Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Determining what happened requires careful attention to the actions of the driver, the bicyclist, and any other party whose conduct or property may have contributed to the collision.

Examples of conduct and conditions that can lead to bike collisions include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle
• Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists at intersections or crosswalks
• Opening a car door without checking for an approaching bicyclist, commonly called dooring
• Poorly maintained roads or cycling paths that contribute to a loss of control
• Aggressive driving behavior, including speeding or following a bicycle too closely
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Defective bicycle or vehicle parts that malfunction during use

Texas law generally gives bicyclists the rights and duties that apply to vehicle drivers, subject to statutory exceptions. Evidence about traffic signals, lane position, right-of-way, roadway hazards, visibility, and vehicle speed can therefore be central to a claim. Depending on the facts, responsibility may extend to a driver, a person opening a vehicle door, a property or roadway party, or a manufacturer or seller.

The list above isn’t exhaustive. We review police reports, interview witnesses, examine photographs or surveillance footage, and assess the conduct of each potentially responsible party. You can reach out for a consultation to discuss the specific circumstances of your collision.

Common Bicyclist Injuries in Houston

Bicycle accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to significant trauma affecting riders and their families. 

Some of the most common injuries in bicycle accidents include:

• Lacerations and contusions
• Fractures
• Head/brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Dental and facial injuries
• Road rash
• Emotional trauma

Prompt medical evaluation matters because concussions, internal injuries, and other conditions might not be immediately apparent. Treatment records also help document the connection between the collision, ongoing care, and the losses included in an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

At Fertitta & Givens, we help injured bicyclists pursue compensation supported by the facts and evidence in their claims.

Potential bicycle accident damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, and supported future medical needs.
• Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity when established by the evidence.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of a bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other property damaged in the collision.
• Pain and Emotional Distress: Physical pain and emotional effects supported by the circumstances and documentation.

The value and legal path of a claim depend on responsibility, injury evidence, available insurance or assets, medical records, wage documentation, and other case-specific factors. We communicate with insurance companies and opposing parties, organize evidence supporting the claimed losses, and explain the available options in clear language.

We work to negotiate a resolution that accounts for documented immediate and future losses. If negotiations don’t resolve the matter on acceptable terms, we can pursue litigation and prepare the case for court.

What If I Share Fault for the Bicycle Accident?

Sharing some responsibility doesn’t automatically prevent an injured bicyclist from recovering damages in Texas. The percentage assigned to each party can, however, change the amount available.

Texas uses modified comparative responsibility, a rule that allocates fault among the people or entities involved. Under Section 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a claimant whose responsibility is 50 percent or less may recover damages reduced by that percentage. Responsibility greater than 50 percent bars recovery, subject to applicable statutory rules and exceptions.

For example, if a claimant is found 30 percent responsible and the total damages are $100,000, the recoverable amount would be reduced by 30 percent to $70,000. This example illustrates the calculation only and doesn’t predict the value or result of an individual claim.

Evidence used to evaluate responsibility may include:

• Traffic Laws: Whether a party ran a red light, failed to yield, made an unsafe turn, or violated another applicable rule.
• Road Conditions: Whether pavement defects, debris, construction, lighting, or another hazard contributed to the collision.
• Witness Accounts: What independent witnesses observed before, during, and after the impact.
• Police Reports: Recorded statements, diagrams, citations, and the responding officer’s observations.
• Video and Physical Evidence: Surveillance footage, vehicle damage, bicycle damage, lane position, and visible marks at the scene.

We use detailed case analysis to address inaccurate or incomplete assignments of responsibility. That includes comparing statements with physical evidence, reviewing surveillance footage when available, and consulting trusted professionals when their input supports the case.