This is the final post recapping a series of articles discussing bicycle accident cases in Laredo, Texas. As I have discussed throughout this series, bike crash victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for their damages if the accident was caused by the negligence of a third party. When a serious accident occurs, a victim’s injuries may result in long-term or permanent disabilities, substantial medical bills, and significant absences from work. Depending upon the severity of the injuries, a victim may suffer life-long medical problems or be prevented from working in any capacity in the future. In such cases, damages could reach six or seven figure amounts. It is imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to understand your rights and to ensure that your case is handled properly from the start. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact my office as soon as possible to speak with an attorney.
This series focused on the following key subjects:
- How Texas’ comparative fault laws impact a bicycle accident case
- Dealing with insurance companies after a bike crash
- The importance of discovery after a bike accident
- The need for expert witnesses in bicycle accident cases
- What to expect at a bicycles accident trial
- The determination of a victim’s damages
Bike crash victims should understand these issues to help ensure that they receive the compensation to which they may be entitled. First, many people are under the false impression that they cannot take legal action against another party if they are partially responsible for the accident. Under Texas’ comparative fault laws, bike crash victims may be entitled to a portion of their damages if they were less than fifty percent liable for the incident. It is important to note that in some Texas cities, riders may be prohibited from recovering damages if they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Second, responding appropriately to inquiries from insurance adjusters after an accident can be a source of confusion for victims and their families. By retaining a lawyer promptly after a crash has occurred, you can direct insurance calls to the attorney to respond on your behalf. Third, gathering evidence using discovery tools such as depositions, records requests, and interrogatories, for example, is an essential phase of any personal injury case. This may be particularly true in the case of bike accidents to demonstrate the defendant’s liability and the victim’s damages. Fourth, expert witnesses play an important role in such cases. Medical professionals, vocational experts, or accident reconstructionists may be engaged to support your case. Fifth, while many cases settle before litigation becomes necessary, it is important to understand what to expect during a trial if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful. Finally, many victims do not understand how damages are calculated after a crash and, as a result, underestimate their potential compensation. Your attorney can help explain your rights and assist you in evaluating the fairness of settlement offers throughout the process.
My office has experience representing clients in personal injury cases, including bicycle accident matters. I understand that a serious accident can be devastating to you and your family and am ready to assist you. If you have been injured, contact us as soon as possible to speak with an attorney. I serve clients in Laredo and other areas of south Texas.