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Bicycles are a great way to get around and enjoy the fresh air. They have become an increasingly popular transportation choice for many, especially those who live in cities or bustling downtown areas. But bicycles don’t provide the same protection from accidents that a car would. Even a minor accident can lead to serious injuries and property damage. By working with a bicycle accident attorney, riders can identify the at-fault party and seek compensation for their injuries following an accident.
Understanding Bike Laws in Texas
When seeking compensation after a bicycle accident, determining fault is key. Even if a negligent driver or unmaintained road is mostly at fault for the accident, Texas’ modified comparative fault laws could reduce the compensation you receive if you were partially at fault. Failing to adhere to the laws detailed in chapter 551 of the Texas Transportation Code could affect your claim. Laws include:
- Riding on the correct side of the road and maintaining a close distance to the curb
- Not riding on sidewalks
- Using arm signals to turn
- Fitting bicycles with a white front light and red rear reflector when riding at night
- Not carrying objects that interfere with the operation of the handlebars or prevent the rider from having a least one hand on the handlebars at all times
Breaking any of these rules can put a bicyclist partially at fault for an accident. While you may still be able to seek compensation with a bicycle accident attorney, you won’t receive the full amount.
Understanding Who is at Fault
Knowing who’s at fault is necessary when seeking compensation after an accident. In many bicycle accident cases, the at-fault party is a negligent driver who failed to follow proper safety precautions around riders. However, drivers aren’t always the only ones to blame. A rider may also be able to sue a town or the bike’s manufacturer.
The local government is responsible for maintaining the roads and providing a safe driving or riding surface for all. However, improperly maintained roads feature many hazards to bicyclists that can cause severe accidents. Bike manufacturers, too, may be to blame if a part is defective. If the bicycle isn’t operating as it should due to a faulty part, any number of accidents and injuries could occur at the fault of the manufacturing company.
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Texas
Bicycles are a great way to get around, but they can also be a dangerous way to get around. What might be a small fender bender between two cars can turn into a serious accident with severe injuries for a bicyclist. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, a lawyer could help you get the compensation you deserve. Attorney Vickery is an experienced bicycle accident attorney with over thirty years of experience at his disposal. He’ll work hard to help you identify the at-fault party and get the compensation you deserve after an accident. Call the Vickery Law Firm today at (903) 504-5490 for a consultation about your bicycle accident case.
