Lewisville Texas Bike Accident Lawyer
What are some common causes of bike accidents in Dallas, Texas?
1. Driver "blindness" to your bike
Car drivers are habituated to pay attention to cars. They may be less aware of vehicles of smaller sizes, such as mopeds and bicycles. Perhaps this is instinctual. Another car or truck may represent a significant threat to a driver’s vehicle. A bicycle, on the other hand, weighs much less than a car does and thus represents in some ways less of a "threat."
2. Distraction
Distracted drivers can be huge hazards to bicyclists. Drivers engaged in conversation on cell phones, under the influence of alcohol, or enraged at having to sit in traffic may not be aware of your bicycle or may not be able to respond in time to a close encounter.
3. Poor road design or signage defects
Particularly in urban areas where bike paths and surface streets converge, merge, and re-emerge, bikers may have a difficult time following an appropriate path, and motor vehicles may have trouble spotting and avoiding bicyclists. If a defective bike path or sign leads to an injury accident, you may be able to hold the state or responsible municipal body liable for damages.
Quick tips to avoid getting into Texas bicycle accidents and to minimize risk of injury
- Wear a helmet.
- Don’t speed – if you are out of control on your bike, you may not be able to react in time to spontaneous and dangerous events on the road.
- Install a working headlight and make sure your bike is tuned up and ready for road use.
- Avoid riding against traffic – ride with it.
- Wear visible clothing, particularly in the evening/night and during inclement weather.
- Pay full attention to the road – avoid biking with an iPod in your ears, and never chat on the cell phone with someone while biking, as this can seriously distract you.
If you are hurt in a Texas bicycle accident, and you need legal help, what should you do?
First, seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Also, collect information from parties involved in the accident (e.g. contact numbers, insurance info, police report, etc).
As soon as possible after that, connect with a Dallas bike accident injury attorney for a free consultation. Ms. Steele has years of experience representing bicycle accident victims throughout Texas, and she is available for a free consultation at 214.333.HELP (4357). Turn to Steele Law for help now.