Texas Bicycle Injury Law Website
Bicycle riders are, next to pedestrians, likely the most vulnerable to injury and death from vehicle collisions. Car and truck drivers at times fail to give bicycle riders the respect they deserve.
Injuries to Bicycle Riders as a Result of Negligent Drivers
There are a number of ways that bicycle riders can be harmed by the actions of others. The most common is the negligence and inattentiveness of car or truck drivers or other bicycle riders. People operating cars and trucks in Texas owe a duty to bicycle riders to act with care. When drivers violate this duty and cause injury to or death of a bicycle rider, they are responsible to pay appropriate compensation.
Injuries to Bicycle Riders as a Result of Defective Roads and Bike Paths
Many bicycle riders are injured each year as a result of unsafe and/or defective roads and bicycle paths. An unexpected pothole, or gravel or a slick substance on a roadway, can spell trouble for even experienced bicycle riders. Governmental entities, road contractors, and/or maintenance companies can be liable for injury or death resulting from such conditions.
Injuries to Bicycle Riders as a Result of Defective Bicycles and Helmets
Manufacturers of bicycles and bicycle safety gear (including helmets) owe duties to bicycle riders to appropriately design and manufacture their products. They must also provide proper instructions and warnings regarding their products’ use. When they fail to do so, and a bicycle rider is injured, they might be legally responsible for the injuries.
Injuries to Bicycle Riders as a Result of Shoddy Mechanical Repairs
Some people choose to work on their own bicycles, while others take their bikes to bike shops for repairs. We trust that bike mechanics have sufficient knowledge and training to enable them to perform needed repairs. However, if improper repairs lead to a bicycle rider being injured or killed, the mechanic and/or the bike shop might be liable
Resources
Here are links to a few sites of interest to Texas bike riders –
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute – http://www.bhsi.org/index.htm
Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club – http://www.austinridgeriders.com/
Austin Bicycle Routes – http://www.austinbikeroutes.com/
Dallas Bicycle Routes – http://www.dallasparks.org/Parks/trails.html
Dallas Bicyclists – http://www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/
Legal Help for Bicycle Riders
If you or a friend or family member has been injured or killed while riding a bicycle, contact us for a case evaluation. Our office is in Dallas, but we practice beyond the Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas areas. We are willing to review a bicycle-related injury or death occurring anywhere in Texas. Our local telephone number is (214) 670-9989, or you can reach us toll-free at (866) 670-9989. You can also complete the contact form above. If you would prefer to give more detailed information about your case, and you don’t have time to discuss it by telephone, feel free to complete this form – personal injury case submission form.