Austin has invested millions to make the city a safer place for bicyclists. In the past decade, the number of bike lanes in the city has tripled. In turn, the number of bicycle accidents reported in recent years has been declining. Unfortunately, city roads can still pose a threat to riders. This is particularly true in areas near the city that have no dedicated bicycle infrastructure. There are still hundreds of reported bicycle accidents around Austin every year, making the need for bicycle accident lawyers greater than ever.
Have you or someone you love been injured in a bicycle accident near Austin? Is another person partly or entirely to blame for the collision? If so, you may have the right to compensation. The experienced Austin bicycle accident lawyers at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC can help you fight for the money you deserve. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer any questions you have.
We Make It Simple
Whether you contact us over the phone, online, or visit us in person, our attorneys will be by your side. We will review your case and make sense of your legal options, offering honest and experienced guidance for your unique situation.
Every Dollar You Deserve
If you have been harmed due to someone else's actions, you have the right to receive payment for your damages, and our attorneys are dedicated to securing what you are owed.
Don’t Pay Unless We Win
In the interest of making our services available to all Texans, we never charge legal fees unless we win your case. Get started with a complimentary case review today.
Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC Is Here To Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, you know the physical and emotional toll it can take. The road to recovery can be long and arduous, and we understand how difficult this time can be for you and your family. Let us take on the burden of your legal case so you can focus on your recovery.
Expenses can quickly add up as you struggle to get back on your feet, but recovering compensation with a legal claim can be intimidating. You shouldn't have to face this on your own when you already have so much to deal with.
We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to secure the compensation you need. Our experienced team of lawyers will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We’re here to help you get your life back on track.
Do You Have a Case?
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents happen every day in Austin. Many factors can contribute to a collision, including the following:
Negligent Drivers
Many bike accidents happen because drivers of larger vehicles don’t use proper care and caution behind the wheel. Driver negligence not only puts themselves and other drivers in danger but also bicyclists and pedestrians. Examples of driver negligence that can contribute to a bicycle accident include:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way to bicyclists
- Failing to share the road with bicyclists
- Failing to look for bicyclists before making a turn
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Racing through an intersection to beat a red light
- Distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated driving
Defective Equipment
Some accidents happen regardless of the care exercised by motorists and bicyclists. There are times when bicycles and safety equipment defects will be responsible for a crash or injury. When a defective bike or vehicle causes an accident, the companies responsible for those products can be strictly liable for damages.
Unsafe Road Conditions
The state and city have a responsibility to make sure its roads and bike lanes are safe. If the government knows (or should know) that its roads are unsafe, it has to warn bicyclists and fix the problem.
When roads are in disrepair or in a dangerous condition, accidents can happen. Uneven pavement, cracks in the road, debris, or obstructed signage can pose a threat to riders. The government agency in charge of the roads can be liable for resulting injuries.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
As a bicyclist, you have very little protection from severe or fatal injuries when you’re in an accident. Commonly reported injuries following Austin bicycle accidents are listed below:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Concussion
- Brain injury
- Neck injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a bicycle crash. Prompt medical care will help to limit the extent of your injuries and prevent complications from arising.
Statute of Limitations for Texas Bicycle Accident Claims
Texas imposes a statute of limitations on all personal injury cases. Generally speaking, you have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to initiate a lawsuit. You will lose the right to obtain a financial award if you don’t file your claim on time.
Bicycle Accidents Can Turn Your Life Upside-Down
If you need a legal ally after a bicycle accident, we’re on top of it. We will learn more about what happened, explain your legal options, and offer preliminary advice about your case.
Damages Available for Accident Victims
Injuries from a serious bicycle accident can have a significant impact on your ability to work and your quality of life. Even with a helmet, accidents can result in serious concussions or broken bones that may take months to recover from. In some cases, a bicyclist may be left paralyzed or with a long-term disability, requiring ongoing treatment and care.
The costs of a bicycle accident can vary depending on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your life. Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC will work to ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to. Damages that may be available in your case include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Chronic pain
- Emotional suffering
Why Should I Hire an Austin Bike Accident Attorney?
As a bicyclist, you have very little to protect yourself from severe injuries if you’re involved in an accident. It can take a lot of time and energy to recover from these injuries. The last thing you need to do is face a bicycle accident lawsuit on your own.
Representing yourself in a bicycle accident case can be tricky. Insurance companies may downplay your injury claim, offering an inadequate settlement that won't cover all your accident-related expenses. Without legal expertise, it may be difficult to determine the value of your case, especially if more than one person is responsible for your injuries. Furthermore, other parties involved in the bike accident may try to shift the blame to you. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help you navigate these complexities and put you in a better position to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Since 2001, our personal injury lawyers have been handling complex bike accident cases in and around the Austin area. We’ve successfully recovered substantial monetary damages for our injured clients, and we can help you after your bike accident too. Call our law firm today to learn more.
What Comes Next?
Reviewing Your Case
Our bicycle accident lawyers at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC will review your case to determine if there is a legal basis for pursuing compensation. We will help you decide on the best course of action for you, providing legal advice and insight at no cost.
Gathering Information and Evidence
Once we've taken on your case, we will gather all relevant information and evidence to support your claim. This may include conducting further investigation into the accident, interviewing witnesses, collecting medical and police documentation, and consulting with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals.
Negotiations With Insurance
Our lawyers will engage in negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. This may involve submitting a demand letter that outlines your damages and seeks a fair settlement. We aim to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and other losses.
Receiving Your Settlement
Once a settlement has been reached with the insurance company, our team will review and explain the terms of the agreement to you. If you accept the settlement, we will handle the necessary paperwork to ensure that you receive your settlement funds in a timely manner.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Texas?
In Texas, anyone whose negligence contributed to the bike accident can be held liable. This includes drivers of cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles, as well as pedestrians, other cyclists, and even the city or state if the accident was caused by a dangerous roadway condition.
Liability is determined on a case-by-case basis, so speak with a skilled bike accident lawyer to evaluate the specific circumstances of your case.
Should I Speak With the Insurance Company After a Bicycle Accident?
You should notify your insurance company of the accident, but it's generally not recommended to speak with the other party's insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer.
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, not yours, and they may try getting you to admit fault or downplay the extent of your injuries. By working with our experienced bike accident injury team, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Bicycle Accident?
In Texas, you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident as long as your responsibility is equal to or less than the other party's. However, the damages you receive will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
For instance, if you were found to be 30% responsible for an accident that totaled $500,000 in damages, your damages would be reduced by 30% and you would be awarded $350,000.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Lawyer for a Bicycle Accident Case?
Our bike accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you receive a settlement or win your case in court. We also offer free case evaluations with no obligation.
Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery, and we always discuss these fees upfront so that you know exactly what to expect.
What Steps Should I Take After a Bike Accident?
- Get medical treatment for any injuries, even if they seem minor
- Call the police and file an accident report
- Gather information from the other party, including their name, contact information, insurance information, and driver's license number
- Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your bicycle and the other vehicle, as well as any road or weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident
- Notify your insurance company of the accident, but do not give a recorded statement without first speaking with a lawyer
- Contact our Texas bike accident experts who can help you protect your rights while seeking fair compensation for your damages.