Arlington Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Why Bicycle Accidents Are More Dangerous than Other Road Crashes

Bicycle accidents are much more dangerous compared to regular car accidents because cyclists don’t have the same protection that drivers in cars, trucks, and buses have.

There aren’t any airbags or seat belts in bicycles. There isn’t also a vehicle frame to shield them from any kind of impact. When a cyclist gets into any kind of accident, the impact is strong enough for them to be thrown off their bikes, which leads to severe injuries. Helmets protect the cyclist’s head, but what about the rest of his/her body? The protection is still minimal. Even when they’re going slow, cyclists are always more high-risk for personal injury cases, and serious, life-threatening injuries at that.

Let’s consider its size as well. A bicycle is a lot smaller compared to other vehicles on the road. When motorists are distracted or exhausted, it’s easy for them to overlook cyclists or not notice them at all, especially at intersections or blind spots. Not all areas in Arlington have bike lanes as well, so cyclists often have no choice but to share the road with bigger and faster vehicles.

Local Bicycle Laws According to Arlington Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you’re biking around Arlington, it helps to know what’s expected of you on the road. Riding a bike doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for traffic rules. In fact, in the eyes of the law, cyclists are treated much like drivers. Here’s a down-to-earth look at the basics, straight from the Texas bicycle laws, with a focus on how they apply here in Arlington:

1. Cyclists follow the same rules as drivers:  You’ve got to stop at red lights and stop signs, just like everyone else. On the flip side, drivers also have to respect your space and give you the right-of-way when it’s your turn.
2. Stick to the same direction as traffic and stay near the curb:  You should ride in the same direction as cars, keeping a few feet from the curb if possible. Still, if the lane’s too narrow or it doesn’t feel safe, you’re allowed to ride farther out.
3. Keep at least one hand on the handlebars:  You’ll need both hands for better control most of the time, but if you’re signaling a turn, it’s okay to use just one hand then.
4. Use hand signals to show where you’re going:  Let people around you know your next move by pointing in the direction you plan to turn.
5. One rider per seat:  Unless your bike is built for two, only one person should be on it at a time.
6. You can ride side-by-side, but don’t block traffic:  Riding next to a friend is fine, as long as you’re not slowing down cars behind you. If traffic starts building up, ride single-file to keep things moving.
7. Lights and reflectors matter at night:  If you’re out after dark, you need a white light on the front of your bike and either a red reflector or red light on the back.
8. Make sure your brakes can stop you fast:  Your brakes should be strong enough to make your wheel skid if needed.

What are My Rights as a Cyclist in Arlington?

When you’re out riding your bike in Arlington, you’re also sharing the road with cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles. Just like any other person driving a vehicle, you should ride responsibly and follow traffic laws. An Arlington bicycle accident lawyer would tell you that you’re held to the same standards as drivers when it comes to safety and rules of the road.

So, if someone else isn’t being careful, maybe they run a red light or don’t yield when they should, and you end up getting hurt, you have the right to take action. You don’t have to deal with the consequences of someone else’s careless behavior on your own.

Can I Still File a Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

If you weren’t wearing a helmet during the accident, you can still file a claim. Texas law doesn’t prevent you from seeking compensation, but it could affect how much you receive. The other driver’s insurance might argue that your injuries were worse because you didn’t have a helmet on, which could lead to a lower payout.

Texas uses a system called comparative negligence, where fault is shared based on each person’s actions. If not wearing a helmet is seen as part of why your injuries were more serious, it might reduce your compensation.

If you need help with your case, call Thompson Law’s legal team for a FREE CONSULTATION, we’ll guide you through your next moves so we can build you a stronger case.

Why Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Arlington?

Even with laws and ordinances placed to keep cyclists safe, accidents are still inevitable. It takes one negligent party to cause a bicycle accident, hurting cyclists with possible life-altering injuries that can lead to permanent disability and even death.

If you were involved in a bicycle accident, having a good lawyer to represent you is very important. Our experienced Arlington bicycle accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve after everything you’ve been through. Here are just some of the things we can do to help you:

• Collect evidence:  We’ll work with the necessary entities to collect evidence, like police reports, medical records, psychological evaluations, surveillance footage, witness statements, and more.
• Prove liability:  We’ll determine who is at fault with the given evidence and prove why they were liable and directly caused your injuries.
• Negotiate with insurance companies:  We’ll represent you and talk to adjusters for you so that you don’t get a lowball payout.
• Filing legal paperwork:  If you want to pursue legal action against a certain party, we can file the paperwork for you so you don’t miss any important deadlines.
• Represent you in court:  If the case ends up in court, we’ll protect your rights and hold those responsible for the accident accountable for what they did.
• Demand maximum compensation for you:  We’ll ensure you recover financially by calculating and insisting only the highest compensation possible for your case based on economic and non-economic damages.

Our Arlington bicycle accident lawyers know Texas traffic laws inside and out. We’ll use our knowledge and experience when we build the strongest case for you so that you are treated fairly and given the settlement you deserve. Curious to know how else we can protect your rights as a cyclist? Book us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Compensation Can Our Lawyers Secure for You?

It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed when you get into a bicycle accident and need to heal from your painful injuries. But keep in mind that you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. Here are the three ways our Arlington bicycle accident lawyers at Thompson Law can help in getting you the compensation you need:

1. Insurance claims:  We can speak with the adjusters and set into motion any claims you can make against the negligent party’s insurance. Whether they’re uninsured or underinsured, we negotiate with your insurance company to claim money from them instead.
2. Compensatory damages:  If you sue the negligent party, we’ll defend to get you the maximum compensation in court in the form of damages.
3. Settlement:  A lot of cases don’t even reach the trial stage but are instead dealt out of court. In these situations, we work our best to negotiate the highest amount as we can with the other party.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a bicycle case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s Arlington Bicycle Accident Lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident can have many different causes. With the road being vast and the cyclist not having enough protection on, here are some places that innocent cyclists at risk:

• Speeding:  Drivers who surpass the speeding limit can put others around them, including cyclists, in danger.
• Failure to yield:  When a driver doesn’t yield in time, they can collide with a cyclist.
• Distracted drivers:  When other motorists use their phones or take their eyes off the road, they might not see cyclists nearby.
• Dooring accidents:  Some drivers don’t bother to check if there are cyclists outside of their car before opening the door which can sometimes lead to bikes crashing into their door.
• Poorly painted bike lanes:  When the designated bike lanes aren’t visible enough, it can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
• Poor road conditions:  Potholes, obstructions from construction sites, and uneven pavements can make the road dangerous for cyclists.

Common Injuries Sustained After a Bicycle Crash

A cyclist can still get injured badly after a crash, even when wearing knee pads or helmets. Here are some of the most common injuries our Arlington bicycle accident lawyers have seen:

• Scrapes, abrasions, and other surface wounds caused by falling onto the road
• Neck strain or whiplash resulting from the cyclist colliding with another vehicle.
• Head trauma and concussions.
• Broken or fractured bones, most often in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Spinal cord injuries that could lead to paralysis.
• Internal bleeding if the impact of the accident injures the organs.
• Dental and facial injuries if a cyclist lands face-first after a crash and loses teeth or breaks their nose.
• Emotional distress, trauma, or PTSD after getting seriously injured.

Can I Sue the Driver Who Hit Me With Their Car Door While I Was Biking?

Yes, you may be able to sue the driver if you were hurt after they opened a car door into your path while you were biking. In Arlington, drivers are supposed to make sure it’s safe before opening their door into the street. They’re also not allowed to leave a door open longer than needed if it gets in the way of traffic.

This type of crash is known as a “dooring” accident, and it often happens when someone opens a car door without looking for people on bikes. If that happened to you and you were injured, the driver could be held legally responsible. If you need help with this specific situation, call Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION and let’s discuss more about it and how we can win your case for you.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Being involved in a bicycle accident in Arlington is scarily overwhelming, but don’t forget that you need to act immediately in order to get to safety and build a solid case for yourself later. Here’s exactly what to do after, step by step:

1. Check if you have any injuries, call for help immediately if you feel any pain.
2. If there are none, get out of the road and to a safer location.
3. Contact the police so that they can file a report about the accident and come to the scene.
4. Collect evidence, take pictures and videos of the accident and witness statements.
5. Exchange information with the other drivers or pedestrians involved. Do not admit fault or say “sorry”, as this can be used against you later.
6. Finally, call an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Arlington.

Call Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION so we can help you through your next moves and ensure you have a strong claim later on.

Arlington Hospitals Ready for Emergency Care

The most important thing to do as a victim of a bicycle accident is to seek medical attention immediately. If you have more serious injuries, you may need to head to a hospital right away. Here are some major hospitals in the Arlington area that offer emergency care:

• Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital (800 W Randol Mill Rd)
• Medical City Arlington (3301 Matlock Rd)
• Methodist Mansfield Medical Center (2700 E Broad St, Mansfield)
• Texas Health Heart & Vascular Hospital Arlington (811 Wright St)
• Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital (707 Highlander Blvd)

Police Stations to Contact After a Bike Accident

Besides seeking medical attention, it’s also important for you to report what happened to the police. Officers can come to the scene, talk to witnesses, and file a report. That report can later help if you decide to pursue legal action. These Arlington police locations can help you with that:

• Arlington Police Department Headquarters (620 W Division St)
• East District Station (2001 New York Ave)
• South District Station (1030 SW Green Oaks Blvd)
• North District Station (620 W Division St, same as HQ)

Understanding the Time Limit to File an Arlington Bicycle Accident Claim

Just like any other personal injury claim, there is a strict deadline when it comes to filing a bicycle accident claim in Arlington, Texas. The statute of limitations dictates two years after the accident happened. If you sustained injuries with delayed symptoms, the deadline is two years after you discovered those injuries. So, if you file a lawsuit after those two years, you could lose your right to compensatory damages.

Does your claim involve the government, in this case, the City of Arlington? If so, the statute of limitations then decreases to six months after the date of the accident. So, if your accident was due to poor road conditions and negligence on behalf of the city, act fast and take legal action as soon as possible.

Contact Arlington Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Biking is meant to be safer and more environmentally friendly. So, when innocent cyclists get involved in unexpected accidents, it’s always devastating, and those accountable should be brought to justice.

Not to worry! There’s no need for you to handle the complexities of Texas traffic laws and insurance claims by yourself. Our Arlington bicycle accident lawyers are here to help. Let us fight for your rights so you can get the justice you deserve and the compensation that comes with it. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Arlington

Who is responsible for paying for my bike accident injury in Arlington?

Whoever caused the accident is usually the one responsible for covering your damages. This could be a driver who wasn’t paying attention or even the city, if things like broken pavement or poor road upkeep played a part in what happened. If someone else’s actions or lack of care led to your injuries, they can be held legally and financially responsible.

How much is my bicycle accident claim worth?

It depends on how badly you were hurt. If you had to pay for hospital visits, deal with long-term pain, or went through emotional stress, that can all add to the value of your claim. More serious cases, like those involving permanent injury or wrongful death, often lead to much higher compensation.

What if I was hit by a driver who ran away from the scene?

If you were hit in a hit-and-run, your own insurance might help cover the costs, especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Police can also help track down the driver. Once they’re identified, you can file a claim with their insurance or take legal action if needed.

What if my bicycle accident was caused by poor road conditions?

Yes, if your crash happened because of things like potholes or poor maintenance, you can file a claim against the City of Arlington. Just remember, you have to file that claim within six months from the date of the accident.

What happens If I’m partially to blame for the bicycle accident?

You might still be able to get compensation, even if you share some of the blame. Texas follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. If you’re found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover money. However, your payout will be reduced based on your share of the blame. For example, if you’re 25% at fault and your case is worth $100,000, you’d receive $75,000.