Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Lawyer

About Fort Worth Bicycle Accidents

In 2020, txdot.gov reported a dramatic rise in the number of bicyclists (as well as pedestrians) across the state. Bicycle and pedestrian deaths account for one in five of all traffic fatalities in Texas, leading safety officials to seek answers to this issue. One reason for the increase is the widespread failure of drivers to follow state laws that protect bicyclists and pedestrians. Bicycling is common in Texas due to the long stretches of pleasant weather. Many use their bicycle to commute to and from work, while others use bicycling for exercise or simply as a fun pastime. Unfortunately, like pedestrians, bicyclists are extremely vulnerable when hit by a vehicle. Other than a helmet, a bicyclist has no protection, therefore is more likely to suffer severe or catastrophic injuries. These injuries can be life-threatening or fatal, altering the cyclist’s life forever. Many drivers simply do not watch out for bicyclists in the same way they do for other vehicles. If you have suffered a bicycle accident, it could be very beneficial to speak to a Fort Worth bicycle accident lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm.

We will immediately begin gathering evidence related to your bicycle accident and building a strong case on your behalf. We believe you deserve a strong advocate in your corner. With our experience and knowledge, we will be that advocate, guiding you through the claim process and fighting for your future.

How Do Bicycle Accidents Typically Occur?

While your bicycle accident will have unique aspects, there are some more common causes of bicycle accidents in Fort Worth. Many drivers fail to afford bicyclists the same courtesy they give to other drivers, placing cyclists in dangerous situations. Other drivers simply are not paying attention and end up causing a serious accident with a bicyclist. Seeking financial compensation can be an important part of the recovery process following a bicycle accident. Traumatic injuries from bicycle accidents can be expensive and many injured bicyclists are unable to return to work and make a living. Some of the more common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• • Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of all accidents, including those that involve bicyclists. Drivers who are talking on the phone, texting, eating, turning around to look at the children, talking to passengers, or simply daydreaming are putting others on the roadways at risk.
  • In some cases, drivers follow cyclists too closely, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Drivers who are not leaving enough room between themselves and bicyclists can easily cause a serious accident.
  • Excess speed increases the driver’s ability to stop quickly as well as limits the amount of time to make decisions that can be life-altering. High-speed accidents are much more likely to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries for bicyclists.
  • Weaving in and out of traffic can cause a driver to fail to see a cyclist, making it less likely that they can make evasive maneuvers to avoid a bicyclist.
  • Making turns without properly looking for bicyclists is a key cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers may be so used to only looking for other vehicles that they simply do not see the bicyclist or may (unwisely) think they have time to turn in front of the bicyclist.
  • Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals and stop signs put bicyclists who are properly crossing an intersection at risk.
  • Failure to yield to cyclists is a form of careless or reckless driving that poses severe risks to bicycle riders. Drivers must not only yield to other drivers, but they must also yield to bicycle traffic.

• • • Impaired driving and driver fatigue played a significant role in bicycle accidents. According to Health Blog, three alcoholic drinks (approximate BAC of 0.05%) can impair the ability to rapidly focus vision, decrease coordination, and lower alertness. Four drinks (approximate BAC of 0.08%), affect balance, vision, and reaction time, making it harder to detect dangers on the road. Reasoning and the processing of information are also measurably impaired. According to the CDC, going without sleep for 18 hours is approximately equal to a BAC of 0.05, while going without sleep for 24 hours is approximately equal to a BAC of 0.08.

Regardless of the cause of your Fort Worth bicycle accident, speaking to a knowledgeable Fort Worth bicycle accident lawyer is the single best thing you can do for your future, your finances, and your health.  

Why Are Bicycle Accidents More Harmful Than Typical Car Accidents?

Bicyclists hit by a car may have such serious injuries as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries change the victim’s life forever. A person with paraplegia or quadriplegia may not be able to pursue their chosen career and may need full-time assistance simply to deal with everyday tasks. Those with traumatic brain injuries can have the following long-term issues:

• Impaired judgment
• Poor impulse control
• An inability to plan
• A higher likelihood of engaging in risky or inappropriate behaviors
• Speech difficulties
• An inability to talk or understand others who are talking
• Difficulty processing visual information
• An inability to perform regular or familiar tasks
• Memory loss
• Chronic headaches

Spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries can cost millions of dollars over the lifetime of the victim. This makes it all the more important to ensure you receive a full, fair settlement for your bicycle injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Expert Witnesses & Bicycle Accidents

What Should You Do Following a Fort Worth Bicycle Accident?

While there are certain things you should do after a bicycle accident, performing those tasks will depend on how badly you are injured in your bicycle accident. Getting medical attention is crucial—even if you think you are “fine,” your body would have received a rush of adrenaline during the accident which can mask injuries. Have a doctor check you out thoroughly and always follow the doctor’s orders. If you are able, take photos at the scene of the accident, exchange information with the driver, and obtain contact information from witnesses. Once you are home, write down everything you can remember about the accident, then contact a skilled Fort Worth bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How a Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You Can Help: Contact Noteboom

The attorneys at Noteboom—The Law Firm bring a high level of experience, along with a proven track record to every case we handle. With a team-based collaborative approach, our legal team meets often to plan strategy and determine the best possible approach for each situation. The Noteboom attorneys have a quality reputation in Fort Worth and across the state of Texas. We have been helping people just like you since 1982. Contact us today—don’t trust your future to an attorney that is more interested in a quick, cheap settlement than in your health and your future.

FAQ: What Are Common Issues that Arise During Texas Bicycle Litigation

Related FAQs:

• Can I Still Sue If My Bicycle Accident Injury Was Partly My Fault?
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• Can Noteboom Handle My Bicycle Accident Case?