Recently involved in a bicycle accident in Fort Worth, Texas area? You’re probably not only dealing with injuries and lost wages but are also up to your ears in medical bills during this stressful time. Thankfully, Heller Law Office, PLLC understands the corresponding physical, emotional, and financial impacts and works hard to seek equitable compensation for our clients. Fort Worth bicycle accident lawyer Travis Heller has helped numerous clients earn justified compensation for their bicycle accident injuries and other associated damages.

Involved in a Bike Accident? Don’t Panic, and Follow These Steps

As you might have guessed, seeking medical care for any potentially serious injuries is the first priority. Even if you feel okay immediately after the event, it’s important for a qualified healthcare professional to give you a thorough examination in case treatment is required and to rule out any internal (and seemingly invisible!) traumatic injuries. A quick call to 911, EMT treatment, and a potential hospital transfer are sometimes just what the doctor orders here (pun intended).

After receiving the appropriate medical attention, you’ll want to document the accident scene and gather information from any witnesses or other parties involved in the accident. This step is crucial if you seek compensation for any damages. Again, you can enlist the help of a family member or friend to help you with this—especially if you’re trying to juggle injury treatment at the same time.

Lastly, you’ll want to reach out to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal details while ensuring your rights are 100% protected. You can count on the Heller team to investigate the cause of the accident, identify at-fault parties, make sure you receive the medical treatment you need, and pursue appropriate compensation for not only overwhelming healthcare bills but also lost wages and other corresponding damages.

Common Bike Accident Injuries in Fort Worth, Texas

Bicycle accidents are known for causing a wide range of injuries and physical pain: anything from minor cuts and bruises resulting from minor mishaps to serious (and sometimes life-threatening) devastating injuries such as broken bones and spinal/traumatic brain injuries. Per National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, the most common afflictions include:

  • Head injuries, the most common type of injury resulting from bicycle accidents (ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries)
  • Face and neck injuries, which are also common in a bike crash and can take shape as cuts, bruises, and fractures
  • Injuries to the upper extremity (arms, hands, and shoulders) and lower extremity (legs, knees, and feet) that encompass anything from broken bones and dislocated joints to soft tissue injuries

The experts at Heller Law understand the devastating impact these bicycle injuries can have on victims and their families, which is precisely why we dedicate our time and energy to assisting bicycle accident victims in their desperate search for fair compensation for injuries when bicycle accidents occur.

Common Culprits in Bicycle Accidents

A variety of factors can trigger a bicycle accident, such as driver negligence, distracted/impaired driving, and defective bicycle parts. Per NHTSA data, the most common causes include the following:

  • A motorist’s failure to yield to a bicyclist at an intersection, driveway, and other common areas where vehicles and bicycles are forced to share (a sometimes-tiny) road
  • Distracted driving caused by texting or otherwise using a cell phone behind the wheel, preventing the driver from seeing the bicyclist and thus causing an accident
  • Impaired driving, wherein drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have slower judgment and reaction times, increasing the chance of a bicycle collision
  • “Dooring” is a phenomenon that occurs when a driver opens his or her car door into the path of a bicyclist
  • Defective bike parts, such as faulty brakes or wheels, can unknowingly cause a bicyclist to lose control and crash

I Accidentally Hit a Cyclist—What Now?!

Motor vehicle operators who accidentally strike a bicyclist with their car, van, bus, or truck should remain at the scene of the accident and provide the necessary assistance: such as calling 911, providing first aid, and giving your contact information to the injured person(s). NEVER flee the scene of the accident (as much as you may want to as the at-fault party).

Remember that drivers must always take reasonable care per Texas law to avoid colliding with their cyclist road mates. If a person fails to do so and causes a bicycle accident, he or she may be held liable for corresponding damages.

If this happens to you, be sure to reach out to Heller Law Office, PLLC. We not only understand all related legal and technical issues involved in the aftermath of Fort Worth bicycle accidents but are happy to assist car accident cases who find themselves in the clutches of the same.

Typical Injury Lawyer Compensation

The specific percentage most injury lawyers earn truly varies by the personal injury law firm and the circumstances of each unique case. Nevertheless, personal injury lawyers typically work on a “contingency fee” basis: meaning they only get paid if they win a case or reach a settlement on a client’s behalf in personal injury claims. For the sake of transparency, we can share that fees typically range anywhere from 33% to 40% of the total settlement or verdict in bicycle accident lawsuits.

As Heller Law Office, PLLC understands the tremendous amount of financial stress associated with bike accidents. Therefore, we work on a contingency fee basis in personal injury lawsuits and are happy to provide prospective clients with a complimentary consultation that will outline legal options and set realistic expectations with respect to a case for recovery.

Free Consultation with a Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you’re a bicycle accident victim in the Fort Worth, TX area, be sure to reach out to Heller Law Office, PLLC, and enjoy a free case review and consultation with a seasoned lawyer with years of experience with this type of litigation. Our expert team of bicycle accident attorneys will review your case, offer honest and candid advice about your legal path forward, and work relentlessly to seek maximum compensation for your medical expenses and other related costs.

Still on the fence? Fear not, knowing we have the expertise necessary to successfully tackle even the most complex bicycle accident cases as your legal partner (and ally!) during this challenging time.

Sources:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Bicyclists and Other Cyclists. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicyclists

Texas Department of Insurance. (n.d.). Texas Auto Insurance Coverages. https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html