to others on the road and have an obligation to follow Texas’ traffic laws. He or she may be in violation of one of those laws and found negligent if they hit you while driving distracted, speeding, or were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
However, there are times when both the driver and the bicyclist can be considered negligent. In these cases, it’s important that an experienced attorney reviews the facts of your accident, since Texas uses a modified system of comparative fault. That means your total damages awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are more than 50 percent at fault you cannot obtain compensation.
Contact an Austin Bike Accident Lawyer
The lawyers at Villarreal & Begum Law Firm work tirelessly to help bicycle crash victims in Austin and communities throughout Texas. We will recover the compensation you need and deserve for all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Call our Austin office at (512) 888-7777 or contact us online to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free consultation.