People of all ages ride bicycles as a form of recreation, an activity to get into shape or a means to travel to work or school. Unfortunately, riding a bicycle can be risky because riders have to share the same roads used by cars, trucks and other commercial vehicles.
Even though bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, roads were simply not made for cyclists. Many cyclists are viewed as nuisance or an intrusion upon the public roads and motorists frequently do not know how to react. A collision with a vehicle while riding a bike can be significant. Injuries can range from broken bones to paralysis or death.
At Hernandez Sunosky, LLP, our top-rated Houston, TX Bicycle Accident Lawyers are privileged to represent people injured in accidents involving bicycles.
What Are Some Common Types of Bike Accidents In Houston, TX?
Some of the most common types of bicycling accidents include:
- Car Door accident – a motorist opens a vehicle’s door in the path of the cyclist
- Sideswipe accident – a motorist fails to give enough room to the cyclist while passing
- Rear end accident – a motorist is following too closely
- Blind spot accident – a motorist cyclist is hidden in a motorist’s blind spot
- Crossing in front of a bike accident – a motorist crosses into the cyclist’s path at an intersection or from a driveway.
What Are The Common Causes Of Bike Accidents?
The following are the leading causes of bicycle accidents:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting)
- Road rage
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Reckless bicycling
- Disregarding traffic control signals
- Night time driving
- Fatigue/drowsy driving
- Changing lanes when unsafe
- Following too close
Common Injuries Caused By Bike Accidents
Some of the more common injuries caused by bicycle accidents include:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Road rash
- Cuts and bruising
- Limb Loss
- Fractured Bones
- Mental Anguish
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Paralysis
What Are The Laws For Bicyclists In Texas?
The majority of laws that apply to bicycles can be found in the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551. According to § 551.101(a), the law considers a bicycle a vehicle, and as such, a cyclist has the same rights and obligations as a motorist. The following are some key bicycle laws applicable to cyclists:
- May ride on any road or highway
- Must yield to pedestrians
- Must obey all traffic devices
- Must ride close to the right curb or right edge if traveling slower than the traffic
- Must ride to the far left if riding on a one-way road
- Must use hand signals when turning right or left
- No more than two cyclists can ride side by side (two abreast)
- May only have one rider per seat
- Must be equipped with lights on the front and a red reflector or red light on rear (for riding at night)
- Must be equipped with functioning brakes
We Protect The Legal Rights Of Injured Bicyclists In Houston, TX.
Injured in a bicycle accident? Call Hernandez Sunosky, LLP at 713.981.4100 for help. We serve Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.