There is a rise in reported cases of bicycle accidents in Texas, which is a topic of concern. The effects of these accidents on victims can be damaging to their bodies and mental health. To mitigate the losses that come with bicycle crashes and ensure victims are compensated for their injuries, personal injury laws allow victims to claim compensation.
"Compensation can be good when accidents happen, but what is better is avoiding it altogether," says Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm. With this, you can avoid the injuries, trauma, and potential court cases that spring up from bicycle accidents. However, the big question is, how can you avoid a bicycle accident in Texas? This article provides you with an ultimate guide of key steps to follow to avoid bicycle accidents and the lawsuits that mostly flow from them.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Texas
Unlike cars, bicycles are a more convenient and budget-friendly mode of transportation. You do not have to spend money buying fuel or diesel to power your bicycle. You also do not have to worry about the high maintenance costs that come with many other transport systems. All of these contribute to why many people are turning to bicycles as a means of transportation.
However, with the simplicity of this transportation, there is no ignoring the challenges. One of these is the increase in accident rates, which sometimes happens as a result of negligence or recklessness. When a bicyclist ignores road traffic signs, drives beyond the speed limit, and does not take other road users into consideration, accidents are bound to happen.
In Texas, the at-fault party in a bicycle accident can be held liable and required to pay compensation to their victims. The compensation cost can sometimes run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances of each case. Upon establishing negligence, victims need to show a correlation between causation and effects. With adequate representation, they can establish their case before a court or settle.
What Are the Major Factors Responsible for Bicycle Accidents?
Over time, several factors are said to be responsible for bicycle accidents. However, narrowing it down, here are some major factors:
- Drunk cycling or cycling under the influence of any drugs
- Distracted driving, either through the use of technology or getting carried away with billboards and signposts
- Recklessly driving beyond the speed limit
- Complete disregard for traffic signs and pedestrians
To address the increased rate of bicycle accidents in Texas, there is a need to look into all of these factors.
How to Avoid Getting Involved in a Bicycle Accident
It is way better to avoid getting into a bicycle accident than getting into one and deciding to go through the process of getting compensation. To avoid getting into a bicycle accident, you need to do the following:
- Adhere strictly to traffic laws: To avoid bicycle accidents, you will need to adhere to traffic laws at all times. By doing this, you respect other road users and can reduce your chances of crashing with them.
- Stay focused and avoid all distractions: When cycling, suspend every other thing you are doing and focus solely on the road.
- Maintain your lane at all times: Avoid cycling out of the designated lane. When cycling on a road you are unfamiliar with, you should cycle carefully and slowly.
- Always have a helmet on: At all times when cycling, never forget to have your helmet on. In the case of an unforeseen incident, it can shield you from traumatic injuries.
Conclusion
Bicycle accidents result in bicycle accident lawsuits in Texas that can be avoided. Litigation can be a daunting process, and while you stand a chance with a good bicycle accident attorney in Texas, there is no guarantee that the case will always go your way. Avoiding bicycle accidents can help you avoid all the stress and costs that come with them.