Rising Bicycle Accidents

More people are cycling today in Texas and throughout the U.S. Between 2019 and 2022, average daily bicycle trips increased by 37% across the country, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents and fatalities also continue to rise. 

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How Common Are Serious Bicycle Accidents in Texas?

Bicyclist fatalities statewide are on the rise. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

  • 364 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in Texas from 2017-2021.
  • 2,267 traffic accidents involving bicyclists occurred in 2021 alone.
  • 92 fatalities resulted from bicycle accidents in 2021, representing a 12% increase over the previous year.

Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Happen?

Although two-thirds of bicycle crashes occur on city streets, the most significant percentage of fatalities (33%) occur on state and U.S. highways, as reported by Share the Road. Crashes on higher-speed roads are more likely to be fatal. In the past five years:

  • 50% of bicycle fatalities occurred in the dark.
  • 70% of cyclist fatalities happened at non-intersections.
  • 54% of fatal bicycle accidents occurred on U.S. highways, state highways, interstates, country roads, and fill roads.
  • 59% of injuries and fatalities involved someone under the age of 25.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Texas?

TxDOT reports that the two top factors contributing to bicycle accidents in 2021 were driver inattention and failure to yield the right of way at stop signs. Negligent driving behavior is a common cause of crashes involving bicycles. This behavior may include:

  • Distracted driving 
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speeding
  • Veering into designated bicycle lanes
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Negligent turns at intersections
  • Failure to yield the right of way to cyclists
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What Types of Injuries Can Bicycle Accidents Cause?

Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, bicyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries when struck by a 4,000 lb. moving motor vehicle. Most serious injuries and fatalities result from collisions with motor vehicles, as stated in an article published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The most common bicycle accident injuries are musculoskeletal trauma and soft tissue injuries. However, head trauma causes the most long-term disabilities and fatalities. Acute trauma in cycling crashes often involves the upper and lower extremities, head, face, abdomen, thorax, and neck. Injuries may include road rash, lacerations, contusions, fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains. 

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Types of Compensation in Bicycle Accident Claims and Lawsuits

After a serious bicycle accident, an injured cyclist may be facing life-threatening injuries. The cost of treatment and care is often astronomical. The types of compensation to be sought in these cases include the following:

Economic Losses:

Financial losses, including the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, nursing care, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and other actual financial losses. 

Non-Economic Losses:

These damages include a value given to pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other very personal losses.

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How Common Are Head Injuries in Bicycle Accidents?

Approximately 22% to 47% of injured bicyclists suffer head injuries, often in a collision with a motor vehicle. Head trauma causes more than 60% of deaths and most long-term disabilities resulting from bicycle accidents. In addition to concussions and traumatic brain injuries, cyclists may suffer facial injuries and fractures, as well as damage to the eyes from airborne particles. Off-road riders have 40% fewer head, facial, and dental injuries than on-road cyclists. 

Why Choose Us After a Serious Bicycle Accident?

At McCraw Law Group, we deliver unparalleled service and let our compassion for our clients guide us. With our firm, you will never feel ignored or “fall through the cracks” after a serious bicycle accident. Our experienced bike accident lawyers understand the challenges a severe injury can present to a family, and we have designed solutions to help reduce financial, emotional, and physical impacts. We are not a settlement mill; we get better results because we care deeply and act quickly to seek justice and full compensation.

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Get The Help You Need Contact McCraw Law Group

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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