Sharing the Road: Cyclist and Car Accident Laws in San Antonio, Texas

When the operator of a motor vehicle collides with a cyclist in San Antonio, TX, the bicyclist suffers the worst of the injuries. The bicycle simply does not have the protective features of a vehicle, and approximately 1,000 bicyclists die each year because of an accident. If you or a loved one was a cyclist injured in a crash with a motor vehicle, hiring a lawyer can help you to receive compensation for your losses.

The San Antonio TX personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have decades of experience in personal injury law, and we can help you to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for your bicycle crash injuries. We encourage you to read our client reviews and find out how we’ve helped many Texans in their pursuit of civil justice. No victim should have to pay for their injuries when another party is liable.

Over half of the bicycle fatalities in 2022 were among bicyclists who were not wearing helmets. Head injuries are often the most severe and life-threatening injuries bicyclists encounter. However, other injuries a bicyclist may suffer include:

• Superficial wounds and abrasions
• Internal injuries
• Bone fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash

The injuries from bicycle crashes lead to costly damages in medical bills, lost income, and bicycle damage. With severe bicycle accidents in San Antonio, the damages can be ongoing for an extended period of time. Chronic pain may last a lifetime. It is important that your lawyer explain these injuries to a judge or jury, so you can receive adequate compensation.

The court will consider negligence and liability in your San Antonio cyclist injury claim. Determining fault is a matter of deciding who was following the rules of the road, and who should have acted differently to avoid the accident. In many cases, both parties share a percentage of fault.

Texas bicycle rules include:

• Keeping to the ride side of the road except when necessary (i.e., when turning)
• Riding single file
• Using hand signals for turning, stopping, and slowing
• Following right-of-way rules
• Wearing a helmet (not mandatory)

The law does not require cyclists to wear helmets in San Antonio, but in a personal injury lawsuit, the court assigns negligence based on actions that one party should have taken to avoid harm. Wearing a helmet is a basic safety precaution that the court could consider cyclist negligence if not performed.

Searching for an attorney should be one of the first things you do after a car vs. bike accident, after ensuring you get proper medical attention. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is 2 years in most instances, but calling a lawyer as soon as possible increases the success of your case.

Your San Antonio TX cyclist rights after accident include filing a lawsuit against at-fault parties and getting compensation for your losses. This compensation includes:

• Economic losses from current and future expenses related to the accident
• Noneconomic loss from pain and suffering
• Punitive damages at the court’s discretion

Your lawyer will help you to enumerate and assign value to your injuries, so you ask for an adequate settlement amount in your lawsuit.

At Carabin Shaw, our team believes in delivering compassionate legal services to our clients, and we work hard to make sure your legal process is as smooth as possible. We understand that money may be tight while you are healing from your injuries, which is why we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront legal expenses.

Call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 today to schedule a free case review, and get answers to your legal questions from people you can trust. We have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff available 24/7 to answer your call.

For more information:

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
• DoT Texas
• Statutes Capitol Texas