Bicycle Accident Lawyers Dallas Texas

Tips for Dallas Bike Accidents

Texas as a state is equally dangerous for cyclists, with 13 of the top 20 most dangerous cities for bicyclists located in Texas, Florida, or California. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 66 bicyclist fatalities in Texas in 2019, which is 1.8 percent of the state’s total traffic fatalities. 

With numbers like these, it’s not surprising that you may have been involved in a bike accident in the Dallas area. The good news is that hiring an attorney can help you get the maximum amount of compensation for your losses so you can focus on getting better and getting back on the road. 

You’ve just gotten in an accident on your bike, now what? Bicycle accidents can be especially jarring because the collision is often not just with your bike, but with your body as well. While you might be disoriented, it’s important to do the right things in the wake of the accident in order to preserve your rights as a victim. After you call 911, here are some tips on what to do next: 

• Don’t go anywhere till the police arrive. According to Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, you can face imprisonment, stiff fines, and other penalties for leaving the scene of an accident where there is injury, death, or property damage. Even if you think you’re unscathed, you might discover injuries later. It’s best to wait for the authorities to arrive. 
• Gather information at the scene. Get the driver’s information, including name, address, driver’s license number (a picture of the driver’s license is better), registration information, a picture of their insurance card, plate number, and make/model of vehicle. If there were witnesses, get names, phone numbers, and emails of all witnesses. 
• Tips while at the scene. While at the scene, don’t make any agreements with the driver, even if they accept fault or apologize. You have no idea the extent of your injuries at this point, so negotiation is premature. Also make sure the police take your statement, not just the motorist’s. Take pictures while the scene is fresh if it is safe and reasonable to do so.
• Document, document, document. As soon as you can, write down the sequence of events before, during, and after the accident. Be sure to include the how, when, and where everything happened. Describe the weather, street, and traffic conditions at the time. A diagram might be helpful at this phase. If you have visible injuries, take detailed photographs of them.
• Go to a doctor. Even if you don’t think you are injured, have a doctor evaluate you as soon as you can. The symptoms of some injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, might not surface right away, so it’s important to be seen even if you feel OK. The doctor can document findings to help your case later. You should also document any symptoms day by day.
• Get in touch with a professional. Insurance companies might try to negotiate with you to low ball you into a settlement — don’t talk to them directly. Instead, get in touch with a Dallas attorney who specializes in bicycle or auto accident litigation and can negotiate on your behalf. 

What Kind of Compensation Are You Entitled to After a Bicycle Accident in Dallas?

Most often, the insurance company of the motorist who struck you will pay your award. Of course, it’s not uncommon for drivers in the Dallas metro to be underinsured or to lack coverage altogether. In fact, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, one in six Dallas drivers, or more than 16 percent, has no coverage despite the legal requirements. In that case, you might be able to dip into your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to pay for your losses. You can also count on this coverage if your bicycle gets hit by a motorist who flees the scene.

Economic Losses

Economic losses refer to the actual monetary losses you suffer after a Dallas bicycle crash, including: 

• Property damage, such as damage to your bike and other belongings involved in the accident.
• Medical expenses for doctor appointments, surgeries, diagnostic tests, rehab, prescriptions, and hospital stays.
• Lost wages if you were unable to work while you were recovering from the accident.

Non-Economic Losses

Non-economic damages are a bit harder to quantify, but you can still receive compensation for them in Texas courts. You may receive non-economic damages for:

• Physical impairments. Paralysis is an example of an impairment that would reduce your quality of life and entitle you to compensation.
• Pain and suffering. An injury can cause you more than just monetary damage — you can also endure physical and emotional pain for which you can recover financially in court.
• Disfigurement. A bicycle accident can leave you with permanent changes to your body, such as a missing limb or severe scarring. These are both compensable disfigurements in Texas.
• Mental anguish. A bicycle wreck can be especially traumatizing, with the emotional effects lasting long after the incident is over. You may receive compensation for this loss.

Punitive Damages

This is the only one of the three types of damages for which there is a cap in Texas. Punitive damages are awarded when the judge or jury deem it appropriate to punish the defendant for intentional or egregiously negligent conduct. These damages cannot exceed $200,000, or double the amount of economic damages plus an equal amount of non-economic damages up to $750,000. A bicycle accident lawyer might not be able to keep you from peril on the bustling streets of Dallas, but Godsey Martin, PC can certainly help safeguard your rights after an accident occurs. You should not be on the hook for thousands of dollars of medical expenses and damaged property because of someone else’s negligent driving. Reach out to us today so we can review your case and offer strategies to get you the compensation you deserve. 

Our Team of Attorneys are Available 24/7

Our legal team, located in Dallas and Houston, understands the steps that need to be taken to help accident victims get their life back on track. We will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process, fighting the insurance companies and the negligent driver responsible in order to provide you the money and justice you deserve. Click or call us today to begin your case.

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