Bicycle accidents can cause traumatic injuries that leave riders with serious disabilities, create long-term recovery needs, or even kill the rider. If you were hit by a car while riding your bike in Fort Worth and suffered serious injuries – or if your loved one was killed in a Fort Worth bicycle accident – you should seek out the help of an experienced Fort Worth bicycle accident lawyer.
The Fort Worth bicycle injury attorneys at The Queenan Law Firm fight to help our clients get compensation from the at-fault drivers and other people responsible for their injuries. With our help, you might be able to recover substantial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. For help with your case, call us today at (817) 774-9627 to set up a free legal consultation.
Suing for a Bicycle Accident in Fort Worth
When you are injured in a bicycle accident, you might be able to seek coverage through your auto insurance, through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance, or even sometimes through homeowners or other insurance. However, these insurance companies often aim to settle cases for low values that might not cover enough of your damages and injuries, especially if you suffered life-altering injuries. Instead, consider taking your case to court with the help of a bike accident attorney.
When you file a bicycle accident case in court in Fort Worth, the judge and jury will hear evidence and testimony and, if you meet all of the requirements of your case, they will be able to order the defendant to pay for all damages related to your injury case. In many cases, this can help you get additional damages that the insurance company would not have covered in the first place, such as compensation for pain and suffering damages.
Proving Fault in a Bike Accident Case in Fort Worth
Many bike accident cases are caused by the driver, not the cyclist. In Texas, bike riders are required to follow many of the same laws as drivers, meaning that they have to stop at stop signs and red lights, they need to signal when turning, they cannot block traffic, and they need headlights at night time. Assuming you were following these laws in the moments leading up to the accident, there are many ways that a driver in a car, truck, or SUV could be responsible for a crash.
Many drivers hit cyclists when making turns. Because cyclists are encouraged to drive to the right side of their lane, many drivers “hook” cyclists by making a right turn across their path, potentially without signaling. Drivers might also crash into cyclists waiting to turn left. Drivers in cars must also yield right of way at four-way stops and other intersections as though the bike rider is another car on the road, but many accidents happen when the driver fails to do so and pulls out into a cyclist.
There are also many other traffic laws that protect cyclists and other drivers alike, such as laws against speeding, drunk driving, texting while driving, and other dangerous issues on the road. If the driver who hit you was violating any of these laws or committing other dangerous acts behind the wheel, the court may hold them responsible for the crash.
If you were violating traffic laws at the time of the accident, then the court can apportion blame among you, the driver who hit you, and any other negligent parties. As long as you don’t share more than half the blame, you can still receive damages from the at-fault parties. When this happens, your damages might be reduced by your share of fault. For example, someone who was 5% responsible for their own injuries and won $10,000 in damages would have their damages reduced by 5% to $9,500. Our lawyers can help to fight this kind of victim-blaming and work to get you full damages.
Damages for Injuries in a Fort Worth Bicycle Accident
The injuries that you suffered in your bike accident could be severe. Without a car around you, even low-speed accidents could cause serious injuries. Head injuries, broken bones, back injuries, and serious cuts and scrapes are all common in accidents between cars and bicycles. In some cases, these injuries could cause permanent disabilities or require intensive medical care to treat the injuries and help rehabilitate you. Damages for all of the medical care you need should be covered in a lawsuit and paid by the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
If you face serious injuries, you might also face problems at work. You might not be physically able to return to your job, or your injuries might mean that you need to take an extended leave of absence or take a job with modified physical tasks. Any lost wages you face because of the injuries could also be claimed in a lawsuit, including future reduced earning capacity.
Injuries from a bike accident could also cause you serious pain and other effects. The inability to perform activities that you used to love – including riding a bike – might be a painful aftereffect of the injury. Similarly, you could face PTSD, ongoing discomfort, and mental anguish because of the injury. Even though there are no monetary values associated with this kind of harm, you can still claim monetary damages for these effects.
Call Our Fort Worth Bicycle Accident and Injury Attorneys for a Free Case Consultation
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Fort Worth or if you lost a loved one in an accident between a bicycle and a car, call The Queenan Law Firm. Our Fort Worth bicycle accident lawyers represent injured bike riders and their families and fight to get them the compensation they need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. For your free case consultation, call us today at (817) 774-9627.