San Antonio Bicycle Accident Attorney

Injured by a Negligent Driver While Riding Your Bike?

Cyclists in San Antonio enjoy hundreds of miles of bike lanes, trails, and scenic routes. Unfortunately, sharing the road with negligent drivers often leads to serious and sometimes life-altering accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. At KRW Lawyers, our San Antonio bicycle accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

Call (210) 791-8878 today for a free consultation with our experienced legal team.

Texas Bicycle Laws

Texas law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means cyclists must obey traffic lights, stop signs, and lane markings, but it also means drivers owe them the same duty of care they owe other vehicles.

Some important Texas bicycle laws include:

• Right to the Road: Cyclists may ride on most roads unless specifically prohibited.
• Positioning in Lanes: Bicyclists should ride as close to the right curb as practicable but may take the lane when it is unsafe to ride on the side.
• Passing Laws: Drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing.
• Helmet Use: While not required by state law, helmets are strongly encouraged and may be required by local ordinance.
• Lighting Requirements: Bicycles must have a white front light and a red rear reflector or light when operated at night.

Even when cyclists follow the law, negligent drivers often fail to respect their rights, leading to devastating accidents.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Many bicycle accidents in San Antonio are preventable and occur due to careless or reckless behavior by motorists. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers using cell phones, adjusting GPS, or otherwise not paying attention often fail to see cyclists.
• Failure to Yield: Motorists making turns or merging frequently cut off cyclists who have the right of way.
• Dooring Accidents: A parked driver opening a door without checking for oncoming cyclists can cause serious collisions.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it harder for drivers to avoid hitting cyclists.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Intoxicated drivers put everyone on the road at risk, especially vulnerable bicyclists.
• Unsafe Passing: Motorists who do not allow enough space when overtaking cyclists often cause sideswipe accidents.

At KRW Lawyers, we investigate the cause of your accident thoroughly to hold the negligent driver accountable.

Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Because bicycles offer little protection, cyclists often suffer severe injuries when struck by motor vehicles. Some common injuries include:

• Head Injuries & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, cyclists are at risk of concussions and brain trauma.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone are frequent in bike crashes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents may cause paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
• Internal Organ Damage: Impact with vehicles or the road can lead to internal bleeding or organ injuries.
• Road Rash & Lacerations: Severe skin abrasions from contact with pavement can lead to scarring or infection.

These injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work—costs that should not fall on the victim.

Compensation from a Bike Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and long-term therapy.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced future earning capacity.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your damaged bicycle and gear.
• Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was fatally injured in a bicycle accident, surviving family members may pursue damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Our San Antonio bicycle accident attorneys fight aggressively against insurance companies that try to undervalue claims. We work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Texas law.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

Call 911, seek medical attention, gather contact information from the driver and any witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene if possible. Then, contact a bicycle accident attorney before speaking with the insurance company.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Texas?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may prevent you from recovering compensation.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Do I need an attorney for my bicycle accident claim?

Yes. Insurance companies often try to blame cyclists for accidents or minimize payouts. Having a skilled San Antonio bicycle accident attorney ensures your rights are protected and increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.

How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?

At KRW Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.