Houston, Texas
Bicycle Accident Attorney Houston

Unless they are a cyclist themselves, most drivers don’t realize how challenging and dangerous it can be to ride a bicycle on Texas roads. Even worse, if a driver does not understand the laws that apply to cyclists (and many don’t), the consequences can be devastating.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The bicycle accident attorneys at McLaurin Law represent injured cyclists throughout Houston and the surrounding area. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

CALL (713) 461-6500

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”“Would recommend every person from the firm that has helped me in this process has been incredibly helpful and professional. The process felt less overwhelming knowing that people who cared about me had my back through it all.”

- Will G.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Houston

Bicycle accidents happen for many reasons, but the majority involve driver negligence. Common causes include:

  • Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, adjusting their GPS, or otherwise not paying attention are responsible for a large percentage of bicycle accidents.
  • Dooring: A driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These accidents are common on urban streets with on-street parking and can send a rider directly into traffic.
  • Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield at intersections, turn left across a bike lane without looking, or pull out of driveways without checking for cyclists.
  • Unsafe passing: Houston (and many other cities in Texas) requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. Violations of this rule frequently result in serious crashes.
  • Road hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, and poorly maintained road surfaces can cause a cyclist to lose control. In some cases, a government entity or property owner may bear liability for a road defect that contributed to the accident.
  • Hit-and-run accidents: If the driver fled the scene, you may still have legal options, including a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage.
  • E-bike and electric scooter accidents: Higher-speed collisions involving e-bikes and electric scooters present unique insurance and liability questions. McLaurin Law handles these cases.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists have no structural protection in a collision. The injuries that result are frequently severe.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Head injuries range from concussions to serious brain bleeds. Symptoms are not always immediate, which is one reason prompt medical evaluation is critical after any bicycle accident.

Spinal cord injuries

Damage to the spine can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis. These injuries typically require long-term medical care and significantly affect quality of life.

Road rash

Friction injuries from sliding across pavement can destroy multiple layers of skin, requiring skin grafting and leaving permanent scarring.

Broken bones

Fractured wrists, collarbones, and legs are common. Many require surgery and extended recovery periods that keep victims out of work.

Facial and dental injuries

Direct impact with pavement or a vehicle can cause broken facial bones, jaw fractures, and significant dental damage.

Internal injuries

Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and organ damage without visible external signs. These injuries require immediate medical attention.

Texas Bicycle Laws

Under Texas law, cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers. Cyclists have the legal right to use public roads and are entitled to the same protections as other vehicle operators. Key provisions that affect bicycle accident claims include:

Drivers in Houston and other Texas cities are required to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. Cyclists are permitted to occupy a full lane when necessary for safety. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning an injured cyclist can still recover damages as long as they are found to be more than 50% at fault. If fault is shared, compensation is reduced proportionally.

Insurance companies routinely attempt to assign partial blame to cyclists to reduce the value of a claim. An experienced bicycle accident attorney will counter those arguments with evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Injuries in Houston

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident gives you the best chance of preserving evidence and building a strong case.

You may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. McLaurin Law has direct experience handling these claims.

Hit-and-run accidents may still result in recovery through your own UM/UIM policy. Contact us immediately – prompt investigation can make a significant difference.

Texas has no statewide helmet requirement for adult cyclists. While insurers may raise it as a factor, it does not bar recovery. Under Texas comparative fault law, you can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is not above 50%.

Potentially yes. Texas’s modified comparative fault system allows recovery when a plaintiff is more than 50% at fault, with compensation reduced proportionally by their share of responsibility.

Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Initial consultations are free.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Houston

1

Call the Police

Report the accident and remain at the scene until officers arrive. The police report creates an official record that will be important to your insurance claim or lawsuit.

2

Collect Information

Get the driver's name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details. Collect contact information from any witnesses as well.

3

Document the Scene

Photograph your injuries, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, road conditions, and the surrounding area. Take photos before anything is moved.

4

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Go to an emergency room or urgent care right away, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries do not produce immediate symptoms. A prompt medical record also establishes a direct connection between the accident and your injuries - something insurance companies will otherwise challenge.

5

Preserve the Evidence

Do not repair your bicycle, wash your clothing, or discard your helmet. These items are physical evidence. Store them as-is.

6

Do Not Speak with the Insurance Company

The at-fault driver's insurance company may contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer before consulting a bicycle accident attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.

7

Contact McLaurin Law

Early involvement by an attorney protects evidence, prevents missteps with insurance companies, and gives your case the strongest possible foundation.

Compensation Available to Injured Cyclists

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and anticipated future care.
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Property damage to your bicycle, helmet, and other personal property.
  • In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
  • In cases involving a fatality, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim.

Why Choose McLaurin Law

Jason C. McLaurin founded this firm with direct experience working inside the insurance industry. He understands how insurers evaluate claims, where they apply pressure, and what it takes to counter lowball offers. That background is a concrete advantage for bicycle accident clients who are navigating the claims process.

McLaurin Law has served hundreds of Texas clients across personal injury, insurance, and commercial law. We serve Houston, Sugar Land, Baytown, Katy, and Pearland.

CALL (713) 461-6500
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Contact Our Houston Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today

The bicycle accident attorneys at McLaurin Law are prepared to handle every aspect of your case – from negotiating with insurance companies to retaining expert witnesses to taking your case to trial if necessary. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

CALL (713) 461-6500

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