Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers Ready to Serve You

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Houston, you may have questions about what to do next, and you may not even know where to start. Contact our Houston bicycle accident lawyer today. We understand what you're going through, and we offer FREE consultations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us right now at 866-959-0975

There is NO cost to get a free initial consultation right now. If you decide to hire us, you pay us nothing upfront, and you will pay absolutely nothing at all unless and until we've won your case.

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Why Choose Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers to Handle Your Houston Bicycle Accident Claim

We established our law firm's headquarters in Houston in 1999 to provide the highest quality legal representation to those suffering needlessly because of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. Over the years, we've built a trusted network of partners throughout all 50 states who share our values and our commitment to excellence.

Houston bicycle accident attorney Stewart J. Guss is an avid cyclist himself, participating in many charitable bicycle rides around Houston. In fact, Stewart Guss sponsors his own law firm's riding team for the BP MS150 and rides from Houston to Austin every year to help the fight against multiple sclerosis.

After practicing personal injury law and representing many cyclists during his 20-year career, he is in a unique position to empathize with his fellow riders when a bicycle accident injures them.

Stewart Guss has had the sobering task of representing cyclists in Houston and the surrounding areas of Texas when they were injured in bicycle accidents due to other people's negligence.

If you've found yourself in such a situation, rest assured Stewart and his team will work tirelessly to recover as much compensation as possible on your bicycle accident injury claim.

If you were hurt in a Houston bicycle accident, call 866-959-0975 to connect with the attorneys at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers. Do not sign anything until you speak with us, or you'll risk losing the compensation you deserve.

Remember, your consultation is FREE, and you pay NOTHING unless we win your case!

Houston Bicycle Accident Statistics

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports the number of pedalcyclist accidents, injuries, and fatalities for each year. The following are the statistics for the most recent year available:

  • Reported crashes = 2,426
  • Non-injury crashes = 187
  • Possible injuries = 886
  • Non-incapacitating injuries = 1,043
  • Serious injuries = 258
  • Bicycle accident fatalities = 72

Over the past several years, the number of bicycle accidents in Houston has increased. Possible reasons could be because there is more bicycle traffic in the Houston area as well as more distracted drivers on the road.

Common Injuries After a Houston Bicycle Accident

Bike riding is a popular pastime in Houston, whether you're riding downtown with a Critical Mass cyclist group or taking Terry Hershey Park's trails. No matter how careful you are when you ride your bicycle, however, sharing the road with cars and trucks can be nerve-racking. If you get into a bicycle accident in Houston, you could face severe, devastating injuries, including:

  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Crushed Injuries & Amputations
  • Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal injuries
  • Road rash
  • Facial injuries
  • Psychological injuries, such as emotional distress and mental anguish

You should seek medical care promptly following a Houston bike accident, no matter how minor your injuries may appear. You should also consult an experienced Houston bicycle accident lawyer for advice about your legal options to pursue compensation and help throughout the process.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Houston?

Bicycle accidents in Houston can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

  • Motor Vehicle Collisions: One of the primary causes is collisions with motor vehicles. Drivers may fail to notice cyclists on the road, leading to accidents at intersections, while making turns, or during lane changes.
  • Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting or using a mobile phone while driving, can lead to accidents involving cyclists. Drivers not paying full attention to the road may not see cyclists in their vicinity.
  • Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield the right of way to cyclists, either at intersections or when merging into traffic, can result in accidents.
  • Dooring Accidents: Cyclists can be injured if a parked car's door is suddenly opened in their path. This type of accident is known as a dooring accident.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, or other poor road conditions can contribute to accidents. Lack of proper bike lanes or poorly maintained infrastructure can increase the risk for cyclists.
  • Impaired Driving: Accidents can occur when drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their judgment and reaction times.
  • Aggressive Driving Behavior: Aggressive driving, such as tailgating or aggressive passing, can put cyclists at risk.
  • Lack of Driver Education: A lack of awareness and education about sharing the road with cyclists can contribute to accidents. Vehicle drivers need to understand and respect cyclists' presence on the road.

Bicycle accident victims in Houston need to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss their options for pursuing compensation through a Houston bike accident claim.

What Should You Do After Suffering Injuries in a Houston Bicycle Accident?

Houston bicycle accidents

In the unfortunate event that you are hurt in a wreck a negligent driver caused, you can maximize your chances of recovering compensation by:

  • Seeking Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, it's essential to get a thorough medical evaluation.
  • Contacting Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the local police. Having an official accident report can be valuable when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
  • Exchanging Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver involved in the accident. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses as well.
  • Documenting the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your bicycle, the motor vehicle involved, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
  • Preserving Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as your damaged bicycle, clothing, and any other personal items. These may be crucial if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
  • Not Admitting Fault: Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when talking to the police, insurance companies, or other parties involved.
  • Getting Witness Statements: If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and, if possible, obtain written statements about what they saw.
  • Contacting Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.
  • Being Cautious with Insurance Adjusters: Be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters. Consult an attorney before providing recorded statements or accepting settlements.
  • Consulting an Attorney: Speak with a personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accidents. They can provide guidance on your legal options and help protect your rights.
  • Keeping Records: Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any other costs related to the accident. This documentation can be crucial when seeking compensation.

If you're unsure about what steps to take, seeking legal guidance can be crucial in protecting your rights and pursuing a fair resolution.

Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer Stewart J. Guss Attorney At Law

What Damages Can I Receive from a Houston Bicycle Accident Claim?

In a Houston bicycle accident case, you may be eligible to receive various forms of compensation for your injuries and losses, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Compensation for all past and future medical bills related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other medical treatments.
  • Lost Wages: Reimbursement for the income you lost due to the accident, including time off work for medical appointments or recovery.
  • Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your damaged bicycle and any other personal property.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
  • Emotional Distress: Damages for emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, or other psychological effects caused by the accident.
  • Loss of Consortium: If the accident resulted in the loss of companionship or support from a loved one, you may be eligible for damages.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of ability to enjoy activities or aspects of life that you could participate in before the accident.

It's important to note that Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your total compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible for any compensation.

To navigate the complexities of a bicycle accident claim and determine the damages you may be entitled to, you must consult a personal injury attorney in Houston. A Houston bicycle accident lawyer from Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers can assess the specific details of your case, gather evidence, and help you pursue fair compensation for your losses.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

We've covered some common bicycle accident questions below. If you have questions about your accident that are not adequately addressed on this page, contact an attorney as soon as possible to get the assistance you deserve and build your case today.

If I wasn’t wearing a helmet during my accident, am I still entitled to compensation?

Wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce your risk of severe head injury by as much as 60% in a serious bicycle accident, but that doesn’t mean you MUST be wearing a helmet at the time of the incident in order to gain compensation for your injuries. When someone else’s negligence and misconduct has harmed you, you deserve financial compensation regardless of whether or not you chose to wear safety gear. Don’t be tempted to take the blame. Fight back and get the money you deserve.

How much compensation should I expect after a bicycle accident in Houston?

When you’ve been involved in a severe bicycle accident in Houston due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve all the help you can get for a smooth recovery. The exact amount of compensation you can receive, however, depends on several important factors.

First, the limits of the insurance policy carried by the person or entity that caused your accident may limit the compensation you can receive. In Texas, drivers must carry a minimum of only $30,000 of liability protection. If the cost of your injuries exceeds that amount, you may not receive compensation above the amount of the policy. However, a Houston bicycle accident lawyer may know of ways for you to pursue the additional compensation you need

Second, the compensation you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries. Without the assessment of medical professionals, this can be hard to determine. Serious aches and pains might not show up for days or weeks. This is why it’s so important to get examined promptly and wait until you've reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before accepting a settlement.

As mentioned previously, you can claim general damages – including pain and suffering – that may not have a specific monetary value. You can also claim special damages, which have a clear monetary value and economic loss to you. The combined total of these damages can provide you with an estimate of what to expect from your claim. A lawyer can assess your case and help you calculate your damages to provide an estimate of the compensation you could receive.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney to represent me after a bicycle accident?

Hiring a personal injury attorney probably sounds expensive to you. Many people shy away from the idea or dismiss it entirely, thinking they’re saving their much-needed cash at a time when other expenses are piling up.

In reality, the question they should be asking is: “Can I afford not to hire an attorney?”

Having an attorney on your side can increase your compensation exponentially. Even better, many attorneys offer free consultations and take personal injury cases on a contingency basis. This means there is no upfront cost to retain an attorney. Instead, their fees are deducted as a portion of your successful settlement or award.

Is the driver of the vehicle always liable for bicycle accident injuries?

Most bicycle accidents happen because a negligent driver violated traffic laws or acted irresponsibly behind the wheel. However, other factors can also come into play. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you can identify EVERY PARTY who shares liability for the accident.

For example, if the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be partially liable for your injuries.

Did a mechanical failure in the vehicle cause the accident? A tire blowout or brake malfunction in someone’s personal vehicle, for example, can cause them to lose control. In some cases, the automobile manufacturer may be to blame for accidents caused due to faulty parts. If a mechanic recently worked on the vehicle and failed to complete repairs properly, the mechanic may also bear liability for the accident.

Don’t overlook these possibilities. You don’t want to miss out on the compensation you deserve for your accident. Make sure you discuss liability with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon after your accident as possible!

Should I accept the offer the insurance company sends me after the accident?

Often, immediately after your bicycle accident, the insurance company will send you a settlement offer. While the number they offer might excite you now, be careful of settling. If you haven’t received professional legal counsel, you have no idea how much you could actually get. In most cases, your claim is worth way more than what an insurer initially offers. Have you considered your pain and suffering? What about future medical expenses or chronic pain? What about your family’s distress?

Consult an attorney before accepting any offer. Know your worth. We do.

How long will it take to file a bicycle accident claim and receive compensation for my injuries?

How long it takes to recover compensation for a bicycle accident depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and various legal and logistical considerations. Some cases may be resolved in a matter of months, while others could take a year or more.

Some insurance companies will negotiate harder and longer than others, and it can take longer to handle an accident claim when you have severe injuries and must ask for higher compensation amounts.

Working with our bicycle injury attorneys can, in many cases, help you formulate a strategy that makes the whole process quicker and easier to deal with.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a bicycle accident in Texas?

The Texas statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court is two years from the date of the accident. If you don't have an attorney file a lawsuit for you within that time, you will forfeit your rights to pursue compensation.

However, you don't want to wait to contact an attorney and start your claim. Evidence like witness statements, photos, and video footage of the accident scene remain most accurate when they are fresh. The sooner you get a legal team on your side, the easier it is to find and collect evidence to support your case. Hesitating could lead to valuable evidence being lost forever.

Still, have questions about your bicycle accident? Contact our experienced bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible to protect your rights through every stage of the claims process.

Contact a Texas Bike Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Options

Stewart Guss Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Huston
Stewart J. Guss Bicycle Accident Attorney in Huston

Houston bike crashes are unfortunately common, but help is within reach. If you’ve been involved in a bike accident in Houston, call us now and get informed about your rights and your options. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury settlements, our bicycle accident lawyers can help.

The legal team at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers has been nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years.

If you were injured on a bicycle or in any other kind of traffic accident, call our office right now to schedule a free consultation. We take all of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you will not owe us a dime unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us to learn more about your rights today at 866-959-0975, or contact us online now.

Trust Guss Injury Lawyers

Address: 12777 Jones Rd # 297,
Houston, TX 77070

Phone: 281-664-6500