Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Joe is one of the few Texas lawyers that is double board certified.
“No Legal Fees Until Joe Wins Your Case”
Content Reviewed by: Joe Stephens
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Joe Stephens for Your Bicycle Accident Case in Houston?
- Common Types of Bicycle Accident Cases Handled by Joe Stephens in Houston
- What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Houston Bicycle Accident?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Houston
- Contact Joe Stephens for a Free Bicycle Accident Consultation in Houston
While Houston’s streets were largely designed for drivers, more residents are choosing to bike. That overlap on high-speed routes can create hazardous conditions for cyclists.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bike crash, you deserve to have an experienced advocate on your side. As a double board-certified Houston bicycle accident lawyer with more than 40 years of experience, Joe Stephens is ready to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Joe Stephens for Your Bicycle Accident Case in Houston?
Few attorneys match Joe Stephens’ combination of skill, reputation, and dedication to protecting injured Texans’ rights.
Proven Trial Success
Joe Stephens has taken cases all the way to the Texas Supreme Court and secured multi-million-dollar verdicts. His track record gives insurance companies a strong incentive to offer fair settlements from the start.
Double Board Certification
Joe is one of only 10 attorneys in Texas certified in both Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This rare distinction means you can trust that your case is in the hands of one of the state’s most qualified trial lawyers.
Deep Houston Experience
With over 40 years of experience representing accident victims in the Houston area, Joe knows the local courts, judges, and opposing parties. This insight helps him anticipate defense strategies and build stronger cases.
Personalized Client Focus
As the only attorney at our firm, Joe handles every case himself from start to finish. This allows every client to receive the personal attention they deserve.
Aggressive Advocacy
Joe is an aggressive but fair negotiator who doesn’t back down when insurance companies try to lowball accident victims. This often means more money in victims’ pockets when all is said and done.
Transparent Communication
Joe keeps clients informed at each stage and explains their legal options in plain language. This empowers clients to make confident decisions about their cases at every turn.
- “After experiencing delays and frustration with other law firms, finding the Stephens Law Firm was a breath of fresh air. From the moment we engaged with them, we felt reassured and well-informed, thanks to Sarah’s exceptional communication. Their professionalism and responsiveness set them apart, and I will always recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation.” -Ricardo Cabrera
Successful Houston Bicycle Accident Case Outcomes
Joe Stephens has a long track record of securing significant results for injured cyclists, including this client:
- $3.8 Million Verdict in Texas Bicycle Accident Case
- A Texas jury awarded $3,803,094 to Timothy Ottison, a cyclist who was left paraplegic after being struck by Rebecca Hebert’s vehicle while riding on U.S. Highway 90 in Liberty County. The court found Hebert negligent for driving on the shoulder, which directly caused the crash. Ottison’s legal team demonstrated that the driver’s failure to stay in her lane violated Texas traffic laws and led to life-altering injuries. The jury held Hebert fully responsible for the accident. The final recovery amount for the client remains confidential.
Check out more case results to see how our firm has helped many other accident victims throughout Texas.
Common Types of Bicycle Accident Cases Handled by Joe Stephens in Houston
There were 439 crashes involving bicyclists in Houston in 2024, many occurring on Westheimer Road, Heights Boulevard, and other busy streets. Our firm represents cyclists injured in various types of bike crashes throughout Houston, including:
- Collisions with motor vehicles involving drivers who fail to yield or turn into a cyclist’s path
- Hit-and-run incidents where the driver flees without providing aid or contact information
- Dooring accidents, where someone opens a vehicle door into an oncoming cyclist’s path
- E-bike accidents involving higher speeds than typical bike crashes
- Accidents involving children who are struck by vehicles while riding their bicycles
- Collisions between bicyclists and pedestrians on shared paths or sidewalks
What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Houston Bicycle Accident?
If someone else’s negligence caused your bike crash, you may be entitled to compensation for the full extent of how it impacted your life. Some cases may qualify for additional compensation through punitive damages.
Economic Damages
These cover the measurable financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses for hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, and other treatments
- Lost wages for the work you missed during your recovery
- Lost earning capacity for the injury’s long-term impact on your ability to work
- Property damage, such as bicycle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
These address the impact your injuries have on your quality of life, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life if the injury prevents you from participating in previously enjoyed activities
- Lost consortium for the injury’s effects on your marriage or other close relationships
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Punitive Damages
These are awarded in rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional. Their purpose is to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.
- “The staff at the Stephens Law Firm have been good to work with. They answer all of your questions and really work for you to try to lower your medical expenses. It was a pleasure to work with Joe Stephens and I like the fact that he cares about his clients. If I ever need an attorney again, I will call the Stephens Law Firm.” -Carlos Ramirez
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Houston
Does Car Insurance Cover Bicycle Accident Injuries in Houston?
In many cases, yes. If a driver is at fault for the crash, their auto liability insurance can pay for your damages up to their policy limits. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may potentially use your own personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. When you turn to our firm, Joe will personally review your case and identify all potential sources of recovery.
How Do Houston Bicycle Laws Affect My Accident Case?
Many state and local cycling laws can play a role in the outcome of your bicycle accident case. A violation of any of these laws may increase the amount of fault attributed to you or the driver:
- Equal rights and duties: Texas law treats bicycles as vehicles when they’re on the road, which means cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. They must follow traffic signals, ride in the same direction as traffic, and yield when required.
- Lane position: Cyclists typically must stay as far right as practicable when riding slower than traffic, but they may take the lane to pass, turn left, or avoid hazards.
- Night visibility: When riding at night, cyclists must use a front light and a red rear reflector or light. Both must be visible from 500 feet away.
- Helmet requirement: In Houston, children under 14 years old must wear helmets while cycling or riding on a sidecar, trailer, or other device attached to a bicycle.
How Much Does a Houston Bike Accident Lawyer Cost?
Money is often tight after a bicycle crash, and you may wonder if you can afford legal representation during this challenging time. Thanks to our contingency fee structure, you can get quality representation at no out-of-pocket cost. Our fee is a percentage of your total compensation, so it costs nothing upfront to work with our Houston personal injury lawyer.
How Long Do I Have To File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Houston?
Texas’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years. That means, in most cases, you must file a claim within two years of the date of the crash. Certain exceptions may shorten or extend the deadline, such as cases involving injured minors or claims against a government entity.
If you miss your case’s filing deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your losses. That’s why it’s essential to seek legal guidance as soon as possible after a bike crash. Even if you think there’s plenty of time left to file, quick action allows us to preserve key evidence before it fades.
How Does Houston's Infrastructure Contribute to Bicycle Accidents?
Houston’s road design and maintenance patterns often contribute to bike crashes in several ways:
- Limited protected bike lanes: Houston has only about 56 miles of roadways with safe, dedicated space for cycling, as of 2022. This forces riders to share the road with motor vehicles in many areas.
- Hazardous road designs: Intersections with multiple turn lanes and limited visibility can make it difficult for drivers to notice and yield to cyclists. Road designs that encourage high vehicle speeds can also give drivers less time to react to cyclists on the road.
- Poor road maintenance: Road hazards, such as potholes, debris, or uneven pavement, increase the crash risk for cyclists.
- Lighting deficiencies: Dimly lit streets make it harder for drivers to see cyclists at night.
- Heavy traffic volumes: Crowded streets and rush-hour congestion heighten the risk of close passes and collisions with cyclists.
While Houston’s infrastructure contributes to an increasing danger of bicycle accidents, improvements are underway. Houston has started to address cyclist safety through its Vision Zero Houston initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. The city is also expanding its bikeway system under the Houston Bike Plan.
Contact Joe Stephens for a Free Bicycle Accident Consultation in Houston
You have enough on your plate after a bike crash. Allow a trusted Houston bicycle accident lawyer to fight for you while you focus on healing and moving forward. Joe Stephens is ready to put his decades of experience to work with you, so call (281) 201-0035 or contact us online to get your free case evaluation.
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