After a bicycle accident in Texas, your first steps can play an important role in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Seek medical care, document the accident, report the incident, and take steps to preserve evidence while avoiding actions that could harm your claim.
If a negligent driver caused your injuries, The Stephens Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive. Joe Stephens is a double-board-certified attorney with over 40 years of experience delivering real results for his clients.
Get support with your bicycle accident claim today by calling (281)-201-0035 to schedule a free initial consultation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- After a bicycle accident, prioritize your safety by seeking medical care, reporting the crash to law enforcement, and following Texas laws that protect cyclists.
- Gather and preserve evidence, including photos, witness information, damaged equipment, and medical records, to help support your claim.
- Avoid discussing fault with the driver or insurer, and consider speaking with an experienced Texas bicycle accident attorney to protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Steps To Take Immediately After a Texas Bicycle Accident
Prioritize Safety and Inspect for Injuries
If you or someone else has been injured, assess the scene first. If possible, it is best to stay where you are to avoid further injury. Injuries like internal bleeding, punctures, and broken bones are fragile and best left to emergency responders to handle. However, if anyone is in a position that puts them in danger, such as in the middle of the road or in oncoming traffic, consider moving carefully to a safe spot.
Call Emergency Services To Report the Bicycle Accident
Contacting law enforcement after a bicycle crash is important even if injuries appear minor at first. Symptoms can develop later, and details at the scene may quickly change. A police report can become key evidence in a bicycle accident claim. It provides an official, unbiased account of what happened. Additionally, it helps you establish fault, document conditions, and provide needed support for insurance or legal proceedings.
Strengthen Your Claim by Preserving Evidence
Evidence can disappear quickly after a crash, so it is important to document the scene right away. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from drivers and witnesses, and gather brief statements from witnesses if possible.
Preserve damaged items. This can include your bicycle, helmet, and clothing. It can also include any other physical evidence, such as debris or broken glass. Surveillance footage and dashcam video can provide key details but may be deleted quickly, so request them as soon as possible. Digital evidence, such as GPS data and cycling app records, can also help show speed, route, and timing at the time of your accident.
Do Not Delay A Medical Evaluation, Even if You Feel Okay
After a bicycle crash, serious injuries may not appear right away. Conditions like concussions, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage can take time to develop. Seeing a doctor allows you to receive treatment for any injuries you may have suffered.
Getting medical care immediately after your accident also creates important documentation linking your injuries to the crash. Waiting too long can make it more difficult to prove your claim and may give insurers a reason to dispute your injuries.
Know Your Rights as a Cyclist Under Texas Law
Under Texas Transportation Code §551.101, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Cyclists may use public roadways, except where specifically prohibited. In areas where permitted, motorists must share the road and treat bicycles as legal vehicles. Drivers must provide a safe distance when passing bicyclists and exercise reasonable care. Additionally, cyclists are required to obey the same traffic signals, signs, and applicable laws as drivers.
Information To Collect and Exchange With the Driver
While you are still at the accident scene, it is essential to collect certain information from the other party. Request their contact information, as well as their insurance and policy number. This information can be critical when reporting the accident, filing an insurance claim, and identifying the driver if you need to pursue compensation later. If you leave the scene without obtaining these details, it may be much more difficult to locate the driver or hold the responsible party accountable.
Do not discuss the details of the incident or admit fault. You do not need to get into a debate with the driver about who caused the accident. Both the other party and their insurer may attempt to minimize your claim or push unfair fault onto you by using statements and accidental admissions at the scene. Instead, wait until your attorney is present and let them handle all necessary negotiations.
The Stephens Law Firm Has Pursued Compensation for Numerous Injured Cyclists
The Stephens Law Firm has been investigating accident claims on behalf of clients for decades. Attorney Joe Stephens draws on his in-depth experience to gather and preserve vital evidence, communicate with aggressive insurance adjusters, and provide client-focused representation.
We are committed to helping injured Texans understand their legal options and fight for the compensation they deserve. This is evident in our many positive client testimonials and case results. Contact our law office today to learn more about how to maximize recovery after a bike crash.
When someone else’s mistake puts you in harm’s way, you deserve more than just a quick insurance payout. We help everyday Texans get the support and compensation they need to move forward after a car accident.
Texas Bicycle Accidents FAQ
Is It Necessary To Contact the Police After a Bicycle Accident?
Yes, in Texas, you are required by law to contact the police if a bicycle accident involves a motor vehicle, results in injury or death, or causes significant property damage. However, even in a minor collision, calling 911 can provide you with concrete documentation of key details of the incident in the form of a police report.
What Types of Evidence Are Most Important After a Bicycle Crash?
The most important evidence after a bicycle crash includes photos of the scene, injuries, the bicycle, and the vehicle involved, as well as witness contact information, the driver’s insurance details, the police report, and your medical records. Collecting this evidence early can help support your claim.
What Should I Do if the Driver Flees the Scene After a Bicycle Accident?
If the driver flees the scene after a bicycle accident, call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, and document the incident as best you can. Provide law enforcement with any details you remember about the vehicle and driver. Even if the driver is not identified, you may still have options for pursuing compensation.
Is It Necessary To Hire a Lawyer After Being Involved in a Bicycle Accident?
No, but hiring a lawyer can be beneficial, especially if you suffered serious injuries or liability is disputed. An attorney can protect your rights, handle insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and pursue the full compensation you are entitled to recover.
