Bicycle Accident Lawyer
In recent years, bicycling has become more popular with many Texans looking for a healthier and less-expensive way of commuting and exercising. Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles, which means that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any motorist driving a car or truck. Yet because of their more vulnerable position, bicyclists are often at increased risk of being seriously injured or killed in an accident.
If you have been such a victim–or you have lost a family member–and need legal advice on what steps to take next, a qualified lawyer can help. Attorney Keith B. French is an experienced Texas personal injury litigator who has helped many clients in seeking damages for their accident-related injuries. He understands what it takes to build and win a case–and he will make every effort to hold a negligent party accountable for your bicycle accident.
Understanding the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Texas
If you have ridden a bicycle for any length of time on the streets of Texas, then you probably already know many of the common risks and hazards. This risk is especially high in a densely populated area like Pearland. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, nearly 75 percent of bicycle-related deaths occur in areas. And most of those fatalities occur during the hot summer months–June to September–when bicycle activity is often at its peak.
Bicycle accidents often involve another vehicle, typically a car or truck. While a motorist is not always at fault for a collision, it is more likely than not for the person driving the car or truck to be at-fault. Some of the more common causes of bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles include:
- Speeding – Motor vehicles travel at much greater speeds than bicycles. So if a motorist is driving in excess of posted speed limits, a bicyclist is often unable to avoid a collision.
- Distractions – Motorists often fail to keep a proper lookout for bicycles and other non-motor vehicles. Combined with other distractions, this can lead to an accident simply due to the driver’s inattention.
- Tailgating – Drivers need to keep a safe distance–at least three feet–from bicycles in front of them. If they do not, they put the bicyclist at risk of a collision.
- Aggressive Driving – Motorists who swerve in and out of traffic, make lane changes without signaling, or change direction without checking for other vehicles are far more likely to hit a bicycle.
- Drunk driving – Operating any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone else on the road at risk–especially bicyclists.
Contact Keith B. French Law Today
Again, it is important never to assume that a judge or jury will automatically blame a motorist for a bicycle accident. Texas follows a “comparative fault” rule in personal injury cases, which means that a defendant can try and shift the blame to the bicyclist. This makes it all the more critical to work with a skilled Pearland bicycle accident lawyer if you are the injured bicyclist. Contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation.
