Bicycle Accidents

TEXAS BICYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) keeps data on fatal and serious injuries throughout our state. TxDot recorded the following statistics about cycling accidents in 2018:

There were 258 bike accidents resulting in serious injury.
Of these cycling accidents, 72 people lost their lives as a result.

Also, in 2018, TxDOT data shows the total number of bicycle accident injuries was up almost 11% from 2017, and most accidents involving serious injury occurred in urban neighborhoods. What’s clear is that San Antonio’s current population boom and inner-city development may contribute to an elevated risk of injury resulting from a bicycle accident.

TEXAS ACCIDENT DATA TRENDS

Certain trends make cycling a riskier activity during specific times of the day in certain areas of the city:

Most accidents involving injuries occur between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays during rush-hour traffic.
Most collisions occur in urban neighborhoods where utilizing a bicycle to get to and from work is more common.

CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

Texan bicyclists enjoy riding for leisure and exercise. Many of our San Antonio residents, however, rely on bicycles as transportation to school and/or work. Precautions should be taken even on clear, calm streets as the conditions of the roads themselves can be dangerous for bike riders.

Texas law requires motorists and cyclists to take precautions to prevent such accidents. For example, all bike riders are required to utilize proper hand signals for turning or stopping, and to ride in the same directions as traffic. Even when bike riders take these precautions, however, accidents happen.
Common causes of bike accidents include:

• Motorists failing to notice bike riders
• Bicyclists not observing rules and regulations of the road
• Motorists driving distracted
• Driving or riding under the influence of alcohol
• Bicyclists riding without reflective gear
• Motorists or cyclists turning when it is unsafe
• Drivers not yielding to cyclists when required

What To Do Following A Bicycle Accident

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION: Bike accidents can be severe, even when the rider believes they are not hurt. Symptoms of serious injuries may seem minor early on. If necessary, somebody should drive you to a hospital or call 911 to get an ambulance to the crash scene. Responders will get you to an emergency if necessary. If hospital care is not required, be sure to see your primary care physician (PCP) as soon as possible.

CALL THE POLICE: Immediately call law enforcement to the scene and request a report detailing the events that caused the crash. Your accident attorney will use the report in preparing your claim.

CONTACT A SAN ANTONIO BIKE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY: Bike accidents have the potential to be very serious, especially when motor vehicles are involved. It is important to seek representation by an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Antonio. A skilled attorney will have experience representing bike riders and will work to get you the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will deal with insurance companies and investigators on your behalf.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
(210) 802-8889

VELA FIRM, PLLC

tre@velafirmpllc.com
Office: (210) 802-8889
Fax: (210) 802-2822