I Got Hit by a Car While Riding My Bike: What Are My Legal Options?
Car accidents in Houston, TX, can cause significant injuries and costly financial damages. When a bicycle is involved in a crash, the damages can be even higher. Bicyclists have nothing more than a bike helmet or protective padding to minimize injuries in a crash. When a bicyclist is hit by a car, the effects can be catastrophic or deadly.
Individuals hit by a car while riding a bike may wonder about their legal options. The car and bike accident lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P., who serve Sugar Land, Katy, and Richmond, TX, offer tips for bicyclists suing after getting hit by a driver. They work with injury victims to build a strong legal case so responsible parties are held liable for economic and non-economic losses related to a bike accident.
Can I Sue the Driver Who Hit My Bike?
When determining whether bicyclists can sue drivers after their bike is hit, the most important consideration is who is at fault for the crash. Some bike accidents are straightforward with a clear at-fault party. For instance, if a drunk driver swerves into the bike lane and strikes a bicyclist, they are clearly responsible for the accident. Other bike accidents may be more complex and involve multiple people or potentially liable parties.
The lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. work with investigators and accident recreationists to determine liability for a bike accident. Depending on the details of the crash, we can assist injured bicyclists in filing a lawsuit against a responsible driver or a liable city/municipality (in cases where unsafe road conditions cause an accident).
Tips for Strengthening a Bike Accident Case
As with any other type of personal injury lawsuit, a bicyclist's actions after an accident can strengthen their case and increase their ability to maximize compensation for injury damages. Whenever possible, we advise bicyclists to take these steps after being hit by a car:
- Call 911 or the local police department to report the crash
- Check for injuries
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible (even if injuries are not apparent, there may be internal injuries)
- Exchange contact information with all involved parties
- Collect license and insurance information from involved drivers
- Document the scene of the accident by taking photos and videos
- Collect contact information from accident witnesses
- Report the accident to your automobile insurance company
- Consider contacting a personal injury lawyer
Potential Damages in a Bike Accident Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit allows injured bicyclists to pursue financial compensation for the economic and non-economic losses related to a bike accident. Potential areas of compensation after a bike accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished wage-earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages (can be awarded to surviving family members when a bike accident is fatal)
Schedule a Free Case Review
Bicyclists hit by a driver can work with the personal injury lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. to explore their legal options after a bike accident. If you or a loved one was injured in a bike crash, we invite you to schedule a free case review at your earliest convenience.