Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Fort Worth
Call us if you were hit and injured while riding your bike
Bicycling is an increasingly popular form of transportation throughout the Lone Star State, particularly with the high cost of gas, difficulty finding parking spaces, and congested street traffic throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. So is recreational cycling in Texas. As the number of bicycle enthusiasts has grown, so has the risk of a serious bicycle accident.
Bicycle accident injuries often are severe and can take months or years to recover from. Because bicycles offer little protection and a bicyclist hit by a car can be thrown through the air, it's not uncommon to see riders suffer serious accident-related injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, leg injuries, and broken bones. Even if nothing seems to be broken, leg pain or bruising after a bicycle accident can be serious.
Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C. immediately if you've been injured. You could be entitled to compensation for your accident, including medical bills and lost wages after you've missed time at work due to your injuries.
“I would highly recommend Coby Wooten. He is a fantastic lawyer who is very responsive and trustworthy. Coby is intelligent, professional, and genuinely cares about you.” – DE, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Worth Bicycle Accidents
- What are common causes of bicycle accidents in Fort Worth?
- What should I do after being hit by a car on a bicycle?
- Who is at fault in a Fort Worth bicycle accident?
- How much is a bicycle accident settlement worth?
- What damages can I recover after a bicycle accident?
- How do I file a bicycle accident claim in Texas?
- How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit?
What are common causes of bicycle accidents in Fort Worth?
A bicycle is a legal road vehicle in Texas. Riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other motor vehicle operators. They must obey traffic laws, stop at red lights, and use turn signals. Bicyclists who fail to obey the law could face traffic violation tickets. Conversely, drivers of larger cars and trucks who share the road with bicyclists have a legal responsibility to respect bicyclists as they would drivers of other vehicles.
Accidents often occur when a driver fails to see the bicyclist or observe the right of way. Often times drivers are distracted or texting while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, or driving recklessly at high speeds. In some cases, the driver simply doesn't look or fails to use his or her turn signal, sideswiping a rider while turning or changing lanes.
But negligent drivers often deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept any responsibility for what happened. Don’t expect much help from the insurance companies. They are mostly interested in paying you as little as possible. They’ll try to minimize your injuries or even argue they were pre-existing. Sometimes they’ll make a lowball settlement offer that falls far short of covering all the damages you suffered.
Insurance companies have lawyers looking out for their best interests. You need an experienced attorney who will fight for you.
What should I do after being hit by a car on a bicycle?
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your claim for compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and report the accident: Even if you feel okay, injuries can take hours or days to appear. A police report will document what happened and serve as crucial evidence for your claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, might not be obvious right away. Visit a doctor as soon as possible and keep all medical records and receipts.
- Stay at the scene and document everything: Take pictures or videos of:
- Your bicycle, especially any damage
- The vehicle that hit you, including its license plate and any visible damage
- Road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks
- Any visible injuries you sustained
- Get the driver’s information: Ask for:
- Full name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Talk to witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information and ask if they’d be willing to provide a statement. Witness testimony can be key in proving fault.
- Never admit fault: Even saying something as simple as “I didn’t see the car” could be used against you by the insurance company. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police and others at the scene.
- Avoid negotiating with the driver’s insurance company: The insurance adjuster may try to get you to make a recorded statement or accept a lowball settlement offer. Don’t agree to anything before consulting a Fort Worth bicycle accident lawyer.
- Keep records of everything: Save all receipts, medical records, bike repair invoices, and any communications with insurance companies. Consider keeping a journal documenting your pain, treatment, and how your bicycle accident affects your daily life.
Who is at fault in a Fort Worth bicycle accident?
Determining fault in a Fort Worth bicycle accident depends on the circumstances, but in most cases, driver negligence is to blame. Texas law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
However, too often, drivers fail to yield, don’t check their blind spots, or speed through intersections without noticing a bicyclist. Some bicycle accidents happen because of distracted driving, drunk driving, or simply a driver’s impatience. But insurance companies are quick to shift blame onto the bicyclist, arguing they were riding recklessly or not following traffic laws.
Even if a cyclist shares some responsibility, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Proving liability requires strong evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. That’s why having an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in holding the right party accountable.
How much is a bicycle accident settlement worth?
Bicycle accident settlements in Texas can vary from $15,000 for minor injuries like bruises or sprains to over $1,000,000 for severe cases involving permanent disabilities. The final amount depends on medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and whether the driver was reckless or intoxicated.
For example, Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law won a $231,000 settlement for a client with a fractured back and $65,000 for a bicyclist with neck and back injuries. Every case is different, and insurance companies rarely pay what you truly deserve without a fight.
What damages can I recover after a bicycle accident?
If you were hit by a car while riding your bike, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, depending on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Recoverable damages typically include medical expenses, covering everything from emergency care and surgeries to ongoing rehabilitation and therapy.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can also seek lost wages and future earning potential. Beyond financial losses, you may be compensated for pain and suffering, which accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. If your accident resulted in a permanent disability or disfigurement, your settlement could include additional compensation for long-term care and lifestyle adjustments.
How do I file a bicycle accident claim in Texas?
After a bicycle accident, filing a claim starts with notifying the at-fault driver’s insurance company as soon as possible. However, be cautious; insurance adjusters are trained to reduce their financial obligations and may try to get you to admit fault or accept a lowball settlement.
Don’t provide a recorded statement or sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first. Instead, contact Coby L. Wooten. He can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. Plus, he’ll gather evidence, negotiate aggressively, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a lawsuit, as outlined in the state's statute of limitations. While this may seem like plenty of time, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget key details, and insurance companies may use delays against you.
If you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law can start building your case right away and ensure no deadlines are missed.
You have rights. Contact Fort Worth bicycle accident lawyer Coby L. Wooten
Our firm builds strong cases built on facts. Our legal team investigates your crash. We gather evidence, carefully review accident reports and medical records and interview witnesses. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists. We know how to build a case that proves a negligent driver was responsible for what happened.
We fight back against the insurance company’s attempts to pay you less. Many times, we are able to negotiate a settlement. But we’re not interested in quick deals that help the insurance company save money. We are only interested in a resolution of your case that meets your needs. If they won’t settle for a fair amount, we’re prepared to fight for you in court.
It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible after your accident. Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of the crash to take legal action. That sounds like plenty of time. But the longer you wait, the more likely it is that valuable evidence will be lost or destroyed. Witnesses may also forget important details about what they saw.
It costs nothing to talk to us and there’s no obligation. We just want you to have the facts you need to help you decide what to do next. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. So if we do represent you, there are no upfront fees or other charges. We pay all the costs to move your case through the legal system. We don’t get paid until we win.
You’ll deal directly with your lawyer at every step – there are no case managers here. Put more than 30 years of legal experience to work for you.
You might think that you don't need a lawyer. You might think your case is a simple, straightforward legal matter. Don't be so sure. Even the simplest cases can quickly spiral out of control and leave victims feeling powerless. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., today. Call (866) 408-0940 to schedule an appointment with a Fort Worth bicycle accident attorney. Your initial consultation is free and we don't get paid unless we win your case. That's because we work on a contingency fee basis.