Our Attorneys Are Here to Help After an Injury from a Bicycle Accident in Austin, TX
One minute, you are riding down the street with the sun and wind on your face. The next minute, you are in shock, dealing with the first effects of a collision with a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, your trouble may be just beginning.
Like most cyclists hit by cars in Austin, you will likely have a significant injury. We see many broken bones and traumatic brain injuries from bicycle accidents. Medical bills pile up quickly, and many people are unable to return to work for a significant period of time.
In 2021, there were 966 bicyclists killed in traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, you may be unable to work and enjoy the life you knew before. For instance, you may not enjoy cycling as you did in the past.
Insurance companies may be calling you as well, asking you to provide a statement or even accept a settlement offer. It can be very confusing.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your bicycle accident, call the Austin bicycle accident lawyers with Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP. We are the oldest personal injury law firm in Austin and have a proven track record of successfully serving accident victims and their families throughout Texas.
We work with bicycle accident victims of all kinds, including families with children who were hit and injured in bike accidents.
We can provide a case review today. Call now.
Each bicycle accident case differs. You may be able to pursue damages for:
Our firm represented an experienced cyclist who was struck by an SUV as he rode through an Austin intersection. The SUV pulled in front of the cyclist. The SUV driver insisted he had a green light, which the police report reflected. We found an independent witness who saw the collision but did not speak with the police or give any statements for the police report. The witness stated the cyclist had the green light. The case ended in a substantial settlement for our client.
Through advanced accident reconstruction, we created a precisely scaled video animation of the accident, which proved the other driver’s fault. We were also able to prove the at-fault driver was working in the course and scope of his employment, despite being in a personal automobile. The cyclist suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury that caused permanent impairments affecting both arms and legs. He could walk and use his arms but had diminished control of certain muscles.
On the eve of the trial, our bicycle accident attorneys were able to negotiate a settlement of $1.5 million. After attorney’s fees, case expenses, and liens for medical expenses, our client personally received $873,334.
By following these bicycle safety tips, Austin roads can be made safer for everyone.
Your ability to pursue compensation in an Austin bicycle accident depends on whether someone else was at fault. Bike-car collisions often result from the following types of negligence:
Left cross — When a motorist and bicyclist reach an intersection from opposite directions. The motorist turns left, hitting the bicyclist. Motorists often fail to see bicycles or misjudge their speed of travel.
Right hook — When a motorist turns right in front of a bicyclist at an intersection or traffic signal or when the bicyclist is passing on the right. The motorist may fail to keep a lookout or check blind spots.
Buzzing — When a motorist tries to overtake a bicyclist and passes without leaving at least three feet of space. The motorist may hit the bicyclist due to inattention or poor judgment. Too often, the motorist acts with intent.
Tailgating — When a motorist fails to leave a safe following distance from a bicycle. Because a bicyclist may need to swerve or stop suddenly due to obstacles in the road, tailgating can be very dangerous.
Dooring — When a motorist gets out of his or her car without checking for passing bicyclists. The motorist can hit the bicyclist with the door or the door can open in the bicyclist’s path.
Backovers — When a motorist backs out of a driveway or parking spot and runs into a passing bicyclist. Unfortunately, many children are injured in these types of crashes. Failure to check mirrors typically is the cause.
If you believe that a motorist’s negligent or intentional misconduct caused a bike accident in Austin that harmed you or a loved one, you owe it to yourself to pursue your legal options.
Depending on the facts of your case, those options may include:
Your goal should be to explore all potential sources of compensation to maximize the amount you can potentially recover for your medical care and other damages.
After a lawsuit is filed — and before it is filed in some cases — your lawyer will make a settlement demand with the insurer of the at-fault party (or parties). While the amount sought will depend on the facts of a case, a demand for a bicycle accident settlement typically will seek:
Compensation for all your past medical expenses and the costs of future care and treatment. Additionally, a claim would seek recovery of all lost income, diminished future earning capacity, and loss of services.
Compensation for the physical pain and suffering and emotional distress you have suffered as well as the loss of a loved one’s care and companionship.
If a bike-car collision caused the death of a loved one, you may be eligible to seek wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and the loss of your loved one’s support.
If the insurance company responds with a settlement offer, your lawyer can advise you about whether you should accept the offer or decline it and take your case to trial. The decision belongs to you.
If an insurance company contacts you before you hire a lawyer and makes a settlement offer, it would serve your interests to ask a lawyer to review the offer first.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, we will take the time to find out how your bicycle accident has impacted you physically, emotionally, and financially. Our goal will be to seek compensation that will make you as “whole” as possible.
We will begin an immediate investigation of your case. We will inspect the accident scene, interview witnesses, analyze any video or photo evidence, and consult with accident reconstruction experts.
Our goal will be to carefully prepare your case for a settlement demand. We believe that preparing a case as if it is going to trial allows us to work from a position of strength when dealing with the insurance companies.
If liability is contested or an agreement cannot be reached on damages, we will be ready to present your case to the jury and pursue a verdict.
Finally, we can help you by taking steps after a settlement or verdict that are aimed at disbursing your financial recovery to you as efficiently as possible. After all, we know how important it will be for you to move on.
It is important to note that extra steps may be necessary if the bike accident victim is a child.
We will always be available to answer your questions and provide you with an update about your case. We will not charge any legal fees unless we obtain a verdict or settlement for you.
As you will quickly find out after you contact us, the Austin bicycle accident lawyers of Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, are truly committed to working hard for our clients and pursuing maximum compensation for them. We care about our client’s future.
We serve bicycle accident victims and their families in Austin and throughout Texas. To get started with a case review, call or reach us online today.
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Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP
8911 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste 3150
Austin, TX 78759
Phone: 512-454-3751
Fax: 512-451-5857