Tyler, TX Bicycle Accident Lawyer
An East Texas attorney committed to protecting the rights of injured cyclists
Cycling is a healthy, environmentally friendly and enjoyable way to get around Tyler. More people are commuting by bike or riding for recreation along trails and city streets. Unfortunately, cyclists are vulnerable when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Even when crashes aren’t fatal, they can cause serious injuries that require months of recovery.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bike accident, the legal team at Weinstein Law is here to help pick you back up. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of injured cyclists and holding negligent drivers accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you get justice and fair compensation.
"Jeff Weinstein is a superior attorney with knowledge & expertise in accident & injury law. My husband & I were in an accident while back. He took care of us thru insurance & connected us with a chiropractor that straightened us up. Highly recommend!!" – Bev, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Tyler, TX
- Where do most Tyler bicycle accidents happen?
- What causes bicycle accidents in Tyler, TX?
- What types of bicycle accidents occur in Tyler, TX?
- What are common bicycle accident injuries?
- What should I do if I’m in a bicycle accident in Tyler, TX?
- How is liability determined in a bike accident?
- What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
- What damages can I recover after a bike accident?
- Can I recover damages if I was hit by a vehicle that left the scene?
- How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim?
- How much does it cost to hire a Tyler, TX bicycle accident lawyer?
Where do most Tyler bicycle accidents happen?
Cyclists in Tyler face elevated risks in several high-traffic areas, particularly along main roads, loop routes, and accident-prone intersections. While bicycle accidents can happen anywhere in Tyler, the areas with the most risks include:
- Highway 271 (Hwy 271)
- State Highway 64 near Big Oak Bay Road
- Loop 323 and U.S. Highway 69 (Gentry Parkway)
- Loop 323 and TX-110, Loop 323 and TX-31, Loop 323 and TX-64
- Chapman Road (12,300 block)
These areas are especially dangerous because they combine heavy traffic, high speeds, and roadway conditions that make it harder for drivers to see and avoid cyclists. Weinstein Law knows these areas well and can use the patterns of crash risks to identify possible causes and responsible parties.
What causes bicycle accidents in Tyler, TX?
Drivers often fail to notice cyclists or respect their space on the road. Common causes of bike accidents include:
- Failure to yield. Drivers turning left or right may not see a cyclist or may misjudge their speed, cutting them off. Intersections are particularly dangerous.
- Doored by parked cars. When someone in a parked car opens a door into a cyclist’s path, the rider may collide with the door or swerve into traffic.
- Unsafe passing. Drivers who don’t leave enough space when passing a bicycle can sideswipe the rider or force them off the road.
- Distracted driving. Texting, eating or adjusting controls takes a driver’s attention away from the road and increases the risk of hitting a cyclist.
- Speeding. Excessive speed reduces reaction time. A speeding driver may not be able to brake in time to avoid a bicycle.
- Road hazards. Potholes, gravel, debris and uneven pavement pose greater risks to cyclists than to cars. Municipalities may be liable for failing to maintain safe roads.
- Impaired driving. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to cause crashes.
No matter how your bike accident happened, Weinstein Law has the knowledge and experience to stand up for your rights. Whether your crash involved a negligent driver, dangerous roadway, or another factor, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What types of bicycle accidents occur in Tyler, TX?
Different scenarios lead to different kinds of bicycle crashes. Understanding them can help you avoid common dangers and recognize when a driver is responsible. Examples include:
- Intersection collisions: Most serious bike crashes occur at intersections when drivers turn left across a cyclist’s path or fail to yield. Cyclists should be especially vigilant when approaching intersections.
- Right-hook accidents: A right-hook happens when a driver passes a cyclist and then turns right, cutting off the rider. Proper signaling and checking mirrors can prevent these crashes.
- Left-cross accidents: Similar to right-hook accidents, but the driver is turning left across oncoming traffic. Drivers may misjudge the cyclist’s speed or simply not see them.
- Rear-end collisions: Drivers who follow too closely or who are distracted may hit a cyclist from behind. A rear light and reflective gear help increase visibility, but drivers still have a duty to watch for bikes.
- Sideswipe accidents: These occur when a driver attempts to pass a cyclist without leaving enough space. Drivers should leave at least three feet of clearance when passing bikes.
- Group ride crashes: Riding in groups can increase visibility, but inexperienced cyclists or inattentive drivers can cause pileups. Group rides should follow traffic laws and communicate clearly.
What are common bicycle accident injuries?
Cyclists are exposed and vulnerable. Protective gear helps but cannot prevent all injuries. Common injuries include:
- Head injuries – Concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injury.
- Facial injuries – Broken teeth, jaw fractures and facial lacerations from hitting the ground or another object.
- Broken collarbones and wrists – Cyclists often extend their arms to break a fall, leading to fractures.
- Knee and leg injuries – Ligament tears, fractures and contusions from impact with a vehicle or the road.
- Spinal injuries – Herniated discs and spinal cord damage can occur in high-impact crashes.
- Road rash – Abrasions from sliding on pavement. Severe road rash can require skin grafts.
- Internal injuries – Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs. These injuries may not be immediately obvious.
Documenting all injuries and following through with treatment helps ensure you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and future care. The legal team at Weinstein Law knows how devastating these injuries can be and works tirelessly to build strong cases for injured cyclists. We gather medical evidence, consult experts, and fight insurance companies so you can focus on recovery while we pursue the justice and financial support you deserve.
What should I do if I’m in a bicycle accident in Tyler, TX?
Knowing what to do after a bike crash can help protect your health and your claim:
- Move to a safe area and call 911: If you can, get out of traffic and to a safe spot. Report the crash and request medical and police assistance. Wait for the police to arrive so they can investigate the scene and create a crash report.
- Check for injuries: Don’t assume you are unhurt, even if you feel fine at the moment. Adrenaline can mask pain. Let paramedics examine you.
- Exchange information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, license number, license plate, and insurance details. Provide your information as well.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of your bike, the vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. Get contact information for witnesses. Keep damaged gear as evidence.
- Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor or urgent care the same day, even if you don’t feel injured. Document all diagnoses and treatment.
- Avoid speaking to the driver’s insurance company: Insurance companies only have one goal in mind: keeping their costs down. It’s best to avoid giving them a recorded statement. Get help from a lawyer who can guide you through the claims process, speak to insurance companies on your behalf, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
How is liability determined in a bike accident?
Cyclists must prove that a motorist’s negligence caused their injuries to recover damages. This means proving that the driver failed to uphold their duty of care, and their actions led to your injuries and damages. Evidence may include:
- Traffic laws and right of way: Proving that the driver failed to yield or violated a traffic law can establish negligence.
- Witness statements and surveillance footage: Neutral witnesses and video can confirm the cyclist’s account of what happened.
- Vehicle damage and skid marks: The location of damage on the bicycle and car and any skid marks can help reconstruct the crash.
- Driver admissions: Statements made at the scene, to police or in social media posts may show negligence.
- Expert testimony: Accident reconstructionists and medical experts can explain how the crash occurred and the extent of the injuries.
Weinstein Law knows what it takes to build a strong liability case. Our team investigates thoroughly and gathers evidence to strengthen your claim. We challenge insurance company tactics and present the facts clearly, whether at the negotiating table or in court, to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
In Texas, adults are not legally required to wear a bicycle helmet. This means that even if you were not wearing one at the time of your crash, you can still file a claim for compensation. However, helmet use can become an issue in the case. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were worsened by the lack of a helmet, particularly if you suffered a head injury. While this doesn’t bar recovery, it could reduce the value of your claim under Texas’s comparative negligence rules.
An experienced Tyler bike accident attorney can counter these arguments by showing that the driver’s negligence (not your lack of a helmet) was the true cause of your injuries. Weinstein Law works with medical experts to demonstrate how the crash led to your condition and push back against efforts to unfairly shift blame onto injured cyclists.
What damages can I recover after a bike accident?
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation designed to cover both financial and personal losses. These may include:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing care you may need in the future.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: Compensation for time you missed from work and any long-term impact on your ability to earn a living.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the crash.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for your damaged bicycle and other personal property, such as phones, clothing, or gear.
Weinstein Law carefully documents every aspect of your losses and works with experts to calculate the full value of your claim. Our team negotiates aggressively with insurance companies and, if necessary, takes cases to court to make sure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Can I recover damages if I was hit by a vehicle that left the scene?
Being struck by a hit-and-run driver is frustrating, but you may still have a path to recovery. If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim under that coverage to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Meanwhile, police may investigate to track down the driver using surveillance cameras, witness accounts, or license plate information.
Quick action is important in these cases because evidence can disappear quickly. Reporting the crash immediately, seeking medical attention, and contacting a lawyer right away all strengthen your claim. Attorney Jeff Weinstein knows how to work with law enforcement, gather supporting evidence, and hold insurance companies accountable. Even if the hit-and-run driver is never found, he can help you explore other options for seeking compensation.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for a bicycle accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
However, it’s best to act as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witnesses can either move away or forget certain details. As soon as you speak to a Tyler bicycle accident lawyer at Weinstein Law, we can begin working on your case immediately and ensure all deadlines are met.
How much does it cost to hire a Tyler, TX bicycle accident lawyer?
It doesn’t cost anything upfront to hire an attorney at Weinstein Law. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured cyclists and their families to pursue justice without worrying about legal bills while they’re already facing medical expenses and time away from work.
Get a lawyer committed to standing up for cyclists in Tyler and across East Texas
Cyclists deserve respect on the road, but when drivers don’t pay attention, the results can be devastating. Too often, injured cyclists are taken advantage of by insurance companies who only seek to protect their bottom line. On top of that, some law firms treat them like just another file. With Jeff Weinstein on your side, you can level the playing field and get a strong legal advocate who is available to you every time.
Jeff has fought for the rights of injured cyclists throughout Tyler and East Texas, recovering compensation for medical bills, lost income, and more. With Jeff, you’ll always know who’s handling your case, because you’ll be talking to him directly. When you’ve been knocked down, Jeff is the one who helps you get back up. To get started, contact us online or call for a free, no-obligation consultation.