The Role of Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Seeking Justice

Motorists must share the road with bicyclists, but unfortunately, many drivers fail to do so. If a negligent driver of a car, truck, van, or other vehicle collides with someone on a bicycle, it’s usually the bicyclist who suffers the more severe injuries. Luckily, injured bicyclists may be able to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering by filing a personal injury claim with the help of a skilled Austin bicycle accident lawyer.

The experienced Austin bicycle accident lawyer at The Traub Law Office have been advocating on behalf of injured bicycle accident victims for over 19 years. Our seasoned Austin bicycle accident lawyer understand the tactics insurance companies use to sidestep liability and shortchange accident victims. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact The Traub Law Office today to discuss your legal options with our Austin bicycle accident lawyer.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents That May Require an Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

• Vehicle Right Turns: Many bicycle accidents occur when a car is attempting to turn right at an intersection, but the driver fails to see the bicyclist. This often happens because drivers do not check their mirrors or blind spots for bicyclists.
• The “Left Cross”: The “left cross” accident occurs when a bicyclist and a motorist are approaching an intersection from opposite directions. Typically, the motorist does not adequately assess the bicyclist’s speed or misjudges their intention, leading to a collision.
• Stop Signs: Many accidents take place at intersections where the driver has a stop sign, but the bicyclist does not. Drivers often fail to yield or completely stop, mistakenly assuming that the bicyclist also has a stopping requirement.
• Dooring Accidents: In most cases, a motorist will be held liable for injuring a bicyclist in a dooring accident. These incidents occur when drivers or passengers fail to check for approaching bicyclists before opening their car door.
• Rear-End Collisions: Even a slight tap from behind can cause a bicyclist to completely lose control of their bike. These are often the result of a driver’s distraction or failure to maintain a safe following distance.

Additionally, drivers encroaching into bike lanes pose a significant threat to bicyclists. These infractions occur when drivers use the bike lane for driving, stopping, or parking, thereby obstructing the path of cyclists. Furthermore, distractions such as using a mobile phone or other electronic devices while driving significantly increase the risk of hitting a cyclist, especially in busy urban areas.

Understanding these common causes helps in formulating strategies to prevent such accidents and ensure safer roads for all users.

Documenting Evidence After a Bicycle Accident

Bicyclists have to follow the same rules as drivers, and if they fail to do so, they may be held liable in the event of an accident. For example, if a bicyclist is involved in an accident when they are riding against the traffic, they may be held liable, since bicyclists are always supposed to ride in the same direction as the traffic.

It’s important to collect as much evidence from the scene of the bicycle accident as possible, so you can defend yourself and establish the liability of the at-fault party. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, use this checklist to begin documenting your case:

• Call 911 if anyone is injured in the accident.
• Request a police report, on whether or not anyone is injured.
• Remain with your vehicle or bicycle while waiting for help to arrive.
• Photograph conditions at the scene, including weather conditions and road hazards.
• Photograph injuries and property damage as long as it is safe to do so.
• Photograph identifying documents, including driver’s licenses and insurance cards of all involved parties.
• Gather contact information of witnesses and all parties involved in the accident.
• Don’t admit liability or reveal too much information at the scene.
• Obtain a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident.
• Consult a bicycle accident lawyer after the collision to discuss your potential case.

An Austin bicycle accident lawyer can use the evidence you gather at the scene to help reconstruct the accident, establish the at-fault party’s liability, and argue that you deserve compensation for your injuries.

How Cyclists Can Stay Safe on Austin’s Roads

Riding a bike in Austin can be a great experience, but safety should always come first. To minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, cyclists should adhere to several important guidelines. Here’s what you need to know to keep safe:

1. Follow Traffic Laws: Just like motorists, cyclists must observe all traffic regulations. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, using turn signals (either electronic on the bike or hand signals), and riding in the direction of traffic.
2. Stay Visible: Assume that drivers might not always see you. Wear bright clothing and equip your bike with lights and reflectors, especially when riding early in the morning, late in the evening, or at night.
3. Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance from vehicles. This buffer zone gives you more time to react if a car suddenly turns or stops.
4. Be Predictable: Avoid sudden turns or lane changes. Make your actions predictable to drivers, which reduces the risk of collisions.
5. Use Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet. Consider additional protective gear like gloves and pads if you’re navigating through heavy traffic or on rough terrain.

By incorporating these practices into your riding routine, you increase your safety and contribute to a safer cycling environment in Austin.

What safety precautions and gear should cyclists use to protect themselves in a bicycle accident?

Even if you are wearing a helmet and other protective gear, you can still sustain serious injuries if you are a bicyclist and are involved in a collision with a vehicle. To enhance your safety, it is crucial to adopt defensive riding techniques. Always wear a properly fitting helmet and ensure your bicycle is equipped with lights and reflectors for improved visibility. Wearing bright or reflective clothing can significantly increase your chances of being seen by motorists, especially in low-light conditions. Adhering to traffic laws and riding in designated bike lanes whenever possible can also minimize risks.

Bicyclists have to follow the same rules as drivers, and if they fail to do so, they may be held liable in the event of an accident. For example, if a bicyclist is involved in an accident when they are riding against the traffic, they may be held liable, since bicyclists are always supposed to ride in the same direction as the traffic.

In addition to wearing the right gear and following road rules, you should remain vigilant and assume that vehicles might not see you. Give cars a wide berth and periodically yield under uncertain conditions to avoid collisions.

It’s important to collect as much evidence from the scene of the bicycle accident as possible, so you can defend yourself and establish the liability of the at-fault party. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, use this checklist to begin documenting your case: Call 911 if anyone is injured in the accident. Request a police report, whether or not anyone is injured. Remain with your vehicle or bicycle while waiting for help to arrive. Photograph conditions at the scene, including weather conditions and road hazards. Photograph injuries and property damage as long as it is safe to do so. Photograph identifying documents, including driver’s licenses and insurance cards of all involved parties. Gather contact information of witnesses and all parties involved in the accident. Don’t admit liability or reveal too much information at the scene. Obtain a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. Consult a bicycle accident lawyer after the collision to discuss your potential case. An Austin bicycle accident lawyer can use the evidence you gather at the scene to help reconstruct the accident, establish the at-fault party’s liability, and argue that you deserve compensation for your injuries.”

This comprehensive approach not only prepares you for the unfortunate event of an accident but also equips you with the necessary precautions to prevent one.

Injured in a Bike Accident? Call Us Today!

The Austin bicycle accident lawyer at The Traub Law Office knows how to obtain fair compensation for injury victims and has millions in verdicts and settlements since the firm’s inception in 2003. With our main office in Austin, The Traub Law Office proudly serves clients throughout the state of Texas, as well as other states.

Fill out the form for a FREE, no-obligation consultation! You will not pay any legal fees unless our firm wins your case.

With the help of Ghisallo’s Bike Initiative, we offer free bicycle helmets to kids in need to protect them from head injuries. You can also make helmet donations here.