According to Visit Austin, Austin ranks among the top 20 most bike-friendly cities in the country. Bicycle accidents in the capital city have declined in recent years, which a report in The Daily Texan attributes in part to increased construction of bike lanes. However, many accidents still happen, especially when cars or trucks turn into a bike lane.
Unfortunately, a collision with a car or truck will always affect bicyclists more dramatically than any vehicle occupants, who might just walk away from an accident without injuries. The cyclist, however, could end up permanently disabled through no fault of their own.
What should you do if you suffered severe injuries in a bicycle accident in Austin?
After receiving medical attention, you might find that your best next step involves contacting an Austin bicycle accident lawyer. If your crash happened due to the actions of a negligent driver, you could recover compensation. Call the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (800) 761-5225 to discuss your legal options for justice and compensation.
Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents involving a collision with a car or truck can turn fatal for the cyclist. The Association of American Family Physicians (AAFP) outlined the many injuries that bicyclists could suffer in a crash with a motor vehicle, including:
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Dental injuries
- Eye injuries
- Fractures and shattered bones
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Abdominal injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Serious injuries have the potential to cause lifelong negative consequences for an accident victim and can result in long periods off of work. In the most extreme accident cases, a victim might now ever return to their career.
No compensation can turn back time and make you completely healthy again. However, you can take legal action against a negligent driver and potentially receive compensation for your injuries and damages. These financial awards can go a long way to aid your recovery from any injuries and reduce the economic harm that the accident caused your family.
If another road user’s negligence caused your accident, such as a car driver violating any traffic laws, you could potentially recover compensation for your damages in a lawsuit. If a drunk or distracted driver hits you, a court might find them per se negligent.
An Austin bicycle accident lawyer could help you hold a negligent driver to account. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to learn more.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Austin, call 800-761-5225
Texas Laws Regarding Personal Injury Claims
Acting quickly after an accident can have numerous benefits. First, a bicycle accident lawyer can begin protecting your rights. They might find it easier to collect evidence, contact witnesses, and start building a case against the negligent driver right away.
Also, consider that Texas law only gives you limited time for filing legal action. According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Keep in mind that if you intend to sue a driver who works for a government agency, you most likely will have a shorter timeframe to file a claim.
Remember that the clock starts ticking on the day of your accident. You can consult an Austin bicycle accident lawyer to learn whether you still have time to file a lawsuit.
Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-761-5225
Bicycle Accident Compensation
No two bicycle accident cases are the same. This concept also applies to any compensation for such accidents. Since every victim has different injuries and circumstances, it is difficult to generalize about any compensation or settlement amount you could receive. However, you could recover an award for the following types of damages.
Property Damage
If you suffered any property damage in an accident that was a negligent driver’s fault, you could receive compensation to repair or replace your property, such as your bike and any clothing damaged or destroyed in the crash.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs can include anything that you require to get healthy again after an accident:
- Ambulance transport
- Surgeries
- Outpatient treatments
- Hospitalization
- Specialist visits
- Diagnostic tests
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Mental health treatment
In addition, if the accident had a catastrophic effect on your health, you could also receive additional benefits for modifying your home or car to your new needs and hiring an in-home care aide.
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may not return to work for a while. If you have lost out on any income due to your bicycle accident, including bonuses and retirement contributions, the negligent driver should compensate you accordingly. Their responsibility could also include any reduction in your future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Some bicycle accident victims suffer immensely, having to undergo surgeries and other painful medical treatments. It is also not uncommon to suffer from emotional injuries after an accident.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) explains how accidents can result in developing many psychological conditions:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anguish
- Sleep issues
- Recurring nightmares of the crash
You could potentially receive an award that quantifies the psychological impact of the accident on your life.
Reduced Life Quality
Unfortunately, for some who suffer severe and permanent injuries after a bicycle accident, their lives have unalterably changed. Victims may never resume activities or hobbies that they enjoyed before the crash. If this has happened to you, you could receive awards for reduced life quality.
While this is not an exhaustive list of compensation you could recover, it gives you an idea about damages that could apply to your accident case. An Austin bicycle accident lawyer can provide you specific details about the compensation available to you after your collision.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Today
Do not make the mistake of struggling through your bicycle accident claim on your own. You can receive professional help without having to pay upfront attorney’s fees. An Austin bicycle accident lawyer can help you get justice and pursue a fair and comprehensive settlement.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (800) 761-5225 for a free case review and discover if you could recover compensation.
Call or text 800-761-5225 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
