If you or a loved one were hurt in a bike accident in Arlington, TX, we can provide legal assistance. At The Queenan Law Firm, our Arlington, TX bike accident attorneys are ready to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses following a bike crash. Our experience and knowledge of the personal injury law allow us to fight aggressively and strategically to get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let your injuries prevent you from exercising your right to compensation after your accident. Let our experience, knowledge, and dedication work for you while you recover from your injuries. Call our law offices today for a free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (817) 476-1797.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Arlington, TX
Even the most experienced and careful cyclist can get caught in an accident. This is especially true for bike riders who are involved in accidents caused by negligent, careless, and reckless drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018, 857 bicyclists lost their lives in traffic crashes in the U.S. Bicycle accidents often lead to severe injuries since bicyclists lack all of the safety features drivers have on their vehicles. The lack of sturdy steel post, airbags, and seatbelts mean bicyclists are entirely exposed during an accident. This is one of the reasons why bike accidents often end up in severe injuries.
Sadly, hundreds of accidents and deaths are reported every year, despite many efforts to prevent bike accidents from happening. Bicycle crashes can happen for many reasons. However, negligence is one of the most prevalent causes of these types of severe collisions.
For instance, one of the leading causes of bike accidents in Arlington, TX, is distracted driving. Drivers operating their cars on the road must pay attention to everything happening around them. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as many drivers keep their eyes off the road due to different distractions. Things like texting while driving has contributed to many accidents, including bike crashes. According to the NHTSA, in 2017, 3,166 people lost their lives in distracted driving-related accidents in the U.S.
Another common cause of many bicycle accidents is driving under the influence (DUI). Unfortunately, Texas is among the top states with more DUI incidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2018, there were a total of 870 fatal DUI-related crashes statewide. Despite stringent laws fighting this dangerous practice, DUI-related accidents keep happening at an alarming rate in the state of Texas.
Another common cause of accidental bicycle falls and crashes is accidental dooring. Dooring refers to accidents in which a bicyclist crashes into a car’s door. Most of the time, this type of accident is attributed to negligent drivers who fail to check for incoming traffic reasonably. Dooring accidents can lead to severe, painful injuries such as head trauma, back injuries, dislocations, and broken bones, among others.
Common Bike Accident Injuries in Arlington, TX
Bike accidents often lead to injuries that can range from mild to severe, depending on the circumstances of the crash. A bicycle rider can experience mild injuries, which include contusions, abrasions, and lacerations. These injuries are minor, compared to other potentially dangerous injuries, and may require minimum medical attention and a short recovery period.
However, bicyclists can also face severe injuries that may put their safety and lives at risk. One of the most dangerous injuries in bike accidents is head trauma. Severe head injuries pose the biggest threat to a biker’s life. For instance, bike riders can easily lose control over their bike, fall, and hit their head against the pavement. Blunt trauma to the head can lead to TBI (traumatic brain injury), which can have lasting effects on a biker’s life or lead to their death. This injury may require costly medical treatment, which can include surgery and ongoing rehabilitative therapy.
Another dangerous injury to which bikers may be exposed is back injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury, a person may suffer from things such as paraplegia and quadriplegia. These conditions may also require costly medical procedures and continuing medical treatment. Fortunately, you may be able to obtain compensation from those who caused your injuries. Our Arlington, TX bike accident attorneys can help you file a claim against the liable parties.
Filing a Claim After a Bike Accident in Arlington, TX
You may wonder whether you have the chance to obtain compensation for your injuries after a bike accident. Fortunately, you can hold the liable parties accountable and get compensation by filing a personal injury claim. In personal injury claims, you will need to show the defendant in your case was negligent, and you suffered losses as a result of such negligence. A skilled bike accident attorney can help you prove all the elements of your personal injury claim. The first element of your claim is showing the defendant owed you a duty of care. The duty of care is the legal obligation every individual has to prevent foreseeable harm to others.
You will also need to show the defendant breached their duty of care. In other words, you will need to show the defendant failed to behave like a prudent, reasonable person by driving unsafely. The next element in your claim is causation. Causation refers to the linking nexus between the defendant’s actions and your subsequent injuries. Finally, you will need to demonstrate you suffered losses as a consequence of your accident. Once you have established all the necessary elements in your claim, you can obtain compensation.
The court may grant you compensation for things such as your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other potential damages awards. It is best to remember you have a limited time to file your claim and get the compensation you need following an accident. Our skilled Arlington, TX bike accident attorneys can guide you through the entire process.
Arlington, TX Bike Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one were injured in a bike accident in Arlington, TX, we may be able to help. At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., our Arlington, TX personal injury lawyers understand the dangers and difficulties associated with bicycle accidents. For these reasons, we dedicate all of our efforts to protecting your rights and fighting aggressively to obtain the compensation you deserve. To learn more about our services and how we can assist you with your case, in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (817) 476-1797.