Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle Accident LawyerGet a Free Consultation
Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle Accidents
Get a Free Consultation
What should you know about bicycle accidents?
Since 2010 through 2025, bicycle accident fatalities in the U.S. have been on an upward trend. People are most at risk for fatal bike accidents in urban areas, which is where 90% of the fatalities occur. A number of reasons have led to the increase in accidents, including:
- Cycling becoming more popular
- Distracted driving
- Lack of protected infrastructure (bike lanes, curbs, and lanes that separate cyclists from parked cars)
- Alcohol use by cyclists/drivers (a factor in 37% of fatal bike accidents)
Facts about bicycle accidents in Texas
When and where most accidents occur
- The majority of accidents and fatalities involving bicycles occur in urban areas with heavy traffic, especially within cities (75-93% of fatalities).
- Texas is rated one of the top three states where bicycle fatalities occur.
- The greatest number of accidents occur between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. in non-intersection locations.
- As far as fatal accidents, intersections have the greatest number of fatalities (27-51%).
- About 46% of bike accidents involve larger vehicles like pickup trucks, SUVs and vans.
Bike Accidents at Intersections
Both cars and bicycles must follow traffic laws regarding the right-of-way. Violating the right-of-way, is often the cause of intersection accidents. At a one-way stop, the biker may not realize the vehicle doesn’t have to stop and ride into the intersection. The opposite also can happen with cars failing to stop and driving into the intersection where the cyclist is riding. In addition, misjudgment of speed and distance are frequently factors in these types of wrecks.
Bike Accidents on Highways
On highways, the high speed of traffic is the most dangerous factor for bicyclists. When involving high speeds, collisions typically have greater impact. Highways that lack bike lanes or shoulders force bicycles to share the road with trucks and cars. Visibility also factors into riding on high speed thoroughfares. Driver might not spot cyclists in time to slow. In addition, road hazards such as gravel, debris, potholes or uneven pavement put bicyclists at risk.
What are some common reasons
bike accidents happen?
In addition to speed and misjudging the speed of bicyclists, drivers often fail to provide them with enough space. Safe passing laws require a 3-foot minimum distance. Accidents called “doorings” can also happen. This occurs when passengers or drivers open their doors without checking first and the door hits the cyclist.
When and where most accidents occur
- The majority of accidents and fatalities involving bicycles occur in urban areas with heavy traffic, especially within cities (75-93% of fatalities).
- Texas is rated one of the top three states where bicycle fatalities occur.
- The greatest number of accidents occur between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. in non-intersection locations.
- As far as fatal accidents, intersections have the greatest number of fatalities (27-51%).
- About 46% of bike accidents involve larger vehicles like pickup trucks, SUVs and vans.
Bike Accidents at Intersections
Both cars and bicycles must follow traffic laws regarding the right-of-way. Violating the right-of-way, is often the cause of intersection accidents. At a one-way stop, the biker may not realize the vehicle doesn’t have to stop and ride into the intersection. The opposite also can happen with cars failing to stop and driving into the intersection where the cyclist is riding. In addition, misjudgment of speed and distance are frequently factors in these types of wrecks.
Bike Accidents on Highways
On highways, the high speed of traffic is the most dangerous factor for bicyclists. When involving high speeds, collisions typically have greater impact. Highways that lack bike lanes or shoulders force bicycles to share the road with trucks and cars. Visibility also factors into riding on high speed thoroughfares. Driver might not spot cyclists in time to slow. In addition, road hazards such as gravel, debris, potholes or uneven pavement put bicyclists at risk.
What are some common reasons
bike accidents happen?
In addition to speed and misjudging the speed of bicyclists, drivers often fail to provide them with enough space. Safe passing laws require a 3-foot minimum distance. Accidents called “doorings” can also happen. This occurs when passengers or drivers open their doors without checking first and the door hits the cyclist.
What safety precautions should bicyclists take?
To be less at risk for accidents, bicyclists should do the following:
- Wear helmets and reflective clothing and use front and rear bike lights
- Follow traffic laws
- Drive defensively and anticipate what other drivers might do
- Make how you ride be predictable for drivers
- Avoid riding where there are road hazards
- Do not listen to music or text while riding
- Slow down and watch for driveways or doors opening on parked cars
- Do not ride when intoxicated
- Never ride a bike against the traffic (with the traffic coming towards you). Doing so violates traffic laws. It’s also dangerous because drivers don’t expect it and also don’t have enough time to avoid a collision.
- Wear helmets and reflective clothing and use front and rear bike lights
- Follow traffic laws
- Drive defensively and anticipate what other drivers might do
- Make how you ride be predictable for drivers
- Avoid riding where there are road hazards
- Do not listen to music or text while riding
- Slow down and watch for driveways or doors opening on parked cars
- Do not ride when intoxicated
- Never ride a bike against the traffic (with the traffic coming towards you). Doing so violates traffic laws. It’s also dangerous because drivers don’t expect it and also don’t have enough time to avoid a collision.
Get Legal Help from
Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bicycle accident attorneys can investigate and discover the cause of the accident. If a negligent driver caused your accident, lawyers can devise a strategy to present your case, hold the party responsible, and also deal with insurance companies. Their skills in handling the case are vital for your ability to recover compensation for damages. Typically, the compensation they seek in a case is for medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages and also pain and suffering.
To arrange a free consultation, call the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz at (210) 225-HURT (4878) or toll free (800) 645-8553. There are no out-of-pocket expenses, and we receive payment based on our success in winning or settling the case. We are glad to answer your questions and explain the legal factors involved.
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Michael R. De La Paz
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The Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz has its principal office in San Antonio, Texas, however, we can represent your personal injury case no matter where you live in Texas, the U.S., or Mexico.
