While Houston’s roadways are commonly used by bicyclists, hundreds of accidents involving bicycles occur here each year, often resulting in injuries to riders. Despite efforts by city leaders to improve bicycle infrastructure throughout Houston, there are still areas where cyclists are required to travel in proximity to fast-moving traffic and dangerous driver habits. Here is a look at the unique aspects of bicycle accidents in Houston and how an experienced bicycle crash attorney from KGS Law PLLC may provide services to help injured bicyclists navigate the claims process.
How and Where Accidents Occur in Houston
While many of the local roadways do feature bicycle lanes, these lanes are often incomplete, leaving cyclists to navigate a patchwork of systems that leave them more vulnerable to accidents with dangerous traffic. Houston is a large city with many areas connected by major roads and highways with higher speed limits. Increased speed makes it more difficult for drivers to see when there is a bicyclist in their path or to come to a complete stop to avoid an accident.
One of the common causes of bicycle accidents, aside from dangerous driving behaviors such as distracted or impaired driving, speeding, and red light running, is “dooring.” Dooring accidents are common in downtown Houston and other places featuring heavy on-street parking and occur when the occupant of a vehicle parked on the side of the road opens the door into the path of an approaching bicycle, forcing the rider to either veer into traffic or collide with the door.
Bicycle accidents in the city are most likely to occur in areas such as Montrose and Upper Kirby due to busy, narrow streets and even the loss of some bicycle protections in recent years. The downtown and midtown areas are also common places for local bicycle accidents due to driver inattention, and neighborhoods such as the Heights feature inconsistencies in infrastructure that increase the hazards to bicyclists. Potholes and other damage to local roadways can lead to accidents as well.
Due to these unique factors in Houston bicycle wreck cases, it is crucial to enlist the help of an attorney.
The Bicycle Accident Claims Process
Bicyclists who are injured in accidents and are no more than 50 percent responsible for causing the crash can seek compensation for their injuries through the personal injury claims process. This generally involves filing a claim against a relevant insurance policy held by the at-fault party, such as a negligent driver’s auto insurance policy. If the company that services the policy fails to pay the claim, it can be filed as a lawsuit so that a local jury can hear the details of the case and make decisions about liability and compensation.
Bicycle accident claimants usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.003. Failing to file before this deadline passes will generally result in the inability to use the court process when seeking compensation. An experienced Houston lawyer from KGS Law PLLC may help ensure that you meet all legal deadlines, preserve your right to compensation, and handle the unique aspects of your bicycle collision claim.
Hire Us To Help You Deal With the Unique Aspects of a Houston Bicycle Wreck Case
While there are some consistent factors in bicycle accidents across the state and the nation, there are unique aspects of bicycle accidents in Houston that you should be aware of. Let us help you understand the factors at play in your case and the options you have for seeking compensation. Reach out to us today to schedule a free case evaluation.