What Can Be Done Legally After a Bicycle Accident in San Antonio
As a cyclist, you have probably experienced your fair share of close calls with negligent drivers. Bicycles have as much of a right to the road as any other class of vehicle, but, unfortunately, that right is not always respected by motorists. This negligence can often lead to injury: San Antonio is considered one of the most dangerous cities for cyclists, with over 200 deaths per 100,000 people commuting by bike. Many more are injured in non-fatal accidents every year.
If you have suffered from such an injury, you are probably wondering what can be done legally after a bicycle accident in San Antonio. You could be left with chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a lack of reliable transportation, all while having to deal with medical bills. Legal action could help you address these financial and non-economic costs, but the process of pursuing a claim may seem difficult and overwhelming.
Fortunately, assistance is available. The Texas personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw specialize in helping clients pursue personal injury claims after bike accidents, and will work hard in pursuing the financial compensation that you deserve. To see if our services would be right for you, call 800-862-1260 to schedule your free, no-obligation case review and initial consultation. English- and Spanish-speaking staff are available 24/7 to take your call.
Does My Bike Accident Deserve a Settlement?According to the Texas Motor Vehicle Handbook, “A person operating a bicycle has all the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle.” This includes the right to expect motorists to share the road safely and respectfully. Failure to do so on their part constitutes negligence, which leaves them vulnerable to an injury claim. Some negligent driving behaviors that can result in injuries to a cyclist include:
- Failing to check the bike lane before opening a car door or pulling out of a parking space
- Failure to observe a safe following distance
- Failure to observe a safe distance when passing cyclists (three feet for passenger vehicles; six feet for large trucks)
- Operating while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or impairing medication
- Operating while drowsy or distracted
- Failure to observe traffic laws
If you believe that any of the above, or any other negligent driving behaviors, were factors in your accident, contact an injury attorney in San Antonio to help you pursue a settlement.
What Should I Do After a Bike Accident? After being injured in a bicycle accident, seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, you could have suffered a concussion or other internal injuries without realizing it, and without attention you may experience later complications. As soon as you are able, file a police report, listing as many details of the accident as you can remember. A detailed report will serve as helpful evidence when pursuing your claim. Taking photos of your injuries, damage to your bike, and skid marks will also strengthen your claim. After seeking medical attention and documenting evidence of your accident, look for a San Antonio Tx personal injury lawyer to assist you with your claim. An attorney will help guide you through the complicated legal process, and will show your opposition that you take your claim seriously. Can I Afford a Lawyer?If you are concerned about the cost of legal counsel, consider looking for lawyers who offer contingency agreements. These contracts mean that your attorney will take an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement as their fee. Contingency agreements offer clients a way to pursue legal action with professional assistance at no financial risk.
Our legal team works on contingency while offering clients experienced, professional, and effective counsel: Carabin Shaw’s client reviews speak for themselves. If you are considering pursuing a bicycle accident settlement, call 800-862-1260 at your earliest convenience to set up your free consultation.