Category: Blog

Bicycle riders are extremely vulnerable to injury when they are involved in motor vehicle accidents. Cyclists are exposed to the elements with none of the typical road vehicle safety systems like safety belts, air bags and a sturdy metal frame. Because of this, cyclists are much more likely to die than others when they collide with road vehicles

In Texas, like the rest of the country, bicycles are allowed on the road. The problem though, is many drivers don’t recognize the rights of bicycle riders, and sometimes they even ignore their rights. Most accidents involving motor vehicles and bicycles are caused by negligence on the part of the driver of the motor vehicle. Cyclists sometimes travel slowly in large groups. This can frustrate drivers of faster vehicles. Often, drivers become impatient with bicycles and proceed to drive recklessly in an attempt to get around the bike. This behavior needlessly puts everyone at risk, especially bikers.

Causes Of Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle accidents in the Dallas area are caused by driver negligence. Typical negligent behaviors that cause car accidents include:

• Drivers becoming impatient with cyclists and dangerously trying to pass them
• Opening the car door into the path of an oncoming bicycle
• Not checking blind spots before making a turn
• Failing to use turn signals
• Insufficient space allowed when passing a bicycle
• Speeding in the vicinity of a bicycle

What To Do After A Bicycle Accident
When a car accident involving a bicycle has occurred, there are things that should and should not be done. Ensuring the safety of the injured is the most important thing to do. Some simple rules to follow:

• Do not attempt to move injured riders unless it is unsafe to leave them where they fall.
• Never remove a rider’s helmet because of the risk of head or neck injury.
• Call the emergency services as soon as possible.
• Stay with the injured victim until help arrives.
• Keep the victim calm and alert by talking to him or her.

Injuries From Bicycle Accidents
As is true with motorcycle accidents, there is a greater chance of severe injuries when a bicycle is involved in a crash. Some of the injuries possible from a bicycle accident include:

• Road rash and skin abrasions
• Broken bones
• Internal trauma
• Brain damage
• Disfigurement
• Back and spinal injuries
• Traumatic fatal injuries

In addition to the devastating injuries that can come from an accident, there is a psychological toll that many people also suffer. People worry about rising medical expenses or adjusting to a new life with permanent injuries. Maybe a family is mourning the loss of a loved one. If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, you have the right to explore your options, and you deserve to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is working for you.

Almost everyone has driven a little faster than the posted speed limit at one time or another. Usually there are few consequences for such actions, except possible speeding tickets. Occasionally, however, a driver may be distracted or hurrying to reach his or her destination and will end up losing control of the vehicle and crashing into another vehicle or object. Accidents caused by speeding drivers are one of the most common car accident causes.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident that was caused by another driver’s excessive speed, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages to your vehicle.

Accident Injuries Caused By Speeding Drivers
Various types of speeding accidents occur. For example, take the case of a car traveling under the posted speed limit but because of the weather or road conditions, the car loses traction and crashes anyway. If law enforcement officers determine that the driver should have been more careful, they may cite the driver for speeding or reckless driving.

Driving safely is especially important when road construction and maintenance crews are at work. Reduced speed limit signs are posted, but often drivers do not slow down. Sometimes workers are struck. Many Dallas road workers are injured or killed each year by drivers who speed through construction sites.

Standards regarding speed limits in differing contexts are set by the United States Department of Transportation. You may not drive faster than the speed a reasonable person would in a similar situation. Some examples of situations when reduced speed might be appropriate:

• Wet roadways due to rain, snow or ice
• Reduced visibility due to fog or smoke
• Uneven roads
• Construction zones
• Curves and intersections
• Gravel roads

Heavy traffic including high pedestrian or pedal cyclist activity
The consequences of speeding grow progressively more serious as the activity increases. For example, driving five miles per hour over the speed limit puts you at less of a risk of serious injury than traveling at 25 miles per hour over the speed limit.

This is why law enforcement officers may add a charge related to distracted driving to a speeding citation or when determining fault in a car crash. Excessive speeding is reckless and is considered negligent in most circumstances.

What Are My Options After An Accident?
Speeding often plays a role in other common car accident causes like drunk driving. When this occurs, the consequences can be deadly. Too many lives are lost each year to accidents in which speeding was a factor. Responsible drivers should always make sure that they are not traveling faster than road or weather conditions safely allow. Slowing down can save lives.

If you or a loved one is a victim of an accident caused by speeding, you may have questions about how to get compensation for medical or repair bills. An experienced Dallas car accident attorney will be glad to speak with you about your case.