Bicycle accidents can change your life in an instant. If someone injures you while you’re riding your bike in Fort Worth, you may face physical pain, emotional distress, and growing medical bills.
It’s difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
The Fort Worth bicycle injury lawyers at Bailey & Galyen understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team of personal injury attorneys has decades of experience helping injured Texans, and we will fight for your rights every step of the way. If a careless driver caused your accident, we’ll work to hold them accountable and help you move forward. Contact our Fort Worth office today for a free consultation.
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Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Guide
- Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Fort Worth
- Bicycle Accident Statistics in Texas and Fort Worth
- Dangerous Areas for Cyclists in Fort Worth
- Common Causes of Bike Crashes in Fort Worth
- How a Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help You
- Don’t Wait to Contact a Lawyer
- What Types of Compensation Are Available?
- Responsibilities of Motorists Around Bikes: Liability in Personal Injury Claims
- Comparative Negligence in Texas
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen?
- Contact Bailey & Galyen: A Texas Law Firm You Can Trust
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Fort Worth
Bicycle accidents can happen anywhere, but certain conditions make cyclists more vulnerable. Urban areas are particularly dangerous for cyclists. Fort Worth is a busy city with many areas where cars, trucks, and bicycles share the road, and not all drivers take the necessary precautions to ensure cyclists’ safety.
Injuries from a bicycle accident can be severe. Unlike a driver or passenger in a car, cyclists have very little protection in a crash. Even with a helmet and proper safety gear, the impact from a vehicle can cause life-altering injuries.
A bike accident may cause broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, or other serious harm. On top of that, you might require weeks or months of medical treatment, rehabilitation, or time off work to recover.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Texas and Fort Worth
Bicycle accidents are more common than many people realize, and the numbers tell a sobering story. Understanding these statistics can highlight the risks cyclists face and emphasize the importance of taking safety precautions on the road. Whether you’re a cyclist navigating Fort Worth’s streets or a driver sharing the road, these statistics remind us of the need for greater awareness and caution.
Statewide Bike Accident Data in Texas
Texas is one of the largest states in the U.S., with a wide variety of roadways, from rural highways to bustling city streets. Unfortunately, this also means that the state sees many bicycle accidents each year.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), pedalcyclist deaths account for 1 in 50 traffic fatalities in Texas. Cyclist fatalities are trending upward, with 91 bicyclist deaths reported in 2022, a 1.11% increase from 2021, and 106 bicyclist traffic fatalities reported in 2023.
TxDOT reported 2,303 pedalcyclist injuries in its most recent traffic analysis. Intersections are the most dangerous locations for cyclists, accounting for 59.1% of all crashes with injuries, followed by roadway segments (the areas between or adjacent to intersections) at 29.7% and driveways at 11.2%.
These numbers show that cyclists are at significant risk on Texas roads, especially when drivers fail to share the road responsibly.
Fort Worth Bicycle Crash Statistics
As a growing metropolitan area, Fort Worth has seen an increase in both vehicle and bicycle traffic in recent years. This growth has led to an unfortunate rise in accidents involving cyclists.
According to the latest Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Report, produced by the League of American Bicyclists, bicyclist fatalities accounted for 1% of all traffic fatalities in Fort Worth. The report noted that multi-lane roadways are often the most dangerous for people biking and walking.
Fort Worth has made some efforts to improve cyclist safety by adding bike lanes and promoting awareness, but these statistics demonstrate that there’s still much work to do to protect cyclists.
Dangerous Areas for Cyclists in Fort Worth
Fort Worth has several areas where cyclists are at higher risk of accidents. High-traffic roads, limited bike lanes, and congested intersections can all make it difficult for cyclists to ride safely.
Some of the most dangerous areas for cyclists in Fort Worth include:
- West 7th Street: This busy entertainment district is popular for shopping and dining but can be hazardous for cyclists. The road is often congested with cars, and cyclists are forced to share narrow lanes with traffic.
- Camp Bowie Boulevard: Known for its heavy traffic and high speeds, Camp Bowie Boulevard is risky for cyclists, especially during rush hour when visibility and reaction times are limited.
- University Drive: With Texas Christian University (TCU) nearby, University Drive sees a lot of traffic from students and visitors. The road can be crowded, and cyclists are often forced to navigate between parked cars and moving traffic.
- Downtown Fort Worth: While parts of downtown contain bike lanes, other sections have narrow streets filled with cars, delivery trucks, and buses, making it hard for cyclists to stay safe.
- South Main Street: As an up-and-coming area with increasing traffic, South Main Street can be tricky for cyclists to navigate due to heavy vehicle flow and pedestrian activity.
These areas highlight the need for better bike infrastructure and increased driver awareness. Unfortunately, many accidents happen in these locations due to a lack of protective bike lanes and careless driving behavior.
Common Causes of Bike Crashes in Fort Worth
In many cases, bicycle collisions happen because drivers are not paying enough attention.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Fort Worth include:
- Failure to Yield: Drivers may fail to yield to cyclists at intersections, even when the cyclist has the right of way.
- Speeding: A speeding driver has less time to react to cyclists, increasing the risk of a serious collision.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions can cause drivers to miss seeing a cyclist until it’s too late.
- Running Stop Signs or Red Lights: When drivers fail to stop, they put cyclists crossing the intersection at serious risk.
- Driving Too Close to Cyclists: Texas law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing, but not all drivers follow this rule.
- Dooring Accidents: A driver or passenger opening a car door into a cyclist’s path can lead to a dangerous collision.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers are a serious threat to everyone on the road, especially cyclists, who are more vulnerable to being hit.
Each of these scenarios can lead to serious, life-changing injuries for a cyclist. If a driver’s negligence or recklessness caused your accident, you can seek compensation for your injuries.
How a Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help You
After a bicycle accident, your focus should be on healing and getting your life back on track. Unfortunately, dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and legal issues can make recovery even harder. That’s where a Fort Worth bicycle accident attorney comes in.
At Bailey & Galyen, we’ll take care of the legal aspects of your case, so you can focus on your recovery.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating Your Accident: We’ll gather evidence to determine who was at fault for the accident. This may include reviewing police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident scene photos.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize your compensation. We’ll negotiate with them on your behalf to ensure you get the full amount you deserve.
- Filing Your Claim: Texas has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you have limited time to file a claim after your accident. We’ll make sure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
- Seeking Compensation: You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation possible.
A personal injury lawyer experienced in handling bike collision claims can make all the difference. Our team at Bailey & Galyen is dedicated to standing up for injured cyclists in Fort Worth and across Texas.
Don’t Wait to Contact a Lawyer
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the accident date. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, such as in a car or bicycle accident.
For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is also two years, but the clock starts from the date of the deceased person’s death, not the accident.
Some exceptions apply to these rules, such as in cases involving minors or other specific circumstances, so consult a lawyer who understands how the statute of limitations may apply to your situation. Failing to file within the two-year period can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
After a bicycle accident, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical Bills: This includes hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need due to the accident.
- Lost Income: If your injuries keep you from working, you may be compensated for lost wages. This can include both past and future earnings, especially if you cannot return to work in the same capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on your life.
- Property Damage: If your bicycle or any other personal property was damaged in the accident, you could receive compensation to repair or replace it.
- Rehabilitation Costs: You may need ongoing rehabilitation, such as physical or occupational therapy, to help you recover from your injuries.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you’ve lost a loved one in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages. In Texas, the family of the deceased can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
This may include medical bills, funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional pain and suffering experienced due to the loss of a loved one. While no amount of compensation can make up for your loss, holding the responsible party accountable can provide some financial relief and a sense of justice during this difficult time.
Your lawyer will work with medical professionals, financial experts, and other specialists to determine your claim’s full value and ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
Responsibilities of Motorists Around Bikes: Liability in Personal Injury Claims
In Texas, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, which means they must be treated as equals on the road. If a driver’s negligence leads to an accident, they can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Understanding and following the responsibilities around cyclists is important for the safety of everyone on the road and for preventing potential legal consequences.
Here are a few key motorist responsibilities when sharing the road with cyclists:
Give Space When Passing
Texas law requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist. Failing to provide adequate space can result in serious collisions and injuries. A driver who violates this law and causes an accident may be held liable for the cyclist’s injuries.
Look for Cyclists Before Turning
Drivers must always check for cyclists before making turns at intersections or into driveways. Many accidents occur when a driver turns directly into a cyclist’s path. In these cases, the motorist can be held responsible for failing to yield the right of way.
Watch for Cyclists at Crosswalks
Like pedestrians, cyclists have the right of way in a crosswalk. Drivers must stop and allow cyclists to cross safely. Failing to do so can not only result in serious injuries but also leave the driver open to liability in a personal injury claim.
Be Cautious When Opening Car Doors
“Dooring” accidents, where a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist, are common in cities. Drivers and passengers should always check their mirrors before opening doors. If a dooring accident occurs, the person who opened the door could be held liable for the cyclist’s injuries.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Whether texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technology, drivers who aren’t fully focused on the road are more likely to miss seeing a cyclist. After a crash caused by distracted driving, the driver could be held responsible for the resulting injuries.
When motorists fail to follow these basic safety rules, the consequences for cyclists can be devastating. If a driver fails to take proper precautions or follow the law and injures you, you may recover compensation for your injuries. Holding drivers accountable for their actions can ensure safer roads for everyone.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
In Texas, the concept of comparative negligence means that you may still recover damages even if you bear partial fault for the accident. However, your compensation may decrease based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
It’s important to note that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. A skilled personal injury attorney will advocate for you and minimize the percentage of fault assigned to you. We will fight hard to protect your right to compensation, no matter the circumstances.
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen?
Bailey & Galyen is proud to serve clients throughout Texas, including Fort Worth. With offices across the state, we provide local, accessible legal services with a personal touch. Our lawyers have helped many Texans recover compensation for their injuries, and we are ready to help you, too.
We offer:
- Local Knowledge: We understand Fort Worth’s roads and the unique challenges cyclists face. Our lawyers are familiar with Texas laws, courts, and judges, and we will use our local knowledge to fight for your rights.
- Compassionate Service: We know how difficult it can be to recover from a bicycle accident. Our team will handle your case with care and compassion, supporting you through every step of the process.
- Proven Results: Bailey & Galyen has a long history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We’re committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Bailey & Galyen: A Texas Law Firm You Can Trust
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. The team at Bailey & Galyen is here to support you, fight for your rights, and help you move forward after your accident. We offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at no cost to you.
For an appointment with a proven Texas bicycle accident lawyer, call our Fort Worth office on Summit Avenue at (817) 438-2121 or contact us online. We will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Fort Worth Office
1300 Summit Ave #650
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-438-2121
