Injured in a bike accident? Seek justice with our experienced Houston TX attorneys today
Are bicycle accidents in Houston TX leaving you overwhelmed? Things like this can be really tough to deal with. That’s why you need the help of a Bicycle Injury Attorney in Houston, TX. You don’t have to solve all these problems alone, our team is here for you.
Leeds Law Firm is good at handling situations like yours. We know all about cases related to bicycle injuries, making it easier to fight for what is right for you. Trust us, our knowledge and experience will help you a lot in this difficult time.
Don’t wait. For a free consultation connect with us today and let’s start making things better for you. We’re ready to give you the help you need.
Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?
Bicycle accidents and injuries can happen because of many reasons. Below are some of the main causes:
- Less Protection: Bicycles provide less protection compared to cars and other motor vehicles. This makes accidents more dangerous for cyclists.
- Distracted Driving: Many drivers do not pay full attention to the road. They may be texting or using their phones and not notice a cyclist near them. This lack of focus can lead to accidents.
- Negligence: Not every driver is careful around cyclists. They might not allow enough space on the road for cyclists or disregard traffic rules, causing accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Some drivers drive too fast or change lanes without signaling. Their careless behavior can put cyclists at risk.
What are the Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Cycling accidents invariably hold a high potential for causing severe, even fatal, injuries due to the limited protection a bicycle provides. Common injuries that occur from such accidents include:
- Fractures: Because of the high speeds often involved and the minimal protection for the cyclist, fractures or broken bones are common in bicycle accidents.
- Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur from the impact to the head in a crash. It’s a serious health concern that can have lasting effects.
- Spine Injuries: Spinal cord damage is another serious injury that can have life-altering effects. It may lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Injuries to Head and Neck: In the absence of protective gear, such as helmets, riders can sustain severe head and neck injuries which can cause long-term complications.
- Abrasions: Also known as “road rash,” these are surface-level injuries resulting from friction burns when a cyclist falls and skids on the road surface.
- Burns: These can occur in accidents involving heated elements such as motor vehicle exhaust pipes.
- Internal Organ Damage: This can result from the impact of the accident, leading to serious internal injuries.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Accidents can leave permanent scars or lead to disfigurement, affecting the victim’s quality of life.
- Paralysis: Severe accidents can lead to paralysis, affecting mobility and requiring long-term care.
- Wrongful Death: In the worst cases, the severity of the injuries can lead to a tragic loss of life.
Such mishaps often lead to significant medical bills and might necessitate taking extended time off work. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a proficient Bike Accident Lawyer, particularly if you’re in Houston, to ensure you receive fair compensation to cover your current and future medical needs and expenses.
What Is My Houston Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Every bicycle accident is unique, influenced by various circumstances and resulting in differing damages. Hence, one cannot unequivocally set a dollar amount or estimate a value for your Houston bicycle accident case without meticulous evaluation.
For an accurate assessment of the validity of your claim, including potential compensation, the ideal course of action is to arrange a complimentary consultation with a Houston personal injury attorney well-versed in these matters.
Furthermore, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or mental distress, often making up a considerable part of any accident claim, are challenging to quantify. These claims do not have a rigid financial value and necessitate a strong, persuasive argument built based on your injuries, the type of treatments undertaken, and any permanent disabilities or disfigurement, among other factors.
Don’t hesitate. Reach out to our Houston attorney today for a free consultation and to fully comprehend what your bicycle accident claim could potentially be worth.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims in Houston?
When involved in a bicycle accident in Houston due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, you are entitled to compensation for financial, emotional, and psychological damages.
Damages fall into two main categories: economic or financial damages and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages have a specific monetary value associated with them, such as:
- Medical expenses, including current and future medical costs
- Lost wages due to inability to work resulting from injuries, medical treatments, or temporary disability
- Loss of future earnings if you become disabled because of the accident
Non-economic Damages
In contrast, non-economic losses are more challenging to measure financially, as they are personal and subjective. These damages vary for each claim and can include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Psychological damage
- Disfigurement
If a loved one lost their life in a cycling accident, your family could be entitled to additional damages through a wrongful death claim in Houston.
Determining the value of certain expenses, such as future medical treatments or the impact of lifelong injuries, can be difficult. Our experienced bicycle injury lawyers can help calculate the accurate value of the damages you are owed.
It’s essential to note that non-economic losses may constitute a significant portion—or even the majority—of your case’s value. However, proving these damages requires a compelling argument detailing the type and severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the presence of lasting impairments or disfigurement.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for a Bicycle Accident in Houston?
In Houston, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, is two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file a claim within this timeframe will likely result in losing your right to financial compensation.
While there are some exceptions to this rule in Texas that may enable you to extend this period, it is crucial to act promptly. Delaying might result in losing vital evidence that establishes causation, liability, and the scale of your damages.
To ensure your claim’s strength, consult with experienced Houston bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible and get started on your case.
If you attempt to file your personal injury lawsuit when more than two years have passed since the related incident, the defendant (the person whom you’re suing) will likely submit a “motion to dismiss” and inform the court about this detail. Unless you qualify for an uncommon exception that provides additional time, the court will dismiss your case outright. This would mean you forfeit your right to seek damages from the court for your injuries, irrespective of how severe they may be or how evident the defendant’s liability is.
What If I Miss the Filing Deadline?
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas is a crucial element if you desire to bring your injury case to court. However, this law’s deadline also significantly impacts your negotiation position during personal injury settlement talks with the defendant and their insurance company. Should the other party be aware that the two-year limit has passed, you will lose all negotiating power, rendering threats of court action futile.
Exceptions to the Texas Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Texas recognizes numerous situations, known as exceptions, that may extend or pause the statute of limitations “clock”, effectively prolonging the filing deadline. Here are some examples:
- If the victim is “legally disabled” as per Texas law, dictating that they’re either younger than 18 or mentally incapacitated at the time of the incident causing their injuries, the two-year “clock” likely won’t initiate until this legal disability terminates (the victim turns 18 or becomes mentally competent). (Reference:
- If the defendant leaves the state of Texas at any point after the accident and prior to the lawsuit being filed, the duration of their absence will not count towards the two-year limit.
If you have any queries regarding how the Texas statute of limitations affects your personal injury case, particularly if the deadline is looming or has expired, you should consider consulting with an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer.
Why Do I Need An Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney, like those from Leeds Law Firm, can make a significant difference in your case. Here’s why you should consider hiring a knowledgeable attorney:
- Knowledge of the Law: Leeds Law Firm’s bicycle accident attorneys understand the laws and regulations involving bicycles and other vehicles. Their awareness of these rules, as well as local and state laws, can help them handle your case professionally.
- Strong Representation: An experienced attorney can build a solid case on your behalf. They can gather vital evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and argue in court if needed.
- Claim Evaluation: Leeds Law Firm’s attorneys can assess your case accurately. This helps them determine the right amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages so that your financial burdens are adequately addressed.
- Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies may try to settle for less than you deserve. An experienced attorney can negotiate effectively with insurers, ensuring that you receive the appropriate compensation for your injuries.
- Support During Recovery: A bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. By having a knowledgeable attorney by your side, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
- Maximizing Compensation: With a deep understanding of the factors affecting the value of your claim, Leeds Law Firm’s attorneys can assist you in maximizing your compensation, helping to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your injuries.
Call our Bicycle Injury Attorney in Houston TX Now!
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle injury, you may be facing numerous challenges right now. Medical expenses, insurance complications, and physical pain can make the situation seem daunting. However, you’re not alone. Our law firm in Houston, Texas, is prepared to support you. We’re committed to advocating for bicycle accident victims, using our skills and knowledge to secure the compensation you deserve.
In addition to personal injury cases, our law firm also provides support in other areas such as criminal defense and employment law. Our experiences handling a variety of legal issues allow us to be flexible and adaptable, meeting the diverse needs of our clients. We take a stand for our clients’ rights, always seeking the best possible outcome.
Don’t hesitate to seek help. Our Bicycle Injury Attorney in Houston, TX, is ready to assist you in navigating this tough period, helping you to take back control of your life. Call us now for a free consultation – we’re here for you!
