The Role of Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Seeking Justice
Motorists must share the road with bicyclists, but unfortunately, many drivers fail to do so. If a negligent driver of a car, truck, van, or other vehicle collides with someone on a bicycle, it’s usually the bicyclist who suffers the more severe injuries. Luckily, injured bicyclists may be able to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering by filing a personal injury claim with the help of a skilled Austin bicycle accident lawyer.
The experienced Austin bicycle accident lawyer at The Traub Law Office have been advocating on behalf of injured bicycle accident victims for over 19 years. Our seasoned Austin bicycle accident lawyer understand the tactics insurance companies use to sidestep liability and shortchange accident victims. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact The Traub Law Office today to discuss your legal options with our Austin bicycle accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents That May Require an Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The vast majority of bicycle accidents involve a collision between a bicycle and a vehicle. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
Vehicle Right Turns
Many bicycle accidents occur when a car is attempting to turn right at an intersection, but the driver fails to see the bicyclist. A vehicle driver may be looking left for oncoming traffic but fail to look right for bicyclists. In most cases, the driver of the vehicle is at fault in these accidents; however, a bicyclist can be held partially liable if they were not abiding by the rules of the road.
The “Left Cross”
The “left cross” accident occurs when a bicyclist and a motorist are approaching an intersection from opposite directions. If the motorist turns left while the bicyclist is in the middle of the intersection, the two may collide. This typically occurs when the motorist fails to see the bicyclist before making the turn, or when the motorist misjudges how long it will take the bicyclist to clear the intersection.
Stop Signs
Many accidents take place at intersections where the driver has a stop sign, but the bicyclist does not. In this situation, the bicyclist is free to pass through the intersection. If the motorist fails to stop and wait for the bicyclist to cross the road, thereby causing an accident, the motorist is considered at fault, as the cyclist had the right of way.
Dooring Accidents
In most cases, a motorist will be held liable for injuring a bicyclist in a dooring accident. Nevertheless, insurance companies will attempt to evade full liability by claiming a bicyclist had enough time to avoid the accident.
Rear-End Collisions
Even a slight tap from behind can cause a bicyclist to completely lose control of their bike, which usually results in serious injuries. Bicyclists can be rear-ended by vehicles at any time of the day, but it is most common at night when they become more difficult to see. This is why wearing reflective clothing and appropriate safety gear is a vital safety measure to prevent serious bicycle accidents.
Documenting Evidence After a Bicycle Accident
Bicyclists have to follow the same rules as drivers, and if they fail to do so, they may be held liable in the event of an accident. For example, if a bicyclist is involved in an accident when they are riding against the traffic, they may be held liable, since bicyclists are always supposed to ride in the same direction as the traffic.
It’s important to collect as much evidence from the scene of the bicycle accident as possible, so you can defend yourself and establish the liability of the at-fault party. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, use this checklist to begin documenting your case:
- Call 911 if anyone is injured in the accident.
- Request a police report, on whether or not anyone is injured.
- Remain with your vehicle or bicycle while waiting for help to arrive.
- Photograph conditions at the scene, including weather conditions and road hazards.
- Photograph injuries and property damage as long as it is safe to do so.
- Photograph identifying documents, including driver’s licenses and insurance cards of all involved parties.
- Gather contact information of witnesses and all parties involved in the accident.
- Don’t admit liability or reveal too much information at the scene.
- Obtain a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident.
- Consult a bicycle accident lawyer after the collision to discuss your potential case.
An Austin bicycle accident lawyer can use the evidence you gather at the scene to help reconstruct the accident, establish the at-fault party’s liability, and argue that you deserve compensation for your injuries.
Injured in a Bike Accident? Call Us Today!
Even if you are wearing a helmet and other protective gear, you can still sustain serious injuries if you are a bicyclist and are involved in a collision with a vehicle.
The Austin bicycle accident lawyer at The Traub Law Office knows how to obtain fair compensation for injury victims and has millions in verdicts and settlements since the firm’s inception in 2003. With our main office in Austin, The Traub Law Office proudly serves clients throughout the state of Texas, as well as other states.
Fill out the form for a FREE, no-obligation consultation! You will not pay any legal fees unless our firm wins your case.
With the help of Ghisallo’s Bike Initiative, we offer free bicycle helmets to kids in need to protect them from head injuries. You can also make helmet donations here.
