Riding a bicycle is a green, health-conscious, and inexpensive way to get around the city. Cyclists can bypass traffic and get to their destinations without worrying about how much gas is in the tank or where they’re going to park. Those who are driving cars in the city need to be cognizant that they’re sharing the road. When drivers aren’t exhibiting safe and cautious driving behaviors, they can cause severe accidents. While the aftermath of an accident can seem overwhelming, a Midland bicycle accident lawyer can help you figure out how to move forward.
When someone acts negligently and causes an accident that results in injury, you may have legal grounds to hold them accountable. Our lawyers at Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm have experience in representing bicycle accident victims. We understand how an accident can put your life on hold. With a skilled attorney at your side, you can have peace of mind that your rights will be protected.
How Can a Midland Bicycle Accident Attorney Help You?
An attorney will look at your case and see what damages you can recover financially. Typically, these damages are split into two categories: economic and noneconomic. Your economic damages cover items that you can calculate. Let’s look into some examples.
After a bicycle accident in Texas, you’re going to need care for your injuries. Minor crashes may result in a trip to the doctor or hospital, but severe crashes could require hospitalization until the doctor says it’s safe for the person to leave. You may incur a high amount of hospital bills during that time, which could be included in your economic damages.
While you’re treating your injuries, you may miss work. You may have some sick days you can take as you’re recovering, but those days eventually run out. When you start to miss a large amount of work, you may feel stressed about how you’re going to afford care without a consistent paycheck. Your lawyer will take your lost wages into account, as well as the wages you may miss in the future because you’re still recovering.
Your noneconomic damages may not have an assigned dollar amount, but they are just as important when considering your compensation. Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life are generally included. Your injury may prevent you from using a bicycle again for a long time, or perhaps permanently.
Before determining the compensation you’re rightfully owed, our Midland bicycle accident attorney will assess your accident to find out what happened, why, and who was at fault.
What Forms of Negligence Cause Bicycle Crashes in Texas?
Unfortunately, Texas has had bicycle accidents that resulted in injuries and fatalities. The Texas Department of Transportation reported the statistics of bicycle accidents and injuries in 2018:
- 72 fatalities
- 257 suspected serious crashes
- 258 suspected serious injuries
Negligence is often the common factor in bicycle wrecks. Cyclists have a limited amount of space on the road, along with little to no protection if an accident occurs. Maneuvering away from a vehicle may not be an option. If a driver acts negligently, they could easily hit the cyclist.
Common forms of driver negligence include paying attention to cell phones, attempting to multitask, and disobeying traffic signs or patterns. When a driver takes their eyes and attention away from the road for even a second, it could have deadly consequences for other motorists on the road, including cyclists.
Midland drivers may not be looking for cyclists. When they’re making a turn or backing up, the driver may look for other cars, which are much bigger objects than bikes. For example, if a driver is making a left turn at an intersection, they may think the road is clear, but not realize a cyclist is approaching.
A driver in a parked car still poses a threat to cyclists if they don’t look before opening their door. They can hit a cyclist with their car door and cause injuries. Often referred to as dooring accidents, the cyclist could fall into the road and be in danger of other oncoming vehicles or they could be pushed off the side of the road.
Sometimes, the driver is intoxicated. In a crash that happened in Eagle Pass, a drunk driver drove onto the shoulder of the road where three cyclists were riding. He hit the cyclists, which resulted in two fatalities and injuries to the third person.
Bicyclist accidents don’t need to occur at high speeds for the injuries to be dangerous. Even a minor bump could cause a cyclist to lose their balance and fall. While helmets, long-sleeved clothing, and gloves can help mitigate injuries, the cyclist can still be severely hurt. A few examples of injuries include:
- Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Amputation
- Soft Tissue Injury
While you’re focusing on recovery, you may be wondering how you’re going to afford medical care and other financial responsibilities. Seeking compensation with Midland bicycle accident attorney could give you the financial security you need so you can pay your medical expenses and continue with your recovery.
Get the Representation You Deserve in Midland, TX
A reckless driver can cause permanent changes to your life. Adjusting to these injuries can be difficult and adding a legal matter to your list may seem overwhelming. Our Midland bicycle accident lawyers are here to put you back on track. The first step is meeting with one of our attorneys in an obligation-free consultation. During this time, we’ll hear your side of the story and assess the merits of your case.
Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm advocates for those who have been wrongfully injured. We believe in giving victims a voice and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve. Call our office today so we can help you get justice.
