Cycling accidents can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. When you’re facing these challenges due to someone else’s carelessness, a San Antonio bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we believe in putting our clients first, always! Our dedicated team of San Antonio personal injury lawyers knows the challenges of seeking compensation as a cyclist and is prepared to help you.
Contact our firm to schedule a free consultation about your legal options, or continue reading to learn more about how we can help you.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Antonio
San Antonio’s growing cycling community faces numerous hazards on city streets, from busy downtown areas to residential neighborhoods. Here are some of the causes of accidents our San Antonio bicycle accident lawyers have seen.
- Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents. Drivers using phones, adjusting entertainment systems, or simply not paying attention may fail to notice cyclists sharing the road. These momentary lapses in attention can have devastating consequences.
- Many accidents occur when motorists fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or when making turns. Some drivers mistakenly believe that bicycles don’t have the same rights as other vehicles or simply don’t check for cyclists before proceeding.
- “Dooring” incidents happen when occupants of parked vehicles open their doors without checking for approaching cyclists. These sudden obstacles give riders little time to react and can cause serious injuries even at moderate speeds.
- Poor road conditions, including potholes, debris, and inadequate bike lanes, create hazards that can cause cyclists to lose control or swerve into traffic. In some cases, local governments may be held liable for failing to maintain safe roadways.
- Weather conditions in San Antonio, from sudden heavy rains to blinding sun glare, can reduce visibility and create slippery surfaces that increase accident risks for cyclists and motorists alike.
Bicycle Accident Injuries and Their Impact
Bicycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than other traffic incidents because cyclists have minimal protection against impacts. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences can affect every aspect of your life:
- Head injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, can occur even when wearing a helmet and may lead to long-term cognitive issues, personality changes, or disability.
- Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, are common in cycling accidents and may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery time.
- Road rash, while often dismissed as minor, can lead to serious infections, permanent scarring, and painful skin grafts in severe cases.
- Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and assistance with daily activities.
- Internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen might not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Recovery from these injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. The financial burden can quickly become overwhelming, especially if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment.
The emotional impact of a serious bicycle accident should not be underestimated. Many cyclists experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress that makes it difficult to return to activities they once enjoyed.
These psychological effects deserve recognition and compensation alongside physical injuries.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
The actions you take immediately following a bicycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Protect your health and legal rights by following these important steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious conditions may not exhibit symptoms immediately, and prompt medical attention can help establish a connection between your injuries and the accident.
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report, which serves as an official record of the incident and can provide valuable evidence for your claim.
- Document the accident scene by taking photos of your injuries, the damaged bicycle, the vehicle involved, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
- Gather contact information from witnesses who witnessed the incident, as their testimony can help establish how the accident occurred and determine who was at fault.
- Preserve evidence by keeping your damaged bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other personal items in their post-accident condition until your attorney has a chance to examine them.
Avoid discussing fault or providing recorded statements to insurance companies without the presence of legal representation. Insurance adjusters often use these statements to minimize your claim or shift blame to you.
How a San Antonio Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case
Bicycle accident cases present unique challenges that require specialized legal knowledge and resources. Working with an experienced attorney gives you the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Our attorneys at Omega Law Group understand the bias cyclists often face from drivers, insurance companies, and sometimes even law enforcement. We work diligently to counter these prejudices with facts and evidence that support your claim.
Our attorneys know how to calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs, ongoing disability, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
When necessary, we consult with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals who can provide authoritative testimony about your accident and injuries.
Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims
A successful bicycle accident claim can provide compensation for various types of damages, helping you rebuild your life after a serious injury. While every case is unique, your recovery may include:
- Current and future medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary assistive devices or home modifications
- Lost wages for time missed from work during your recovery, plus diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation
- Property damage to your bicycle, helmet, clothing, electronics, and other personal items damaged in the accident
- Pain and suffering compensation that acknowledges the physical discomfort and emotional trauma caused by your accident and injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed, including recreational cycling
Our attorneys carefully calculate these damages to ensure your settlement or verdict reflects the true cost of your injuries. We never rush to accept inadequate offers that might leave you with uncovered expenses in the future.
Contact Our San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured while cycling due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face the legal system alone. Let our family take care of your family during this challenging time.
The attorneys at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and dedication to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options without any obligation. Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we win your case, allowing you to access quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Don’t wait until evidence disappears or the statute of limitations expires. Contact our bicycle accident attorneys in San Antonio today to protect your rights and start your journey toward recovery and fair compensation.