A bicycle accident can be devastating, leading to extensive injuries, some of which affect a person for years. Injuries are not the only issue riders face; a financial toll usually comes with an accident — and that’s where an Austin bicycle accident lawyer comes in.
An experienced Austin personal injury attorney can help you navigate this difficult time. Our Austin bicycle accident lawyers at Zinda Law Group have the necessary skills and experience to help you deal with the repercussions of a bicycle accident.
Bicycle Accidents in Texas
Urban areas like Austin remain the most common setting for bicycle accidents, with 79% of fatal bike crashes in 2020 nationwide, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Contrary to previous years, the fatality rate among cyclists has seen an alarming uptick; there was a 9% increase in cyclist deaths in 2020 (938 fatalities) compared to 2019 (859 fatalities).
On a positive note, cyclist injuries decreased by 21% in 2020 (38,886 injuries) from the previous year (49,057 injuries).
The role of alcohol in these accidents is significant, as it was involved in 34% of all fatal cyclist crashes in 2020. Further, 22% of cyclists who died that year had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.01 grams per deciliter or greater.
As Austin’s leading bicycle accident lawyers, we understand the complexities of these accidents and are committed to advocating for the safety and rights of cyclists in our urban landscapes.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Austin, call 800-863-5312
What to Do If You’ve Been in a Bicycle Accident in Austin
The success of your claim depends on how you handle the weeks and days after an accident. If you know what to do, you can ensure that your needs are met and that you get the most money you are entitled to. After a bicycle accident, do the following as soon as possible.
Receive Medical Care
Call emergency medical services if you or any other people were critically hurt in the collision; you should get medical help as soon as possible.
Even if you think your wounds are minor, you should still get checked out because you can have hidden wounds that won’t show up until a doctor checks you. Please consult your physician.
Make a Call to the Police
Contact the police right away. An officer will examine the accident scene and interview witnesses. The officer will then submit a police report. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of the report.
Gather Statements and Information About Insurance
Gather the name, address, and insurance information of the driver or drivers involved in the collision. Doing this can spare you the trouble of finding those responsible later. Converse with witnesses and obtain their contact details. They might need to hear from you later to share more details about what they saw.
Speak to a Lawyer
If you get a bicycle injury, you should speak with a lawyer as quickly as possible. A local Austin bicycle accident attorney can help you file your claim.
Your photos, medical records, witness testimony, and the police report are just a few examples of evidence your attorney can acquire to show that the other party was at fault for the accident.
A personal injury claim in Texas has a two-year statute of limitations, as stated in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003(a). You have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, and if you don’t do so within that time frame, you forfeit your right to do so.
We can guide you through the legal system to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. So, if you have been involved in a bicycle accident, call Zinda Law Group for a 100% free case evaluation with our Austin bicycle accident attorneys.
Bicycle Accident in Austin lawyers near me 800-863-5312
Types of Injuries from Austin Bicycle Accidents
Common injuries from bicycle accidents range from minor to severe. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be out of work for days or weeks while you recover. The most common types of injuries suffered from a bike accident in Austin are:
- Road rash
- Minor cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Concussions
- Neurological damage
- Wrongful death
If you suffer any of these injuries or others due to a bike accident, remember to document every examination and treatment you receive and give that information to your personal injury lawyer.
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Proving Negligence in a Bicycle Accident Case in Austin
If you believe your accident resulted from a driver’s negligence or intentional misconduct, an experienced lawyer can help you recover compensation for your claim. In pursuing legal action, you must prove that the driver negligently drove their vehicle when the accident occurred. To prove the driver is liable, you need to find three things:
- The driver had a duty to act with reasonable care.
- They breached this duty of care with their actions.
- Your injuries resulted from the driver’s breach of this duty.
An Austin bike crash lawyer will help prove the driver’s negligence using the evidence you collected at the scene on the day of the accident, along with the police report and your medical records. You cannot recover compensation for your claim unless the other party is found liable for the accident.
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What You Can Recover from an Austin Bicycle Accident
If the driver is found to be liable for the accident, you will be able to recover damages for your injuries. There are two types of damages: compensatory and punitive.
Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter future negligent action; compensatory damages cover your accident’s current and future costs. Below are the costs our personal injury lawyers would seek to recover through compensatory damages in a personal injury case.
Medical Costs and Rehabilitation
The costs associated with your injuries can be astronomical. There are initial doctor’s visits and follow-up appointments that you may be paying for out-of-pocket while waiting on the status of your claim.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may require rehab for weeks or months after the accident to fully heal; rehab can be expensive and is not always covered fully by insurance. However, you can recover for any out-of-pocket costs associated with rehab treatments.
Lost Wages
If you were out of work for any time due to your injuries, you can recover the wages you would have earned during that time. You can also recover any future wages you will miss if you cannot work for an extended period.
Reduced Earning Capacity
Your injuries may permanently impair you, impacting your ability to perform the job you once had before the accident. If your ability to work is impaired, and your injury prevents you from working a job with comparable pay to what you made before the accident, you may recover for your reduced earning capacity.
Emotional Trauma
The trauma of a bicycle accident is not confined merely to the physical impact. Emotional suffering can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. These psychological injuries can linger long after physical injuries have healed, affecting your quality of life and interpersonal relationships.
In Texas, you have the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering, which includes emotional distress. With the help of a qualified Austin bicycle accident attorney, you can file a claim that adequately covers the psychological impact of your ordeal.
Additional Costs
Life doesn’t stop when an accident happens. Unforeseen expenses may arise that, while indirectly related to your accident, are just as crippling to your finances. The cost of hiring a personal caregiver, modifications to your home for accessibility, or even the price of relocating to a more suitable property can add up quickly.
Further, if your accident has impaired your ability to perform routine tasks like cooking or cleaning, you might need to employ assistance for these services. Fortunately, Texas law allows accident victims to claim these incidental costs, helping them maintain a semblance of normalcy while they recuperate.
How Zinda Law Group Can Help You
Our experienced personal injury lawyers here at Zinda Law Group have the expertise and experience to best assist you in getting the maximum compensation you are entitled to for your claim.
Our Austin personal injury attorneys have represented many clients who have been victims of bicycle accidents, so we can walk you through the claims process and navigate the ins and outs of the legal system to help you recover on your claim.
If you have been injured on a bicycle, lawyers at Zinda Law Group will help you with everything you need to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to. You do not pay any fees if we do not win your case. This is our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
If you are the victim of a bicycle accident and are trying to figure out your next steps, call us today to speak with an Austin bicycle accident lawyer and receive a free consultation.
Call or text 800-863-5312 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
