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request free consultation request free ConsultationTexas is by no means considered a bicycle capital of the world. The lack of bike lanes throughout the state is indicative of the small numbers of citizens who take advantage of riding their bicycle to work and other social engagements. However, large cities like San Antonio have begun to embrace a growing bicycle trend and have installed a limited number of bike lanes to encourage bicyclists to safely bike alongside cars. Despite these additions, car and truck drivers have been slow to catch on and continue to ignore the highway safety laws which should protect bicyclists.
In 2014, there were a total of nearly 2,500 accidents throughout the state of Texas involving a “pedalcyclist.”[1] Out of this number, approximately 50 resulted in fatalities, and countless others resulted in serious injuries to the bicyclists. These numbers represent a steady increase since 2010, when there were only approximately 2,000 recorded pedalcyclist accidents. While the increase may be due to a higher numbers of bicyclists on the road, the statistics remain indicative that bicyclists are often a target when sharing the road with heavier and larger motor vehicles. Bicyclists wear a helmet as their only source of protection against the dangers on the road, including cars.
Most bicyclists are very observant and are always aware of motor vehicles around them, but it can be difficult to predict the actions of some drivers, especially distracted drivers.
Bicyclists are no match for a several ton vehicle speeding throughout the state roadways. Many drivers are not yet accustomed to watching out for bicyclists on the road, and other drivers become agitated by bicyclists on the road and attempt to aggressively drive around them. This type of negligent driver behavior can lead to extreme bicyclist injuries, including:
Bicyclists have the right of way at any intersection or street, although often yield this up to aggressive motor vehicle drivers. Their pay-back for this behavior is unfortunately the risk of serious bodily injury while biking to work or other events. Victims of bicycle accidents may bring a claim for their damages against the negligent driver, including all medical expenses and lost wages as a result of their injuries. Bicycle accidents are unfortunately very severe to the bicyclist and can lead to months in a hospital room. The attorneys of Sadler & Sadler can assist you in calculating out the full amount of damages you are eligible to receive as a result of your injuries.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys of Sadler & Sadler. You made the conscious decision to be a healthier person by biking to work or to an event and you should not be punished for this by spending the rest of your life handling the injury repercussions. Our attorneys will assist you in drafting and filing your claim for damages while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact our San Antonio office today for your initial free consultation.
[1] http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/trf/crash-statistics/2014/26.pdf.