Riding a bicycle is usually a pleasant experience, but carelessness and negligence from drivers and road maintenance issues can quickly make this experience a negative one if an incident occurs. Rose Knows Law has a wealth of experience helping cyclists to get justice after being injured in a bicycle accident. As a qualified and compassionate McKinney, TX bicycle accident lawyer, we will advocate for you to get the compensation you need to recover after a bicycle accident.
We believe that no cyclists should live in fear of using the bike lanes designated for that purpose. When negligent drivers don’t respect the presence of cyclists or road maintenance entities fail to do their part, you need a legal team that will aggressively pursue justice on your behalf.
McKinney Bicycle Laws
Texas laws help to keep motorists and cyclists safe when operating on the roadways. Many of the cycling rules are the same as they are for motor vehicles, including yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and stopping at stop signs. Here are additional laws for cyclists:
- Bicycles should be ridden on streets, roadways, bike paths, and routes and areas that have been designated for bike riding.
- Bicycles should not be ridden directly into bike racks. Cyclists should instead dismount and then place the bike in the appropriate space.
- In an area with cyclists and pedestrians, the person riding the bike should pass the pedestrian cautiously and give verbal notice that they are passing.
- In Texas, the person riding the bicycle has all the responsibilities and rights that are applied to drivers operating a motor vehicle. Therefore, those signs that regulate traffic apply also to cyclists.
Understanding that the rules of the road apply to cyclists is imperative to ensure that motor vehicles respect their presence on roadways. Moreover, it ensures that those operating bikes know what they can and cannot do in the presence of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Bicycle Accident
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, report the accident to the police if necessary, and seek medical attention. You might not think that you need medical assistance, but similar to a car accident, the adrenaline spike you may experience after a bike accident might prevent you from feeling the full brunt of your injuries when it occurs.
The next step is to reach out to a reputable McKinney, TX bicycle accident lawyer. Rose Knows Law is a passionate advocate for cyclists’ rights and may be able to help you get justice for an accident caused by the negligence or outright carelessness of another.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A qualified bicycle accident lawyer in McKinney, TX will help you pursue compensation to help with the expenses associated with a bicycle accident. After all, if you’ve been injured and are not at fault, you should not be forced to bear the brunt of expenses associated with this incident. There may also be extenuating circumstances surrounding this accident which a lawyer will be able to help guide you through.
For instance, if your accident was caused by defective components on your bike due to a manufacturer error or lack of bike lane maintenance from your local roadway authority, you may be due compensation for their negligence. Our experience in this practice area can work to your benefit to ensure that others are not harmed in the same way and help ensure that you are not stuck dealing with the ramifications of the accident without the necessary resources.
How Compensation Can Help with Accident Expenses
Compensation can go a long way towards helping with expenses from a bicycle accident. Specifically, it may help with:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses (acute and long-term)
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Bicycle replacement
Depending on the severity of the accident, you may be dealing with the aftermath for some time. It helps to have the financial resources to do what is necessary to get back on your feet after such a traumatic event.
Evidence Collection for Bicycle Accident Cases
After a bicycle accident, gathering proper evidence is crucial to building a strong case for compensation. Take photos of the incident, including your bicycle, any vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. If you can, get contact information from eyewitnesses, as their statements may provide valuable third-party perspectives.
Medical documentation is particularly important – keep all records of emergency room visits, doctor appointments, treatment plans, and receipts for medical expenses. If applicable, get a copy of the police report filed at the scene, as this official document may establish key facts about the incident. Preserve damaged equipment such as your helmet, bicycle, and clothing as physical evidence of the impact.
Track all related expenses meticulously, including transportation costs to medical appointments, bike repairs or replacement costs, and documentation of lost wages. Keep a daily journal documenting your pain levels, limitations, and recovery progress, as this may help demonstrate the accident’s impact on your quality of life. At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we may guide you through this evidence collection process to ensure nothing critical is overlooked.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance entities may contact you shortly after your bicycle accident, often attempting to secure a recorded statement or offering a quick settlement. Be cautious in these interactions – while the adjuster may seem friendly, their priority is minimizing the company’s financial liability. It’s generally advisable not to provide recorded statements or accept initial settlement offers without legal representation.
Insurance companies typically calculate settlements based on formulas that may not fully account for your specific circumstances, especially long-term impacts or non-economic damages like pain and suffering. They may attempt to shift fault onto you as the cyclist, leveraging common misconceptions about bicyclists and traffic laws. Having an experienced bicycle accident attorney communicate with insurers on your behalf may help prevent these tactics from undermining your claim.
At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring your case is presented accurately and comprehensively. We work to counter lowball offers with properly documented evidence of your damages, advocating for fair compensation that truly reflects your needs for recovery, both immediate and long-term.
Local McKinney Cycling Resources
McKinney offers numerous resources for cyclists of all experience levels. The city features an expanding network of bike lanes and trails, including the popular Erwin Park Mountain Bike Trail and the scenic Wilson Creek Trail. The McKinney Bike Plan continues to develop new cycling infrastructure throughout the city, making it increasingly accessible for recreational and commuter cyclists.
For those seeking community, the McKinney Cycling Club welcomes riders of various skill levels and organizes regular group rides throughout Collin County. Local bike shops like Cadence Cyclery of McKinney and The Bike Mart not only provide sales and repairs but also offer valuable safety information and community events. Additionally, the City of McKinney Parks and Recreation Department periodically hosts bicycle safety workshops for adults and children.
Cyclists may stay informed about local road conditions, construction, and cycling events through resources like the City of McKinney’s transportation department website and local cycling advocacy groups. These community resources not only enhance the cycling experience in McKinney but may also provide valuable support following an accident, including recommendations for bicycle repairs and cycling-friendly healthcare providers.
Steps in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
If you decide to pursue legal action after a bicycle accident, understanding the process may help set realistic expectations. Initially, we’ll conduct a thorough case evaluation, reviewing all evidence and determining the viability of your claim. This is followed by the investigation phase, where we gather additional evidence, consult experts if needed, and identify all potentially liable parties.
Before filing a lawsuit, we typically attempt negotiations with the responsible party’s insurance company, presenting a demand package that outlines your damages and requested compensation. If these negotiations don’t yield a fair settlement, we’ll file a formal lawsuit, beginning the litigation process. During the discovery phase that follows, both sides exchange information through written questions, document requests, and depositions.
As your case progresses, we may participate in mediation or settlement conferences to resolve the matter without trial. If necessary, we prepare thoroughly for trial, presenting your case before a judge or jury. Throughout this process, which may take several months to more than a year, we keep you informed and involved in all major decisions. At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, with 27 years of experience, we guide you through each step while advocating zealously for your best interests.
Schedule a No-Cost Consultation With a McKinney, TX Bicycle Accident Lawyer
No one plans to get into an accident, but it happens. When accidents happen involving cyclists, the stakes are sometimes even higher because they are so exposed on their bicycles. Even a helmet cannot always offer enough protection to prevent serious injury. With 30 years of experience, our clients know how passionate we are about helping cyclists who have been injured by other motor vehicles, bicycles or faulty road maintenance.
As a top-tier bicycle accident attorney, we have won countless cases for our bicycling clients and may be able to do the same for you. Learn more with a free consultation by calling (972) 388-3418 or visiting us online.