Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Dallas, TX
Riding a bicycle in Dallas should be a safe, healthy way to get around. But when a distracted or reckless driver strikes a cyclist, the results can be life changing. Broken bones, head injuries, and months of recovery are all too common for injured cyclists in Dallas – and the medical bills that follow can feel just as overwhelming as the injuries themselves.
If you were hurt in a bicycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve a legal team that will fight for the full compensation you need to make up for your losses. At Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., our Dallas bicycle accident lawyers have been standing up for injury victims since 1971. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you, too. Call us today (214) 999-9999 for your free consultation to learn more.
About Our Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Our attorneys represent people injured in wrecks in Dallas, Fort Worth, and throughout the surrounding areas of North Texas.
We are compassionate, effective, and dedicated to achieving results for our clients. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed in a bicycle crash, we urge you to contact our firm as soon as possible.
You should seek legal advice immediately – before you discuss the matter with an insurance adjuster and before you sign anything.
Let the law offices of Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., advise you about your rights after a cycling accident. We’re an established and professional law firm with friendly lawyers and staff who are easy to talk to.
Why Hire a Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Bicycle accident cases present unique challenges that set them apart from typical car accident claims. Insurance adjusters frequently try to shift blame onto the cyclist, arguing that the rider failed to follow traffic laws or should have made themselves more visible. Without strong legal representation, you face an uphill battle to seek the compensation you need to cover your losses.
A bicycle accident attorney from Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. can investigate the crash, gather evidence such as traffic camera footage and witness statements, and build a case establishing the other party’s fault. Your lawyer can also handle all communication with insurance companies so that you can concentrate on healing rather than fielding phone calls from adjusters looking for reasons to reduce your claim.
When your recovery is at stake, our experienced attorneys can work to protect your rights and demand every cent you are owed.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Dallas
The actions you take right after a crash can matter a lot more than you realize when it comes to the strength of your claim. If it’s safe, try to do the following:
- Call 911 and request a police report. An official report creates a documented record of what happened, which can serve as key evidence later.
- Take photos and videos of the scene. Capture the positions of vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from witnesses. People who saw the crash can provide an objective account of the sequence of events.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Even a casual “I’m sorry” can be used against you by an insurance company.
- Get medical attention right away. Not all injuries show symptoms immediately. Some people suffer concussions or internal bleeding without realizing it for days. Prompt medical care protects both your health and your case.
- Contact a bike accident lawyer in Dallas, TX before speaking with any insurance adjuster. An experienced attorney will help you avoid common mistakes that could weaken your case.
Texas Bicycle Laws You Should Know
Under Texas law, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. That means cars, trucks, and SUVs must treat you as they would any other vehicle on the road.
A few important rules to keep in mind:
- Cyclists must ride near the right curb and travel in the same direction as traffic, but you have the right to take the full lane when it is necessary for your safety.
- Texas law requires a white front light and a red rear reflector or red light when riding at night.
- Cyclists must observe all traffic signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules, just like drivers.
- Two cyclists may ride side by side as long as they do not block the normal flow of traffic.
When a driver violates these laws or fails to respect a cyclist’s right to the road, that negligent driver can be held responsible for the resulting injuries. However, some insurers may try to use these rules against you by claiming you broke the law and contributed to the collision. Building a strong case with substantial evidence is crucial to establishing who is actually responsible for a Dallas bike crash.
Who Is Liable in a Dallas Bicycle Accident?
In most Dallas cycling accident claims, the driver of the motor vehicle bears responsibility. Common examples of driver negligence include:
- Failing to check for cyclists before making a left turn
- Opening a parked car door into the path of a rider
- Running a red light or rolling through a stop sign
- Passing a cyclist too closely or cutting into the bike lane
- Driving while distracted by a phone or other device
In some cases, other parties may share liability – even some who were not behind the wheel of another vehicle. For example, a local or state government could be at fault if a poorly maintained road contributed to the crash, while a vehicle or bicycle manufacturer could be responsible if a defective product was to blame. Our experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers can investigate every angle to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
What Compensation Can Injured Cyclists Recover?
When a bicycle crash leaves you with serious injuries, the financial costs can add up quickly. Depending on the circumstances, an injured cyclist in Dallas may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages from missed work during your recovery
- Reduced earning ability if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- Physical pain and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or fear of riding again
- Loss of enjoyment of life if you’re left with long-term impairments
- Property damage, including the cost of replacing or repairing your bicycle and gear
Severe collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disabilities that require long-term care. In these situations, your compensation should account for the ongoing effect on your daily life and your future needs.
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Because each case is so different, there’s no way to know the worth of any individual claim before a legal professional has examined all of the facts. Factors that can influence the value of a bicycle accident claim in Dallas include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The total cost of your medical treatment
- How long you are unable to work
- Whether you face any lasting physical limitations
- How strong your case is
A Dallas bike accident lawyer from Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. can carefully evaluate your situation, calculate the true cost of your losses, and pursue the maximum amount you are entitled to receive.
How Insurance Companies Handle Bicycle Accident Claims
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. After a bicycle crash, you may encounter tactics such as:
- Making a quick, lowball settlement offer designed to close your claim before you comprehend the full extent of your injuries
- Asking for recorded statements that they can use to twist your words and cast doubt on your account
- Claiming that you were partially or entirely at fault for the crash
- Delaying your claim to pressure you into accepting less than you deserve
Having our experienced cyclist injury lawyers in Dallas on your side sends a clear message that you will not be taken advantage of. Your attorney can handle negotiations and, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, will be prepared to take your case to court.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Texas?
Texas law generally gives bicycle accident victims two (2) years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, though there are exceptions that can shorten or extend that time limit. If you miss the deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to compensation.
While two years might sound like plenty of time, evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and witnesses can become harder to locate. The sooner you contact a bicycle crash attorney in Texas, the stronger your case can be.
Why Choose Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C.?
Since 1971, Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. has been helping injured people throughout Dallas and North Texas fight for the compensation they deserve after serious accidents. With more than 50 years of experience, our Dallas bicycle accident attorneys understand the tactics that insurance companies use – and we know how to push back effectively.
Our staff’s average employment longevity is 25 years. This means the cohesive team working on your case brings decades of hands-on knowledge to every step of the process. Our attorneys are fully licensed in all Texas state courts and the Federal courts of the Northern District of Texas, and they hold memberships in respected organizations, including the American Association for Justice, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association.
We also handle cases involving truck accidents and other serious personal injury claims, providing deep experience dealing with complex liability issues and well-funded insurance defense teams.
Don’t just take our word for it. As one client shared in a recent review:
“This is my second time using Kraft & Associates and each experience has been a huge relief. I would definitely use them again if the need should arise, and would recommend them to anybody else. They are excellent.” – William H.
Talk to a Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Suffering injuries in a bicycle accident can change your life forever, but you should not have to shoulder the financial burden of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. At Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., our experienced team can fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue every dollar of Dallas bike accident compensation you are owed.
Call today at (214) 999-9999 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are ready to listen to your story and help you take the first step toward recovery.