I wrecked my bike because of poor road conditions. Do I have any rights?
Even the most experienced bike riders can fall victim to poorly maintained roads or riding surfaces resulting in a serious bicycle accident. When riding on the roadways, bikers are susceptible to accidents from potholes, sewer grates, railroad crossings, and even road debris.
When a bike accident is caused by a road hazard, there is a possibility that you can hold the county, city, state or other public agency that maintains the roadway liable. Proving fault when bike accidents are caused by road hazards, however, can be difficult and requires an experienced legal team. The bicycle accident attorney at the Wyly Law Firm in Houston, Texas, has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
I was injured when a car hit me while I was riding my bicycle. I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Can I still seek compensation?
Yes. While bicyclists should always wear appropriate safety gear to reduce their chances of serious injury, Texas law does not require bicyclists to wear helmets and it is not a prerequisite to seeking compensation for your injuries. If your injuries were caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of a motorist or other person or party, Texas law allows you to seek compensation.
It is important, however, for you to consult with an attorney who is well-versed in Texas laws regarding bicycles. The bicycle accident lawyer at the Wyly Law Firm has the knowledge and experience necessary to provide you with excellent representation. We will provide you with individual attention and dedicated advocacy as we help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
What Texas laws cover the rights of bicyclists?
An entire chapter of the Texas Transportation Code, “Chapter 551, Operation of Bicycles, Mopeds and Play Vehicles,” is dedicated to the laws and rules governing bicycling on Texas roads. A person operating a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities as a driver operating a motor vehicle. A bicycle accident is handled in much the same manner as an automobile accident. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of the accident and of the bike rider. An attorney with thorough understanding of these laws is necessary for a successful bicycle accident injury claim.
What rights do Texas cycling laws give me?
Texas law affords bicyclists with many rights. For example, unlike some other states, it is permissible for bicyclists in Texas to ride two abreast, providing they do not impede the flow of traffic. Texas law also allows bicyclists to ride in the center of a lane if cars or other objects block the edge of the lane, or if the condition of the roadway edge is unsafe.
The rules of the road as outlined in the Texas Transportation Code will be referred to when a bicyclist is injured in an accident. While a bike accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, riding defensively and safely is important to prevent injuries.
How do I protect my legal rights if I'm hit by a car while on my bicycle?
A thorough knowledge of Texas bicycle and vehicular laws can be the difference between a successful claim and the prospect of not receiving compensation for your injuries. Each accident is different and the circumstances surrounding the accident must be quickly and thoroughly reviewed. While drivers of automobiles must remain alert and drive carefully around bicyclists, if a bicyclist violates the laws set forth for safe operation of a bicycle resulting in a contributing factor of the accident, then the bicycle rider may be found at fault.
If you are involved in a bicycling accident the Wyly Law Firm bike accident attorney has the knowledge to help you build a successful case. Call the accident attorney today at 713.574.7034 or use our online contact form. We've helped hundreds of injured Texans throughout our area, including accident victims in Harris County, Beaumont, Baytown, Galveston, Pasadena and Houston.
