Lubbock Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Lubbock is a great city for cyclists, with a great downtown, beautiful college campus, and miles of flat, empty highways outside of town. Bicycles can be practical commuting vehicles, as they provide excellent fitness benefits and are environmentally friendly and low maintenance.
However, many bicyclists sustain severe, even fatal, injuries in road accidents every year. If another’s party negligence caused you an injury while riding your bike, you could be eligible for monetary compensation. For help evaluating your legal options, consult a Lubbock bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled injury attorney at Chad Jones Law could assess your case, review evidence, and pursue legal action against the at-fault party.
Bike Wreck Injuries Can Be Severe
Cyclists are vulnerable to unsafe road conditions, careless drivers, faulty bicycle components, and other hazards. Collisions with other vehicles, fixed objects, or even the road surface could result in catastrophic injuries.
Many cycling injuries require surgical intervention and extended recovery periods. Some of the most common cycling injuries include:
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Friction burns
- Whiplash
- Bone fractures
- Facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and back injuries
A monetary damages award could help a cyclist recover financially from a crash. Medical expenses, injury-related care, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity could all be compensated in a bike injury case caused by a negligent party. A capable Lubbock injury lawyer could help a cyclist compile evidence that supports an injury claim.
Proving Negligence After a Bike Crash
Anyone using the roads, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, must obey all traffic laws and be mindful of the presence of others in the roads. When someone fails to use reasonable caution to protect the safety of others on the road, this is known as negligence. Driver negligence can lead to serious accidents involving cyclists, who often fare worse than motorists because of their lack of protection.
Drivers might injure a cyclist by driving while impaired or distracted, recklessly crowding a bicycle traveling in the same direction, or making a turn into a cyclist’s path. Drivers also sometimes back into cyclists in parking lots, or open their doors in front of a bicycle. In these cases, the driver could be held liable for the injured party’s resulting losses.
Other Parties May Be Liable
Sometimes a mechanical component of a vehicle or the bicycle fails, causing a crash. In such a case, the manufacturer could be liable. If hazardous roads, ineffective traffic control, or confusing signage caused a bicycle accident, the municipality might be at-fault.
For an injury claim to be successful, the plaintiff must prove that the crash that caused their injuries was a result of negligence. A skilled attorney in Lubbock could investigate the bike collision case to identify all potential liable parties.
Statute of Limitations in Lubbock
Under state law, an individual has only two years from the date of a crash to file a negligence lawsuit against the responsible parties. Missing that deadline makes it impossible to get a court to hear the case, and it also significantly weakens an injured party’s negotiating position.
If a city, county, or the state is potentially responsible for a cyclist’s injuries, additional steps must be taken when filing. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §101.101, an individual pursuing an injury claim against a government entity must submit a notice of claim within six months of the accident.
It is imperative for anyone pursuing an injury claim after a bike wreck to consult with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. Acting promptly gives a lawyer time to investigate the accident, speak with witnesses, and build a strong case within the state’s required timeline.
Work with a Diligent Lubbock Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a bike crash that someone else caused, you have a legal right to compensation. A Lubbock bicycle accident lawyer could help you pursue the compensation you deserve and hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
You do not have to take on this process on your own. Reach out to the dedicated team at Chad Jones Law to discuss your options.
