Bicycle Accident Attorney in Fort Worth

Coordinated Bicycle Accident Representation From a Firm Serving Fort Worth Since 1976

A collision with a motor vehicle can leave a cyclist facing serious injuries, time away from work, bicycle damage, and pressure from an insurance company. We manage the legal details so you can concentrate on treatment and recovery. When appropriate, we negotiate with insurers and prepare the case for litigation.

Our firm, Law Office of James M. Stanley, has represented personal injury clients in the Fort Worth area since 1976. We handle bicycle injury cases by investigating the collision, managing insurance communications, helping clients access medical care, and pursuing claims for economic and non-economic losses. We can also explain your personal injury legal options based on the circumstances of the crash.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and discuss the collision, your injuries, and your next steps.

Understanding Negligence in Bicycle Accidents

Negligent drivers put everyone on the road at risk, but cyclists are especially vulnerable because they have little protection in a collision. Cyclists may suffer catastrophic or even fatal injuries when struck by a motor vehicle.

Under Texas law, bicyclists generally have the rights and duties that apply to motor vehicle operators, subject to bicycle-specific rules. A driver may still be liable for failing to yield, making an unsafe turn, passing without enough clearance, opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path, or entering a bike lane or road shoulder.

Motorist negligence in a bicycle accident can include:

• Failure to look for bicyclists at turns and intersections
• Failure to look for bicyclists when exiting a vehicle
• Drifting into bicycle lanes and road shoulders
• Distracted driving (devices, texting, phone calls, etc.)
• Tailgating (following too closely)
• Speeding
• Impaired driving (drunk driving, fatigue, etc.)

If you believe one of these factors or another act of motorist negligence contributed to your bicycle accident, we can investigate what happened. Our work may include reviewing driver histories, obtaining cell phone records when relevant, identifying witnesses, and examining evidence from the roadway, vehicles, and bicycle.

Fault can be disputed, particularly when an insurer claims the cyclist violated a traffic rule or contributed to the crash. Comparative responsibility is the process of assigning each party a percentage of fault. Its effect on a claim depends on the evidence and applicable Texas law, which makes a prompt investigation important.

Building a Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Claim

We coordinate the evidence, medical documentation, and insurance communications involved in a bicycle accident claim. This gives us a factual basis for evaluating motorist negligence, the extent of the injuries, and the losses caused by the collision.

Evidence relevant to a claim may include:

• Crash documentation: Police reports, photographs, video, witness information, and notes about road or weather conditions.
• Physical evidence: Damage to the bicycle, safety equipment, clothing, and the involved motor vehicle.
• Medical records: Diagnoses, treatment plans, rehabilitation records, bills, and documentation connecting the injuries to the collision.
• Income records: Pay statements, employer records, and other documentation of missed work or reduced earning capacity.
• Driver information: Driving history, cell phone records when relevant, insurance information, and statements about the collision.

We manage interactions with insurance companies and evaluate requests for recorded statements or documents. An insurer may use those communications when assessing fault and damages, so injured cyclists should understand the purpose and potential effect of a request before providing a substantive response.

Depending on the evidence, a claim may involve a motorist or employer, as well as evidence of a dangerous property condition, defective bicycle equipment, or another potentially responsible party. We identify the issues supported by the investigation, negotiate with insurers, and pursue litigation when necessary.

Losses & Legal Deadlines After a Bicycle Crash

A bicycle accident claim may address economic losses such as emergency treatment, follow-up care, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and damage to the bicycle or riding equipment. Depending on the injuries and applicable law, non-economic losses may include physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, and reduced quality of life.

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, a personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Exceptions and different rules can apply based on the parties, legal theory, and specific facts. Waiting can also make photographs, video, witness recollections, and other evidence harder to obtain.

Discuss Your Bicycle Accident With Our Firm

A case evaluation gives you an opportunity to explain how the collision occurred, review your injuries and insurance communications, and ask about potential legal options. We can then assess the available evidence and explain how we would handle the investigation, medical documentation, insurer communications, and any litigation the case requires.