Bicycle accident claims can be complex, involving multiple parties and insurers. Our bicycle accident lawyer at the Stewart Law Firm can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Austin, TX
Thousands of people in Austin and throughout Texas ride bicycles every day, and most are able to enjoy their rides without any problems. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can and do happen in various ways. If you believe a motor vehicle driver is responsible for causing your recent accident, you need to speak with an Austin bicycle accident lawyer as quickly as possible to discuss your legal options.
The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
Cycling is a popular way to get around Austin, but busy streets and negligent drivers can make it dangerous for cyclists. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, The Stewart Law Firm is here to help.
With our extensive experience representing thousands of accident victims, our bicycle accident attorneys in Austin handle every detail of your case so you can focus on recovery. We take time to get to know each client, learning how their accident has impacted their life so we can maximize their recovery. You have a limited time to build your case, so it’s important that you reach out to our firm at your first opportunity after the accident.
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Our Bicycle Accident Legal Services in Austin
Bicycle accident claims can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies and multiple parties. At The Stewart Law Firm, we offer comprehensive legal services designed to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident, handle all insurance negotiations, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
We walk you through each step with compassion and clear guidance, ensuring you feel informed and supported. We’re also proud to serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients so everyone has access to the help they need.
Bicycle Accidents Causes in Austin
Bicycle accidents can happen anywhere cyclists share the road with vehicles, but certain situations are particularly dangerous. Common accident scenarios include:
Driver Negligence
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, phone use)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to yield to cyclists
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Road Conditions and Infrastructure
- Poorly maintained roads with potholes or debris
- Lack of proper bike lanes or signage
- Construction zones without safe passage for cyclists
Vehicle-Related Causes
- “Dooring” by parked cars along the street
- Sudden stops by rideshare vehicles blocking bike lanes
Regardless of where or how your accident occurred, The Stewart Law Firm will investigate thoroughly to determine liability and hold all responsible parties accountable. Trust us to resolve any disputes regarding liability that might arise, and we are confident we can address the most complex issues your case entails.
When a motor vehicle driver is responsible for causing your bicycle accident, the legal proceedings that will follow will be similar to what you could expect after a standard motor vehicle accident in Austin. You will need to prove liability, and once fault is established, you can proceed with claiming compensation for the damages the defendant caused. How you collect this compensation will depend on the specific details of your case.
What Is a Bicycle Accident Claim?
A bicycle accident claim is a civil lawsuit filed to recover damages from an accident caused by another party’s negligence. Bicycle accidents often occur due to reckless drivers, unsafe road conditions, or defective bicycle parts. These accidents can lead to serious injuries such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage, which may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, as per Texas Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003. If you do not file your personal injury claim within this time limit, your case will be barred from the court regardless of its merits. Do not assume that two years is plenty of time to build and file your case. It may take longer than you expect, so you need to get started right away.
Proving Liability for Your Bicycle Accident in Austin
In Texas, all vehicle accident cases are resolved based on fault. This means that the party at fault for causing the accident is liable for the resulting damages, and an injured victim must prove fault before they can recover any compensation from another party. Most bicycle accidents in Austin happen because of driver negligence, but they can also occur due to intentional and illegal misconduct.
Your Austin bicycle accident lawyer at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, can collect the evidence you need to prove liability for the accident. This evidence may include police reports, photos of the scene of the crash, testimony from witnesses who saw the accident happen, and even input from various expert witnesses who can provide valuable professional insights into the most complex aspects of your case.
It is also possible for more than one party to share fault for the accident, in which case Texas’ modified comparative fault rule comes into play. Under this rule, each liable party has a fault percentage assigned that indicates their level of liability. If a plaintiff is found partially liable, they can still collect compensation from the defendant as long as their fault percentage is lower than the defendant’s. If they are found more at fault, they cannot claim compensation.
Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
In Texas, every driver is required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. When a covered driver causes an accident, their insurance policy can pay for any damages they inflicted on others. This insurance can apply when a motor vehicle driver causes a bicycle accident, but dealing with insurance company representatives is often more challenging than the average person expects.
Insurance companies train their representatives to look for any justification they can find to devalue or deny a claim. If you try to negotiate by yourself, the insurance carrier may try to use your own words against you, use high-pressure tactics to convince you to accept a lowball settlement offer, or unfairly deny your claim.
At The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling difficult insurance claims for our clients in Austin and throughout Texas. We know the tactics the defendant’s insurance carrier may use against you and how to obtain a fair settlement. Do not wait for the insurance company to deny or devalue your claim to hire an attorney. Reach out to The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, before this happens so we can fight for you.
What to Expect in Your Personal Injury Case
Success with any personal injury case in Texas requires accurately identifying the defendant responsible for injuring you, proving how they caused the injury, and then showing the full extent of the damages resulting from their actions. Additionally, you must establish causation between their actions and your damages, meaning you need to prove your losses solely resulted from the defendant’s negligence or misconduct and did not result from any other cause.
Some personal injury cases can be negotiated privately. As long as both the plaintiff and the defendant are willing to compromise, it is possible for them to negotiate a settlement without needing to take the case to court. However, it is not a viable option for every case. Whether you can resolve your case through settlement negotiations or must prepare for trial, trust The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, to provide unwavering support through all of your proceedings.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Austin?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for time missed from work and any potential future loss of income.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and long-term impact on quality of life.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your bicycle and other personal property.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation for ongoing therapy and other recovery-related expenses.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Your Austin bicycle accident lawyer can be invaluable for the help they can provide in accurately determining the value of your case. You may be eligible to claim more compensation than you initially expected, and having the right attorney on your side can dramatically improve your chances of securing maximum compensation from the defendant.
Ultimately, a bicycle accident can have devastating effects on the victim and present numerous economic challenges to their family. If you believe another party is responsible for causing your recent accident, you need to talk to an experienced Austin bicycle accident lawyer right away. Severe injuries can lead to expensive medical bills, and if the victim cannot work while they recover, it can create a very difficult financial situation very quickly.
You likely have many difficult legal questions following your accident that you cannot answer for yourself. You have limited time to build your case and pursue compensation for your damages, so you need to consult experienced legal counsel at your first opportunity. After you have received medical attention for your injuries, you should reach out to an Austin bicycle accident lawyer at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, so we can start building your case.
Contact Our Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Austin, don’t face the challenges alone. Let our experienced team help you secure the compensation you deserve. At the Stewart Law Firm, we’ll fight for your rights and work toward the recovery you need to move forward.
CALL US TODAY AT (512) 326-3200 FOR A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
