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Do You Need an Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
When a car or truck hits a bicycle, it is often a frightening experience for both the driver and the bicyclist. In such accidents, the vehicle typically impacts the body of the cyclist directly. Unfortunately, this almost always leaves the cyclist injured and often severely injured. If you were recently hit by a car or truck while riding a bicycle and have questions, feel free to contact our office. We are happy to address your questions and concerns, completely free of charge.
Representing Austin’s Cyclists after an Accident
In 2014, Austin embarked on a major effort to encourage and expand cycling options and opportunities in the city. The Austin Bicycle Master Plan was adopted to “significantly increase bicycle use and improve bicycle safety throughout Austin.” These efforts have contributed to Austin’s status as one of the best biking cities in America, according to Bicycling magazine.
But with more and more people riding their bikes in and around Austin, the number of injuries and fatalities caused by collisions between cyclists and motorists has also sadly increased. Despite efforts to make Austin’s roads more bicycle-friendly, and even though most cyclists wear helmets and other protective gear, vulnerable and exposed bike riders still face the risk of serious injury inherent in sharing the road with fast-moving vehicles, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
Many bicycle accidents occur because drivers fail to account for the presence of cyclists or don’t follow the law in sharing the road with them. If an act of negligence caused or contributed to you being involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, don’t leave it up to chance by searching Google for a “bicycle accident lawyer austin” or something similar. Simply turn to the experienced team of bicycle accident lawyers near you at Sandoval & James to get the compensation that can help them heal and provide for a brighter future.
Negligent Actions By Vehicles Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys See Most
According to the CDC, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roads in the United States every year. The costs of bicycle injuries and deaths from crashes typically exceed $23 billion in the United States each year.
In addition to drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other common behaviors that lead to accidents, there are numerous distinct ways vehicles and negligent drivers can hurt cyclists, including:
- Failing to yield the right of way to the cyclist when making a left or right turn.
- “Dooring,” or a driver or passenger who opens a door without looking over the shoulder or in the rearview mirror, resulting in the bicyclist not having time to take evasive action and colliding with the door.
- Driving or drifting into the bike lane.
- Failing to accommodate a cyclist who must ride in traffic due to a lack of shoulder or bike lane.
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light.
- Sideswipes.
- Road rage.
When a vehicle and a cyclist collide, it is no surprise that the cyclist bears the brunt of the impact, making violent contact with the ground, the vehicle, or other objects. This kind of trauma is sometimes fatal and often leads to severe or catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Eye injuries
- Loss of a limb
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
Bicycle accident injuries can fill every day with pain and difficulty along with worries and uncertainty about lost wages, mounting medical bills, and what to do next. By looking for the best Austin bicycle accident lawyers, you will get all the help and support you need as you deal with a severe injury.
With tenacity, experience, and a fierce commitment to your well-being, our dedicated bike accident lawyers will fight relentlessly until you receive the highest amount of compensation available for your injuries and losses.
Contact a Top-Rated Austin Bike Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a bicycle accident and want to learn more about your options and the availability of compensation for your losses, please contact an Austin bicycle accident attorney at Sandoval & James by calling 512-382-7707 or contact us online to arrange for your free initial consultation.