Navigating San Marcos’s bustling streets on a bicycle can be an exhilarating and eco-friendly way to get around. The wind in your hair and the open road ahead create a sense of freedom that few modes of transportation can match. However, this sense of freedom also comes with its own set of risks. Bicycle accidents, unfortunately, are a stark reality that Texas cyclists face in today's fast-paced world.
Whether you're a dedicated cyclist or an occasional rider, the unexpected can happen in the blink of an eye. From collisions with vehicles to hazardous road conditions, the potential for accidents looms large. When disaster strikes, the dedicated team of San Marcos bicycle accident lawyers from DJC Law can explain your rights and seek compensation for you.
Why Choose Us
At DJC Law, we are well-versed in the complex world of bicycle accidents and the legal avenues available to victims. We provide you with the information, insights, guidance, and legal representation you need to navigate a bicycle accident case effectively.
As personal injury lawyers, we are committed to advocating for the rights of cyclists who have suffered injuries due to the negligence or recklessness of others.
The founder and owner of DJC Law is a veteran, and together, he and his team have garnered over $50 million in compensation for personal injury victims and their families. Our San Marcos bicycle accident attorneys have over 80 years of combined legal experience that speaks for itself.
Recent successes achieved on behalf of DJC Law clients include:
- $5.9 million for a child who suffered head injuries when a restaurant table fell on her.
- $1.3 million for a young motorist involved in a head-on collision who sustained neck and head injuries
- $934,000 for a rideshare driver going to pick up a new rider when an individual ran a red light and collided with them. They received $276,460.60 after attorney fees, medical liens, and expenses.
- $750,000 settlement for a personal injury client who was dropped from their prior attorney, given the difficulty of the case. The team at DJC Law achieved this amazing result despite the obstacles the case brought.
- $525,000 for the family of a man killed by a drunk driver. The family received $401,767.14 after attorney fees, medical liens, and expenses.
Our San Marcos office is conveniently located off North I-35 Frontage Road at:
2575 North IH 35
Suite 101
San Marcos, TX 78666
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Unfortunately, no hard and fast rule tells you how much your case is worth. This is because the value of a bicycle accident injury claim in Texas can vary widely based on several factors.
Each bicycle accident injury claim is unique, and the compensation awarded depends on:
- The extent of injuries: The severity of injuries sustained by the bicyclist plays a significant role in determining the claim's value. Severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal injuries generally result in higher compensation due to their long-term impact on the victim's life.
- Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing medical care, is a major piece of the claim's value. Both current and anticipated future medical expenses will be considerations.
- Lost income and earning capacity: If the bicycle accident caused the victim to miss work or resulted in a decreased ability to earn income, the claim can include compensation for lost income and potential future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life are subjective damages that can significantly impact the claim's value. Calculating pain and suffering compensation is more complex than determining economic damages.
- Property damage: Compensation for the damage to the bicycle and other personal property can be in the claim.
- Permanent disabilities: If the accident resulted in permanent disabilities or impairments that affect the victim's ability to work or enjoy life as they did before the accident, this can significantly impact the claim's value.
- Insurance policy limits: The insurance coverage of the at-fault driver or other responsible parties can limit the compensation available. If the applicable insurance policy limits are low, it may impact the maximum amount you can recover.
- Evidence and documentation: The strength of evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, accident reports, and medical records, can impact the claim's value. Strong evidence supports the victim's version of events and the extent of their injuries.
- Legal representation: Having an experienced San Marcos bicycle accident attorney can significantly affect the outcome of the claim. Attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, build a strong case, and advocate for maximum compensation.
Given the complexity of these factors, a San Marcos bicycle accident lawyer needs to evaluate the specifics of the case to provide an exact dollar amount for your claim. We can evaluate your situation, consider the relevant factors, and provide a more accurate estimate of the value of your claim.
Where Do Bicycle Accidents Occur in San Marcos?
Bicycle accidents can happen anywhere in San Marcos: in residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, parks, playgrounds, and along city streets.
This includes:
- Craddock Avenue
- Bishop Street
- Interstate 35 frontage roads
- The intersection of Wonder World Drive and Hunter Road
- The intersection of LBJ Drive and Hopkins Street
- Old RR 22
- City Park
- Rio Vista Park
- Texas State University
Bicycle Accident Claims
Below are some different aspects that can affect the nature of your bicycle accident claim.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Accidents involving motor vehicles and bicycles can occur in various ways due to the differing sizes, speeds, and vulnerabilities of each mode of transportation.
Common accidents that can occur between motor vehicles and bicycles:
- Dooring accidents: Occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming cyclists, leading to a collision with the cyclist.
- Right hook accidents: A right hook accident occurs when a motor vehicle turns right, cutting off a cyclist traveling straight in the same direction. This can happen if the driver fails to notice the cyclist or misjudges their speed.
- Left cross accidents: In a left cross accident, a vehicle making a left turn crosses the path of an oncoming cyclist. This type of collision often happens when the driver doesn't yield the right of way to the cyclist or doesn't notice them.
- Rear-end collisions: While less common, a cyclist can be rear-ended by a motor vehicle if the driver is not paying attention or misjudges the cyclist's speed.
- Overtaking collisions: Overtaking collisions occur when a vehicle attempts to pass a cyclist without leaving enough space, leading to a sideswipe or a collision if the driver misjudges the distance.
- Sudden stops: If a motor vehicle suddenly stops in front of a cyclist without warning, the cyclist may not have enough time to react and avoid a collision.
- Intersection accidents: Intersections can be particularly hazardous for cyclists, as they often involve multiple directions of traffic. Collisions can occur if a driver fails to yield the right of way to a cyclist, especially at uncontrolled intersections.
- Parking lot/driveway accidents: In parking lots and driveways, vehicles may back out of parking spaces without noticing an approaching cyclist, leading to a collision.
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the lack of protective barriers for cyclists. The vulnerability of cyclists on the road makes them susceptible to various types of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering.
Some common types of injuries that can result from bicycle accidents include:
- Head injuries: Even with helmets, cyclists can suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as concussions, skull fractures, and brain contusions.
- Facial injuries: Cyclists involved in accidents may sustain facial injuries, including fractures of the jaw, nose, cheekbones, and eye sockets.
- Neck and spinal cord injuries: Bicycle accidents can cause neck injuries, such as whiplash, and even more severe injuries to the spinal cord.
- Broken bones: Collisions can result in broken arms, legs, wrists, ankles, ribs, and pelvis, depending on the point of impact.
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries include bruises, sprains, strains, and muscle tears.
- Road rash and abrasions: When cyclists get thrown off their bikes, their skin can contact the pavement, causing road rash and abrasions.
- Internal injuries: The force of impact in a bicycle accident can lead to internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or ruptured blood vessels.
- Joint injuries: Cyclists often use their hands to break their fall during an accident, leading to wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries. Knee injuries, including torn ligaments and meniscus tears, can also occur.
- Amputations: In severe cases, bicycle accidents can lead to the loss of limbs due to the impact of the collision or the resulting injuries requiring surgical amputation.
The severity of these injuries can vary depending on the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, the use of safety gear (such as helmets), and the cyclist's overall health and physical condition. Regardless of the type and severity of the injury, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to your well-being and legal claim after a bicycle accident.
Injured cyclists want to immediately seek legal advice from a reputable San Marcos bicycle accident attorney to protect their rights and to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses if someone else's negligence caused the accident.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Bicycle Accident
One of the most challenging aspects of a bicycle accident is dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies are known for their complex procedures, bureaucratic red tape, and a tendency to prioritize their bottom line over your well-being. After a bicycle accident, battling the insurance giants alone can add another layer of stress to an already burdensome situation.
Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators whose primary goal is to minimize the amount they pay out on claims. While they may come across as sympathetic, their true objective is to settle your case quickly and for as little compensation as possible. Attempting to handle your bicycle accident claim without legal assistance can put you at a disadvantage.
The intricacies of insurance policies, the evaluation of damages, and the negotiation process can be complicated and challenging for someone without legal experience.
Without an experienced San Marcos bicycle attorney by your side, the complexities and potential pitfalls of dealing with insurance companies can leave you with inadequate compensation for your injuries and losses.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Your actions following a bicycle accident can significantly affect the value of your bicycle accident claim.
Make sure to:
- Adhere to your doctor's instructions and medical treatment plan.
- Save receipts for medical expenses and any other costs related to the accident.
- Obtain a copy of the police report.
- Speak with a San Marcos bicycle accident attorney before the insurance adjuster.
- Maintain a journal detailing how your injuries and pain affect your daily life and your pre-accident plans.
- Compile all receipts, reports, journals, and other pertinent documentation related to the accident and provide them to your San Marcos bicycle accident attorney. They will leverage this information to strengthen your claim.
Do You Have Injuries From a Bicycle Accident? Contact DJC Law Today
Contact the personal injury lawyer in San Marcos at DJC Law today for a no-obligation case consultation. You can reach us by phone at (512) 888-9999 or online.