Corpus Christi Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Seeking Compensation After a Bike Accident in Corpus Christi?

Corpus Christi is home to some lush greenery and bike-friendly places, making it appealing for cyclists to use their bikes around the area. However, that doesn’t remove the possibility of getting into an accident every time cyclists get on their bikes. Negligent motorists and unmaintained road conditions still exist within the city, and this recklessness can always result in a crash at any moment.

And the numbers don’t lie. In 2022, Corpus Christi witnessed 54 bicycle accidents. One of the accidents took the life of the victim and six of the accidents resulted in injuries. This is a serious concern and cyclists must always stay safe when riding their bikes.

Victims of bicycle accidents don’t just face painful injuries and expensive medical bills, they also experience stress from negotiating insurance claims, dealing with lost wages, and the overwhelming course of taking legal action.

That’s where Thompson Law’s Corpus Christi bicycle accident lawyers step in. With our legal expertise, we can bring those accountable for your injuries to justice and get you the compensation you need to recover to the fullest. Start your path to seeking justice today by booking a FREE CONSULTATION with us!

 

Corpus Christi Bicycle Accident Lawyers

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Why Bicycle Accidents Are More Dangerous than Other Road Crashes

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

There aren’t any airbags or seat belts that come with the bike, not even a vehicle frame to shield them from any sort of impact. A cyclist is much more prone to being thrown off their bikes, which leads to serious injuries, even when wearing a helmet. Cyclists are always at a higher risk of personal injury cases and severe, life-threatening injuries.

Factoring in their size, bicycles are a lot smaller compared to other vehicles on the road. When motorists are distracted or exhausted, it’s easy for them to look over cyclists or not notice them at all, especially at intersections or blind spots. Not all areas in Corpus Christi have bike lanes either, so cyclists often have no choice but to share the road with bigger vehicles.

Corpus Christi Local Bicycle Laws

In Texas, cyclists are treated just like drivers. According to Texas Transportation Code Sec. 551.101, they get the same rights and take on the same responsibilities as motorists. Corpus Christi generally follows Texas laws when it comes to bicycle safety. Here’s what you need to know if you’re biking around the city.

Bike Light Ordinance

In Corpus Christi, if you’re riding a bike at night, then your bike needs lights. A white light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the back. Both need to be visible from at least 500 feet. This rule makes sure drivers can spot cyclists early, especially in low-light areas. It’s all about being seen and staying safe.

Use of Bike Lanes

Bike lanes are clearly marked around the city, usually along the right side of the street. If there’s one available, use it. These lanes give drivers a little breathing room and help avoid dangerous mix-ups with traffic. The city continues to expand these lanes to support safer and more efficient cycling.

No Riding on Sidewalks in Business Districts

Corpus Christi law prohibits bike riding on sidewalks in business areas. These spots are full of pedestrians, so keeping bikes off the sidewalks helps prevent accidents. If you’re in a business district, ride on the street or stick to the bike lane.

Safe Passing Distance

Vehicles passing a cyclist must leave space for at least 3 feet if it’s a regular car and 6 feet for commercial trucks. This safe passing rule protects cyclists from being clipped or pushed off balance.

No Clinging to Vehicles

Grabbing onto moving cars or trucks while on a bike is illegal in Corpus Christi. It’s dangerous and unpredictable.

One Hand on Handlebars

You’ve got to keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. That means no carrying bulky items that tie up both hands. If you can’t ride safely with it, don’t carry it while biking.

Park Without Blocking

When you’re done riding, park your bike where it won’t block sidewalks, driveways, or doorways. Use bike racks or park it neatly against the curb so it’s out of the way for others.

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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 Bicycle Accident Lawyers 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 personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s Corpus Christi 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 Types of Injuries

Despite wearing knee pads and helmets, a cyclist is still prone to getting badly injured after a crash. We listed down some of the most common injuries our lawyers have seen after bicycle accidents:

  • Road rash and scraped skin from hitting pavement or rough surfaces
  • Whiplash if your neck snaps from the impact
  • Head injuries, including concussions or more serious brain trauma
  • Broken bones, usually in the arms, legs, or ribs
  • Spinal cord injuries, which can sometimes lead to partial or full paralysis
  • Internal bleeding if your organs get hurt in the crash
  • Facial injuries or lost teeth from falling face-first
  • Mental trauma or PTSD from the shock of the accident

At Thompson Law

We provide injury accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Corpus Christi personal injury lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Why Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Corpus Christi?

Despite all the local bike laws in place, accidents still happen. All it takes is one careless move by someone else and a cyclist can end up seriously hurt. Sometimes those injuries don’t heal, they can lead to permanent damage or worse.

Having a reliable lawyer by your side is important if you’ve gotten injured in a bicycle accident. Our experienced Corpus Christi bicycle accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights and make sure you get what you’re owed. You’ve already been through enough, so let us handle the legal stuff. Here’s what we’ll do if you choose us:

  • Collect evidence:  We’ll gather evidence, like police reports, medical records, psychological evaluations, surveillance footage, witness statements, and more.
  • Prove liability:  Based on evidence we have, we’ll determine who is responsible and prove why they were liable and directly caused your injuries.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies:  We’ll advocate for you and talk to adjusters on your behalf so that you don’t get bullied into accepting a minimal payout.
  • Filing legal paperwork:  If you want to pursue legal action against a certain party, we can file the paperwork for you and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
  • Represent you in court:  If the case escalates to court, we’ll defend your rights and hold those responsible for the accident accountable for their actions.
  • Demand maximum compensation for you:  We’ll make sure you recover financially by calculating and demanding only the highest settlement possible for your case based on economic and non-economic damages.

 

Our Corpus Christi bicycle accident lawyers know the ins and outs of Texas traffic laws. With our expertise, we can build the strongest case for you so that you are given fair treatment and the financial compensation 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?

We understand how overwhelming it must be for you to get into a bicycle accident, not to mention, you also have to recover from painful injuries. But don’t forget, you’re entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. Here are the three ways our lawyers at Thompson Law can assist in getting you the compensation you need:

  1. Insurance claims:  We can communicate with adjusters and set into motion any claims you can make against the negligent party’s insurance. If they’re not insured or underinsured, we can talk to your insurance company to claim money from them instead.
  2. Compensatory damages:  If you sue the negligent party, we’ll defend your side until we get 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 settled out of court. In those scenarios, we do our best to negotiate the highest amount possible with the other party.

At Thompson Law

We believe that cyclists and motorists should share the road safely. It’s unacceptable for a negligent driver to not exercise their duty of care for someone riding a bicycle, especially because cyclists are more prone to accidents. If you’ve gotten injured while on a bicycle, our legal team can help you fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need to completely recover.

Damages Our Corpus Christi Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Obtain for You

If you decide to sue the negligent party with our help, our team of Corpus Christi bicycle accident lawyers can help obtain the following for you:

  • Medical expenses, such as medicine, hospital bills, surgeries, and other treatments
  • Lost wages if you had to skip work to recover from injuries
  • Pain and suffering, if the accident brought you emotional and mental turmoil
  • Property damage if your bicycle or any of your things are destroyed in the accident
  • Funeral expenses if you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident in a wrongful death case
  • Punitive damages if the other party is found guilty of acting in extreme negligence or malice

These are just some of the things we can help you secure as compensatory damages. We can also work with other types of damages, depending on the circumstances of your bicycle accident. Our promise is to fight with every fiber of our being to make sure that you recover from every expense you had to pay for an injury you didn’t deserve.

Dangerous Scenarios That Can Lead to Bike Accidents

A bicycle crash can happen due to many reasons. Here are a few situations that can put an innocent cyclist at risk:

  • Speeding:  Drivers who go past the speeding limit can put others around them, including cyclists, in total danger.
  • Failure to yield:  When a driver doesn’t yield immediately, they can collide with a cyclist.
  • Distracted drivers:  When other motorists look at their phones or look at parts of the street other than the road, they may overlook cyclists nearby.
  • Dooring accidents:  Some drivers don’t scan their surroundings if there are cyclists outside of their car before opening the door. Sometimes, this can lead to bikes crashing into their door.
  • Poorly painted bike lanes:  When the designated bike lanes are not clear enough, it can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
  • Poor road conditions:  Potholes, obstructions from construction sites, and dangerous paving can make the road dangerous for cyclists.

What to Do After in a Bicycle Accident

If you find yourself in a bicycle accident in Corpus Christi, it’s normal to feel shocked, but make sure you act fast. If you want to get to safety and build a solid case for yourself later, you need to take action in an instant. Here’s exactly what to do after collecting yourself if you’re in a bike accident, step by step:

  1. Check yourself for injuries. If anything feels wrong or painful, call 911 right away.
  2. If you’re okay to move, get out of the road. Find a safe spot off to the side.
  3. Call the police. You’ll need an official report. It helps your case and documents everything.
  4. Gather evidence. Take pictures and videos of the scene, your injuries, the bike, and anything else that shows what happened.
  5. Get info from the other people involved. Names, phone numbers, license plates. Don’t admit fault or apologize.
  6. Talk to a Corpus Christi bike accident lawyer. You’ll want someone who knows the local laws and can help you right away.

Call the Thompson Law team for a FREE CONSULTATION, we’ll walk you through your next moves so that you can have the strongest case later on.

Safety Tips to Avoid a Bicycle Accident in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi generally follows Texas laws when it comes to bicycle safety. Here are some must-follow tips to help you stay safe:

Always Wear a Helmet That Fits Right

Your helmet is your best shot at protecting your head. It can literally save your life. Make sure it fits snug, not too loose, not too tight. Don’t skip it, even if you’re not going to ride for a long time.

Adjust Your Bike to Fit Your Body

Your bike should fit you. Stand over it and check the space: 1 to 2 inches for a road bike, 3 to 4 for a mountain bike. Your seat should be level, and high enough so your knee has a small bend when your leg is stretched. Handlebars should line up with the seat height too.

Double-Check Your Equipment

Before you take off, pump up your tires and test the brakes. Simple checks, but they can save you from losing control or breaking down mid-ride.

Make Yourself Stand Out

Day or night, you need to be seen. White clothes don’t always do the job. Go for bright, neon colors and reflective gear. Reflective tape or vests are a smart move. Also, never assume a driver sees you just because you see them.

Stay in Control

Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars. Don’t try to carry stuff in your arms. Use a backpack or a bike carrier to keep your hands free.

Watch the Road

Keep an eye out for anything that could trip you up such as potholes, gravel, glass, puddles, wet leaves, even dogs. If you’re riding with others, yell and point out hazards to warn the riders behind you.

Avoid Riding After Dark

Night riding has more risks compared to when the sun is out. You’re harder to see and drivers aren’t always paying attention. If you have to ride at night, wear reflective gear and make sure your bike has a white front light and a red rear reflector. Add side reflectors or reflective strips on your tires for extra visibility.

Follow the Rules and Ride Smart

A lot of bike crashes happen because of simple mistakes like riding without a helmet, running stop signs, or biking against traffic. Always follow the traffic laws. Ride like you’re driving a car. Stop when you’re supposed to. Signal your turns. Stay alert.

Follow These Road Rules to Prevent a Bicycle Accident in Corpus Christi

In Corpus Christi, bikes are treated like vehicles. That means when you’re out riding, you’ve got the same rights and the same responsibilities as the drivers. Make sure you follow these road rules to help stay safe:

Ride With Traffic, Not Against It

Always ride on the right side of the road, heading the same way as the cars. Going against traffic is dangerous and against the law. Stick with the flow.

Follow the Traffic Laws

Think of your bike as a vehicle. That means you’ve got to obey stop signs, red lights, and lane markings just like any driver. If there’s a rule for cars, it’s probably a rule for bikes too.

Yield When You’re Supposed To

If you’re coming from a smaller street, driveway, sidewalk, or bike path, you’ve got to slow down and yield to traffic on the main road. Same goes for pedestrians already crossing at a crosswalk. Let them go first.

Be Predictable

Don’t weave in and out between cars. Ride in a straight line, stay steady, and always signal your turns or lane changes so others know what you’re about to do.

Stay Aware of What’s Around You

Keep your eyes open and your ears too. Watch for potholes, storm grates, wet leaves, uneven pavement or anything that could mess with your balance. Don’t wear headphones while you ride. You need to hear what’s going on around you, especially in traffic.

Look Behind Before You Turn

Before making a left or right turn, glance over your shoulder for cars. Once it’s clear, signal your move and go. Be extra careful since cars might be turning too, and you don’t want to get caught in their blind spot.

Stay Clear of Parked Cars

Don’t ride too close to the curb where parked cars line the street. A door could swing open fast or a car might pull out without warning. Give yourself some space so you’ve got time to react.

If you’ve gotten hurt from a bicycle accident because of a negligent driver, schedule a FREE CONSULTATION at Thompson Law and get in touch with an experienced Corpus Christi bicycle accident lawyer!

Corpus Christi Hospitals and Police Stations to Contact After a Bike Accident

After a bicycle crash, the first thing you should do is take care of yourself. That means getting medical help fast and making sure the accident gets reported to law enforcement. Even if the injuries seem small at first, don’t wait it out because some symptoms hit later. If it’s more serious, head to a hospital right away.

If you’re badly hurt, call 911 or get someone to drive you there. Don’t try to tough it out. Here are some major hospitals in Corpus Christi you can go to if you need emergency care:

Besides getting yourself checked, contacting the police is just as important after a bicycle accident. Authorities can document what happened at the scene of the accident and talk to any witnesses about it. It also gives you the opportunity to file a police report, which can be used as evidence later on when you file a claim against the negligent party. Here are the Corpus Christi police stations you can reach out to for that:

Time Limit to File a Corpus Christi Bicycle Accident Claim

Just like any other personal injury claim, there is a strict deadline implemented for filing bicycle accident claims in Texas. The statute of limitations for these claims is two years after the accident happened. If you sustained injuries with symptoms that showed up later on, the deadline is two years after you discovered those injuries. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your chance to be awarded compensatory damages.

Does your claim involve the City of Corpus Christi? If so, the statute of limitations is reduced to six months after the date of the accident. So, if your accident was due to poor road conditions and negligence on the part of the city, you should act immediately and take legal action as soon as possible.

Contact Our Corpus Christi Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Biking is meant to be safer and more friendly to the environment. So, when an innocent cyclist gets injured in an unexpected accident, it is usually tragic, and the responsible party should be brought to justice.

The good news is that you don’t need to go through the complexities of Texas traffic laws and insurance claims alone. Our Corpus Christi bicycle accident lawyers are here to help you. Let’s work together so you can get the justice you deserve and the compensation that comes with it. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

 

Corpus Christi Bicycle Accident Lawyers

FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Corpus Christi

Who is responsible for paying for my bike accident injury in Corpus Christi?

Whoever caused the crash is usually the one who has to cover the damages. That could be a careless driver who hit you or even the City of Corpus Christi if bad road conditions like potholes or poor maintenance led to your accident. If their negligence can be proven, they’re responsible for paying up.

How much is my bicycle accident claim worth?

It depends on how badly you were hurt. If your injuries required medical treatment, if you missed work, or if you’re dealing with emotional stress, your claim could be worth more. Bigger payouts usually come in cases with serious injuries, permanent disability, or death. The more the damage, the higher the compensation.

What if I was hit by a driver who fled the scene?

In hit-and-run situations, your own auto insurance might cover you, especially if you’ve got uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Call the police right away as they may be able to find the driver. If that person is located, you can file a claim against their insurance or even sue them directly.

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

If things like uneven pavement, sinkholes, or debris caused your crash, you might have a case against the City of Corpus Christi. Just a heads-up, claims against the city have a short deadline. You’ve only got six months to file. So, act fast if city negligence played a part in your accident.

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

You can still get compensated in Texas, even if you were partially to blame. The state follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. But your payout will be reduced based on your share of the blame.

Let’s say the court finds you 25% responsible and awards you $100,000. You’d walk away with $75,000. If you’re found 51% or more at fault though, you don’t get anything. So it’s important to have someone on your side who can help prove what really happened.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.