This is the first post in a series discussing bicycle accident cases in Laredo, Texas. Cyclists are entitled to share Texas roadways with other motorized vehicles. Doing so can be dangerous at times and result in serious accidents. Bicycle crashes, for obvious reasons, often result in severe injuries or even the death of the rider. After such a tragedy, victims and their families may not know what actions they should take to protect their legal rights. The objective of this series is to provide information about how bicycle accident cases are handled in Texas and the rights of victims and their families. If you need assistance following a bike accident, contact my office as soon as possible to speak with an attorney.
This series will discuss the following issues:
- How Texas’ comparative fault laws impact a bicycle accident case
- Dealing with insurance companies after a bike crash injury
- The importance of discovery in such matters
- The need for expert witnesses in bicycle accident cases
- What to expect at a bicycles accident trial
- The determination of a victim’s damages
I have chosen to address these topics for several reasons. First, many victims believe that if they are partially at fault for an accident, they cannot recover damages. Depending upon where you live, this may not be the case. Some Texas cities prohibit certain riders from recovering damages if they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Others allow victims who bear less than fifty-one percent of the responsibility to receive partial compensation, even if they were not wearing a helmet. Second, dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be intimidating, time-consuming, and contentious. Your attorney can assist you by handling the insurance process on your behalf. Third, conducting a thorough investigation and preserving evidence through the discovery process is an essential part of any bicycle crash case. Fourth, it may be necessary to engage one or more expert witnesses to establish the defendant’s liability for the accident and to calculate the victim’s estimated damages. Their opinions can impact settlement discussions as well as the outcome of a trial. Fifth, victims and their families should have a basic understanding of what to expect should the case proceed to trial. Finally, determining a victim’s damages can be challenging depending upon the severity of the injuries or medical prognosis. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that victims and their families receive the compensation to which they are entitled.
The consequences of a bicycle accident can be disastrous for injured victims and their families. It is important to select a law firm as quickly as possible after such an event to help preserve key evidence and protect your legal rights. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us as soon as possible to speak with an attorney. I serve clients in Laredo and other areas of south Texas.