Bicycling isn’t just a healthy hobby or means of exercise in McAllen, Texas. It’s also a way that many of our residents get to and from their jobs, appointments, and around the city. It is, simply put, a viable and affordable means of transportation for many. Yet, it’s not always safe. If you or someone you love is involved in a bicycle accident, life can change within seconds.
Falcon Law Group, PLLC, provides unwavering legal representation to bicycle accident victims so that they can focus on their recovery. Because we want you to be prepared to make educated decisions related to your potential claim, we’ve put together some things you should understand about bicycle accidents. To determine whether you have a bicycle injury claim, schedule your consultation now with our McAllen, Texas office. Se Habla Español!
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in McAllen?
By knowing the most common causes of bicycle accidents in McAllen, it’s our hope that you can be more mindful as you’re riding and minimize some of the risk. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in McAllen include:
- Drivers who are distracted behind the wheel. Although you may not be able to stop someone from driving their vehicle while they are distracted, you may be able to wait for the vehicle to pass or take another precaution if you notice them
- Drivers who are speeding. If you commonly ride in an area where drivers speed, consider looking for alternative routes in an effort to keep yourself safe
- Drivers who make improper turns
- Drivers who fail to share the road as required by Texas law
- Poor weather conditions
- Drivers who are under the influence
- Inexperienced bicyclists
- Drivers who are speeding
Because motor vehicles are much larger than a bicycle and because the bicyclist doesn’t have a significant amount of protection, an accident between a vehicle and a bicycle can cause significant damage and injuries.
What Are the Most Common Injuries?
The type and severity of injuries depend on the factors involved in the bicycle accident. In the absolute best of circumstances, there are no injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- An injury to an extremity (an arm or a leg) that may lead to an amputation
- Neck or back injury that may result in a serious and permanent injury, such as paralysis
- Cuts or puncture wounds
- Road rash
- Damage to internal organs
- Nerve damage
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
These injuries may cause not only disability or death, but also result in unexpected medical expenses as well as lost time from work.
How Much Is Your Claim Worth?
Determining the worth of a bicycle accident claim depends on several factors. These may include, and not be limited to:
- The severity of the injury or injuries received by the bicyclist
- Whether there is a permanent or catastrophic injury
- The amount of liability each party may have for the accident
- Whether your claim is filed in time
- Whether you were disfigured
- Whether you have a physical limitation as a result
What Types of Compensation Could You Be Eligible to Receive?
The types of compensation you could be eligible to receive depends on the facts involved in your potential bicycle accident claim. Some examples include compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to your injuries and recovery
- Temporary and permanent disability
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Other out of pocket expenses you may have experienced as a bicycle accident victim
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for Your Bicycle Accident?
A bicycle accident is a personal injury claim. It falls under a special area of law in Texas that gives you only a certain amount of time to file a claim. This amount of time is known as the statute of limitations. You have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file your claim. There are certain exceptions to this. For example, if your accident involved a government entity, you have a shorter time period to file your claim. So, make sure that you schedule with us sooner rather than later!
Falcon Law Group: McAllen Bicycle Accident Lawyers
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, don’t wait around to file your claim. Put our experienced McAllen bicycle accident lawyers on your side as soon as possible! Schedule your consultation right away.
