Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Arlington, Texas

Bicycling is a fun way of getting around Arlington. However, as anyone who has tried to ride around the city with its population of about 375,000, competing with other vehicles on the road is daunting and sometimes, deadly. Cyclists are obviously at a disadvantage in a car crash. Pedalcyclists have no protection from initial contact, or secondary contact with the ground, with the exception of a helmet, if the rider chose to wear one. Unlike today’s passenger cars, the cyclist cannot rely upon a seatbelt, airbags, crumple zones, and warning detection systems. Instead, they need to rely on guts, guile, and sometimes luck to get them out of hairy situations.

Riding a bicycle on the street in Arlington can be dangerous. The state of Texas has very few laws on its books designed to protect cyclists. Other states have designated bicycle lanes and rules of the road that protect cyclists and govern their behavior as well. However, in Arlington, and elsewhere in Texas, bicycle riding is sometimes a game of survival of the fittest. Sixty-five bicyclists died in 2016 in Texas, which represented an increase of 25% from 2015.

If you were injured in an Arlington bike accident or your loved one died while riding a bicycle in Arlington, you may be eligible to receive a monetary award as compensation for your injuries. The bike collision attorneys with Fulgham Hampton understand the pain and frustration you feel as you recover from your injuries caused by another driver who failed to drive safely. Fulgham Hampton Law Group’s cycle accident attorneys will aggressively work to help you to recover the compensation you deserve.

Arlington Bicycle Accident Factors

The same factors that cause motor vehicle accidents also contribute to collisions with bicycle riders. Factors that contribute to Arlington bicycle crashes are:

  • Crowded roads,
  • Inattentive drivers,
  • Distracted drivers,
  • Texting while driving,
  • Cell phone use while driving,
  • Drunken driving,
  • Drugged driving,
  • Fatigued drivers,
  • Excessive speed,
  • Aggressive driving, and
  • Lack of consideration for cyclist.

There are also dangers specific to cycle riding with which cyclists must contend. Hazards like potholes, drivers opening doors without looking, not thoroughly checking blind spots, or failing to yield to a cyclist before turning all contribute to bicycle accidents.

People get frustrated with bicycle riders because they believe cyclists should not be on the roads. Drivers forget that bicyclists must follow the rules of the road as if they were operating a motor vehicle. Accordingly, these insensitive drivers operate their vehicles dangerously close to the cyclist. Many states impose a three-foot buffer when a motor vehicle passes a cyclist. Texas has no such law, specifically. Texas drivers remain bound by the duty of care imposed upon them to drive safely and not endanger anyone else on the street.

Typical Injuries in Arlington Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can cause multiple severe or catastrophic injuries, if the rider survives the collision. If the rider dies in a collision with another motorist, his or her family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against all who may have contributed to the deadly crash.

Bicyclists injured in collisions with motor vehicles or other objects caused by the operation of a vehicle, a so-called “no contact accident,” such as:

  • Head trauma,
  • Spine injuries,
  • Coma,
  • Internal injuries,
  • Concussion,
  • Broken bones,
  • Neck injuries,
  • Facial injuries,
  • Lacerations,
  • Amputations, and
  • Torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

It is important, therefore, for cyclists riding in Arlington to wear a bike helmet, obey the rules of the road, and ride their bikes cautiously by maintaining a vigilant watch over the road and never weave in and out of traffic.

Where Should You Turn for an Arlington Bike Accident Claim?

The Fulgham Hampton Law Group’s bicycle accident clients have experienced tremendous success recovering damages caused by another’s negligence. Contact Fulgham Hampton’s Arlington bike accident lawyers today at 817-697-4400 to schedule a convenient time to meet with us regarding your Arlington bicycle accident claim.