Brian White | December 7, 2017 | Bicycle Accidents
In 2016, 65 bicyclists died on Texas’ roadways. This was a 25% increase from 2015. Hundreds more bicyclists in Texas suffered injuries and had to go to the hospital for collision-related harms.
When a bicycle crashes into a motor vehicle, other bicycle, or stationary object, the rider can suffer serious injuries. Fractures, head and brain injuries, and road rash are common bike accident injuries. Learn your options for recovery after this type of accident in Texas.
The Driver’s Insurance Company
If a driver struck you while riding your bicycle and you were not at fault, you can most likely recover the costs of your damages from his or her insurance company. Gather the driver’s name, contact information, and info about the vehicle insurer. Call the insurance company and report your accident. In most cases, after the insurance investigation, the driver’s company will offer you a settlement to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
Document your accident and subsequent injuries/property damage in detail to maximize your chance of recovering through the driver’s insurer. You will have to describe the accident and answer questions. There is a chance that the insurance company will deny your claim, alleging that you were at fault or giving you no reason at all. If this is the case, but you believe you were not at fault, retain an attorney. You may have a bad faith insurance claim.
Your Vehicle Insurance Company
You may be able to recover through your own vehicle insurance company in some circumstances. Check your car insurance policy to see if you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This type of coverage, sometimes called “Med-Pay,” will almost always cover a bicycle accident, even if you were in a single-bicycle crash. Talk with your insurer to find out if you have PIP coverage, and if it will apply in your particular bicycle collision.
You may also seek recovery through your car insurer if a driver hits you and runs, or if a driver doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover your damages. This type of coverage will show up as “uninsured or underinsured motorist” (UM/UIM) on your policy. Your vehicle insurance policy should cover your collision as long as the other vehicle involved was a motor vehicle, even if the driver takes off.
Other Potential Means of Recovery
If neither car insurance company will authorize coverage of your bicycle accident injury, you may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim instead. For this to work, the crash must have been the result of someone else’s negligence.
For example, you may have a claim against a distracted driver if he or she was texting and didn’t see you in the crosswalk. If someone else is responsible for your bike crash in Texas, speak to a personal injury attorney. Prompt filing can help you meet the deadline and maximize your chances of recovery.
Get help from an attorney to file a civil claim regarding a recent bicycle collision in Texas. You may have suffered severe injuries on top of totaling an expensive bike. A lawsuit can help you recover any and all losses, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages from missing time at work, and pain and suffering. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay a fee unless you win.
Contact the Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston bicycle accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
United States
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
United States
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2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
United States
