Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney
Although Texas has some of the best cycling conditions, it is one of the worst states for bike friendliness. People who drive the streets of downtown Houston see the addition of bike lanes. When the weather is nice, Houston streets are full of people on bicycles. However, this combination of bicycles and automobiles isn’t always the best. Houston streets may not be the safest for the bike rider and fatal bicycle accidents can occur.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
While only 1% of all trips taken in the U.S. are by bicycle,1 bicyclists face a higher risk of crash-related injury and deaths than those in passenger cars.2 In 2013 in the U.S., over 900 bicyclists were killed. Also, there were an estimated 494,000 emergency department visits due to bicycle-related injuries.3 Data from 2010 shows fatal and non-fatal crash-related injuries to bicyclists resulted in lifetime medical costs and losses of $10 billion.3 Read fascinating biking statistics. Bicycle-related crashes are often caused by:
- Reckless and careless drivers
- Unsafe road conditions
- Drivers who don’t pay attention
- Drivers who fail to look before turning
- Drunk or intoxicated drivers
- Drivers who text or use their cell phone while driving.
Cars and trucks don’t own the road or always have the right of way. Yet, some drivers act as if they own the road, and fail to properly share it with bicyclists.
Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Drivers can cause significant injuries to bicycle riders. The sheer weight of a car, truck, or 18 wheeler can cause significant harm to a bicyclist. Injuries that a cyclist can sustain after a collision with a car can include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage, including fractures
- Catastrophic injuries
- Death
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Organ damage and bleeding
These injuries can result in medical bills and lost wages. Before you accept any type of settlement following a bicycle accident, ensure that all of your damages are considered.
Hire an Experienced Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Even if you, as a bicycle rider, take every precaution to protect yourself including following the rules of the road, wearing bright colored clothing and a bike helmet, you may still find yourself seriously injured by a car. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact Chelsie King Garza for a free consultation.
