Austin consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in America. As Austin continues to grow, so too does the risk of accidents on the road for bicyclists.
Bicycle infrastructure is one of the key elements in reducing the risk of bicycle accidents. To that end, Austin has heavily invested in safe infrastructure that prioritizes safety for cyclists on the roads.
Even with all the efforts to improve bicyclists’ safety, many Austinites are killed or seriously injured in traffic crashes each year. The attorneys at the Weinberg Law Offices are here to help Austinites injured in bike accidents. When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer from our office, you’ll have a skilled advocate who’ll fight tirelessly for you.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents have a variety of causes. The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Austin include the following:
- Distracted bicycling and driving,
- Driving or bicycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- Failure to yield the right of way,
- Operating a bicycle or motor vehicle when tired,
- Speeding and reckless driving or bicycling, and
- Failure to obey traffic laws and bicycle laws.
Both motorists and cyclists can reduce bicycle accidents by being attentive to the road and following traffic laws.
No matter what causes your bike accident, a bicycle accident lawyer at Weinberg Law Offices can help.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Except for a helmet, a bicyclist has virtually no protection from the impact of a vehicle. Thus, a motor vehicle and bicyclist crash can cause life-threatening injuries. It is not uncommon for bicyclists to sustain multiple injuries in a collision, including:
- Broken bones and fractures;
- Lacerations and scrapes;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis;
- Loss of limbs and amputations;
- Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs; and
- Neck and back injuries.
When a bicyclist sustains a permanent impairment, the expenses could continue for a lifetime.
Compensation Available in Bicycle Accidents
Compensation for a bike accident depends on the specific damages suffered. People injured may seek economic and noneconomic damages. The economic damages caused by a bicycle accident include
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
A bicycle accident victim can also seek noneconomic damages. These types of damages are difficult to put a dollar amount on. They include things like:
- Loss of quality of life,
- Pain and suffering,
- Permanent disfigurement,
- Severe disability, and
- Mental anguish.
The best way to know the potential value of your case is to consult with a bicycle accident lawyer in our office.
Should I Get an Austin Bike Accident Lawyer After a Crash?
Hiring a bicycle accident attorney can be invaluable when you are injured in a bike accident. An experienced Austin bike accident lawyer can help you make well-informed decisions regarding your case. Hiring an attorney will spare you from a laundry list of tasks required for a lawsuit. These tasks include:
- Obtaining police reports,
- Working with insurance adjusters,
- Collecting medical records,
- Locating and interviewing witnesses,
- Consulting experts,
- Negotiating a settlement, and
- Filing paperwork if it is necessary to take the case to court.
Retaining legal counsel immediately after you are injured can help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
When Do I Call a Lawyer After a Bike Accident?
When do I call a lawyer after a bike accident? After seeking the necessary medical care, it’s best to get a lawyer immediately. Otherwise, the at-fault party or insurance company may try to get the upper hand. Insurers have teams of adjusters and lawyers looking to undermine your claim. Level up. Having a lawyer on your side makes the process more equal.
In Texas, the statute of limitations on most personal injury claims is two years from the date the cause of action “accrues.” In most bike accident cases, a claim accrues on the date of the accident. Don’t wait until you’re close to the deadline. Reach out to an Austin bike accident attorney as soon as you can.
Do I Need an Austin Bike Accident Attorney?
If you or a loved one sustains injuries in a bicycle accident, you may not know whether you can file a personal injury claim. A lawyer can help you make the best decisions from the beginning. They can explain your rights and help you understand the value of your case so that you don’t accept a settlement that is too low. Our Austin bike accident attorney works on car accident cases daily and can guide you through the entire process.
Contact the Weinberg Law Offices to Discuss Your Case
Even a seemingly minor bicycle accident can result in severe injury for the victim. If you or a loved one is injured in a bike accident, contact the Weinberg Law Offices. We are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injury. We will handle all aspects of your case. We have assisted clients across California, Texas, and Washington State for years. Let us fight for you. Contact us to schedule your free case review with an Austin bike accident attorney.