As our San Antonio bicycle accident attorneys have noted, everyday more and more Texans become active cyclists. The popularity of cycling has increased dramatically over the past ten years as both a mode of transportation and a recreational activity. Biking as an individual or group activity is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence of social vogue and utilization.
Unfortunately, motorists have not adjusted their driving practices to help keep roads safe for all of its travelers. Many unknowingly fail or willingly refuse to give the right of way to cyclists, which has led to a substantial increase in the number of bicycling accidents on San Antonio streets. In addition, most motorists are behaviorally conditioned to look for other motorists, rather than to take in all of their surroundings and the possibility of a bike lane being occupied.
Every six hours, a bicyclist is wrongfully killed somewhere in America. Head injuries account for over seventy-five percent of all of the serious injuries and deaths from bicycle accidents. If a bicycling tragedy has occurred to you or your family, contact our law firm. By working with experienced bicycle accident attorneys in San Antonio, you can level the field to ensure that the rights and interests of bicycle riders are protected. Call today toll-free at 800-862-1260.
The Cyclist’s Worst NightmareAn unprotected human body, or one with a minimum of lightweight safety gear, is no match for a speeding automobile, hard pavement, and a negligent driver. Even the most careful bicyclists may easily find themselves on the pavement through no fault of their own.
Consider this scenario, for instance: a driver is at a stop sign facing a T-shaped intersection, with traffic lanes going north and south. Without signaling by putting on a blinker, the driver intends to cross the northbound lanes and make a left-hand turn to travel south. It is late at night, and there are not many cars on the road, but enough to cause the driver to come to a complete stop.
Meanwhile, a cyclist is traveling up the northbound bike lane. They see this vehicle approaching the intersection, but assume the driver has come to a complete stop in order to give the cyclist the proper right of way.
The driver, seeing no cars approaching from either direction, decides to have a little fun and punch the accelerator, creating a slight g-force as the car makes its turn.
By the time the cyclist realizes the car is moving, they are already halfway through the intersection and can no longer prevent the impact.
The driver does not realize an accident has occurred until they are in the southbound lanes of traffic.
As our San Antonio bicycle accident attorneys later showed, the driver had behaved properly in all respects in a world populated only by cars. By failing to pay attention to the bike lane equally with the other lanes of traffic, the driver's brain never registered the blinking lights and headlamp on the bicycle.
In addition to the aforementioned case, the personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw also represent bicyclists injured in the following kinds of driver negligence cases:
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to recovery under Texas law for:
If you need help recovering from a bicycle accident – physically, emotionally, mentally, or financially – contact us today. Our law firm is here to advocate for your rights and help you feel safe on your commute or weekend pleasure ride. We have bicycle accident attorneys serving San Antonio residents every day, with free consultations and winning legal strategies. Reach us at 210-222-2288, or toll free at 800-862-1260.