Midland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Throughout Midland, traffic on roads can be hectic and congested. When cyclists travel on the road, they have an elevated risk of being involved in an accident caused by distracted, reckless, or negligent drivers. Unfortunately, bicyclists have little protection compared to motor vehicles. When they collide with a vehicle, these injuries can be catastrophic.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, you need an experienced Midland bicycle accident lawyer to make sure you receive fair compensation. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we are here to assist with your potential claim. Reach out to us to find out how we can help with these legal matters.

Bicycle Accidents in Midland, TX

According to data from the city of Midland, there were 10 bicycle crashes in 2023. While that might not sound like a lot, they are still serious accidents that can lead to devastating consequences.

Everything from driver negligence to unsafe road conditions can lead to these incidents. Some of these common causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Running stop signs or red lights
• Road hazards

When drivers are on the road, they need to be cautious and attentive around other road users, including vulnerable bicyclists.

Bicycle Accidents Could Lead to Catastrophic Injuries

Since there is a lack of protection on a bicycle, even a slight collision can lead to serious injuries for cyclists. Also, these incidents can cause damage to the spinal cord and head trauma. Sometimes, that can lead to paralysis or other permanent disabilities for the cyclists.

Unfortunately, cyclists often sustain fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones in accidents due to the impact with the ground or the vehicle. Road rash is another concern. When bicyclists are thrown off their bikes, they can suffer severe abrasions and lacerations from skidding along the pavement. As a result, that can cause an infection or scarring.

Bicyclists can also suffer from blunt force trauma. In turn, that can lead to internal bleeding and damage to organs. Sometimes, that can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Facial injuries are also common. Bicyclists may suffer broken noses, dental injuries, and other facial injuries in a collision.

The extent of these injuries often requires substantial medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation. In severe cases, victims may face permanent disability and a drastically reduced quality of life. If you have been injured in this type of incident, you need to seek legal help to recover compensation for your damages.

Texas Bicycle Laws and How They Impact Your Case

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers as they ride on public roads, unless signs prohibit them from certain areas. With that, drivers must share the road and give cyclists the same consideration as other vehicles.

Motorists should maintain a safe distance when passing bicycles. While there is no statewide “safe passing” law, many Texas cities have local ordinances that require drivers to give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.

Violations of these laws can result in liability for the driver if they cause an accident. An experienced Midland bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of your accident to determine whether any traffic laws were violated. They can use this information to build a solid case for your compensation.

Does Comparative Negligence Play a Role in Your Bicycle Accident?

Sometimes, you may have been at fault for the accident. In these cases, crash victims may hesitate to start the claims process. They may fear their claim will be denied or they can’t recover compensation from the other party. However, that is not usually true. In most cases, even if you are at fault, you might be able to claim compensation.

In Texas, personal injury claims use the comparative negligence rule, or proportionate responsibility. This means that the compensation you may be entitled to can be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you for the accident. For example, if a court finds that you were 30% responsible for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by that same percentage. This can often happen if you act in a way that leads to an accident, such as failing to obey a traffic signal or not using the proper light at night.

However, if you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. But, if your share exceeds that amount, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.

If you have any doubts, you will want to work with a bicycle accident lawyer in Midland. They can help minimize any attempts by the defense or insurance companies to place undue blame on you, which could mean missing out on your entitled compensation.

Compensation Available in a Bicycle Accident Claim

The compensation you can recover in a bicycle accident claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses. These damage awards could include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If your case involved extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, such as a driver operating under the influence, your legal team might want to pursue punitive damages. This compensation is separate from your economic or non-economic awards, and they are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Our Midland Bicycle Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Assist

After a bicycle accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an inability to work. Trying to navigate the legal process on your own while recovering from your injuries can be overwhelming. That’s where a Midland bicycle accident lawyer can assist.

At Barrera Law Group LLC, we understand the unique challenges that bicycle accident victims face, and we are committed to providing the legal support you need. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, reach out to us. As soon as we take on your case, we will start the process to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your recovery.

We will work to negotiate with the insurance companies and get you a settlement that covers your damages from the accident. If you are ready to take the next steps, schedule your free initial consultation today.