Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney
Your Guide to Getting Justice After a Bike Crash
Cycling in Houston can be downright dangerous. Between distracted drivers, aggressive motorists, and roads that weren’t designed with cyclists in mind, bicycle accidents happen way too often in our city. If you’ve been hit while riding your bike in Houston, you already know how serious these crashes can be. The injuries are often severe, the medical bills pile up fast, and dealing with insurance companies feels like fighting an uphill battle.
Here’s the reality: you need a Houston bicycle accident attorney who understands these cases inside and out. At 713 Justice, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for injured cyclists across Houston, and we know exactly what it takes to win these cases.
Why Bicycle Accidents in Houston Are So Dangerous
Let’s talk about what makes Houston particularly hazardous for cyclists. We’ve got some of the most congested roads in the country, drivers who aren’t used to sharing the road with bikes, and a sprawling city layout that makes cycling infrastructure inconsistent at best.
When a car hits a cyclist, there’s no protective barrier—no metal frame, no airbags, nothing between you and the pavement. The result? Cyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries that change their lives forever. We’re talking about traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, road rash that requires skin grafts, and internal injuries that require multiple surgeries.
The physical trauma is just the beginning. Many of our bicycle accident clients deal with months or even years of recovery, mounting medical expenses that insurance doesn’t fully cover, lost wages because they can’t work, and the emotional toll of having their independence stripped away by someone else’s carelessness.
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Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Houston
After handling hundreds of bicycle accident cases in Houston and Harris County, we’ve seen certain patterns emerge. Drivers hit cyclists for reasons that are entirely preventable:
Distracted driving is the number one culprit. Someone’s texting, messing with their GPS, or scrolling through social media, and they don’t see the cyclist in front of them until it’s too late. In Houston’s stop-and-go traffic, these split-second distractions have devastating consequences.
Failure to yield causes countless bicycle crashes. Drivers making right turns don’t look for cyclists in the bike lane. They pull out of driveways or parking lots without checking for bikes. They run stop signs in residential neighborhoods where people are out riding. Every single one of these scenarios represents a driver who failed to follow basic traffic laws.
Dooring accidents are particularly common in areas like Montrose, the Heights, and downtown Houston where street parking is prevalent. A driver or passenger opens their car door without looking, and a cyclist has nowhere to go. These crashes often throw riders into moving traffic, making the injuries even worse.
Drunk and impaired driving remains a serious problem in Houston, especially on weekends and around popular nightlife areas. An impaired driver’s reaction time is severely compromised, and they’re far more likely to drift into bike lanes or fail to notice cyclists on the road.
Poor road conditions contribute to many accidents. Potholes, uneven pavement, debris in bike lanes, and dangerous road designs all create hazards that force cyclists into traffic or cause them to lose control. When the city or county fails to maintain roads properly, they can be held accountable.
Your Rights as a Cyclist in Houston
Here’s something every cyclist in Houston needs to know: you have the same rights to the road as drivers. Texas law is clear about this. Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have every right to use public roadways. When a driver violates your rights and causes an accident, they should be held responsible.
Too often, we see insurance companies and even police officers try to blame the cyclist. They’ll suggest you were riding recklessly or shouldn’t have been on that particular road. Don’t buy into this. If you were following traffic laws and riding safely, the fault lies with the driver who hit you.
Texas follows what’s called “modified comparative negligence.” This means that even if you bear some responsibility for the accident—maybe you didn’t have a light on your bike at night—you can still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. An experienced Houston bicycle accident lawyer knows how to fight back against attempts to unfairly blame the victim.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
When we take on a bicycle accident case in Houston, we’re fighting for full and fair compensation that covers everything you’ve been through. This isn’t just about your immediate medical bills—it’s about your entire future.
- Medical expenses form the foundation of most claims. This includes emergency room treatment, ambulance transport, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, occupational therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment like wheelchairs or crutches, and any future medical care you’ll need. For serious bicycle accidents, we’re often talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs.
- Lost wages and earning capacity matter just as much. If your injuries kept you out of work or forced you to take a lower-paying job because you can’t do what you used to do, that’s compensation you deserve. We calculate not just what you’ve already lost, but what you’ll lose over your entire career if your injuries are permanent.
- Pain and suffering represents the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and the overall impact on your quality of life. These damages are real and significant, even if they’re harder to put a dollar figure on.
- Property damage to your bicycle and any other personal belongings damaged in the crash should be fully compensated. Quality bicycles are expensive, and you shouldn’t have to pay to replace equipment that was destroyed by someone else’s negligence.
In cases involving especially reckless behavior—like a drunk driver who hit you—we may also pursue punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Why You Need a Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney
Insurance companies are not on your side. Let’s be crystal clear about that. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, and they have entire teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your claim.
After a bicycle accident, you’ll probably get a call from the driver’s insurance company pretty quickly. They’ll sound sympathetic. They might offer you a quick settlement. Do not accept it without talking to a Houston bicycle accident lawyer first. These early offers are almost always far less than what your case is actually worth, and once you accept, you can’t go back for more money when you realize your injuries are worse than you thought.
Here’s what an experienced bicycle accident attorney brings to your case. We know how to investigate these accidents properly. We work with accident reconstruction experts who can prove exactly how the crash happened. We gather evidence from the scene, track down witnesses, obtain traffic camera footage, and build an airtight case showing the driver’s negligence.
We understand the true value of your claim. We’ve handled hundreds of these cases, so we know what bicycle accident victims are entitled to and what insurance companies should be paying. We won’t let them lowball you.
We handle all the legal complexities while you focus on recovering. Dealing with insurance companies, filing paperwork, meeting deadlines, and navigating Texas personal injury law is the last thing you should be worried about when you’re trying to heal.
Most importantly, we’re not afraid to go to court. Insurance companies know which lawyers will settle cheap and which ones will take a case to trial. At 713 Justice, we have a reputation as aggressive trial lawyers. With over 25 years of experience and a background as a former Assistant District Attorney, attorney Rick Molina knows how to win in the courtroom. That reputation gets results at the negotiation table.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Houston
Get medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt. Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries, and some serious conditions don’t show symptoms right away. Having medical records that document your injuries from day one is crucial for your case.
Call the police and file a report. You want an official record of the accident. Don’t let the driver convince you to “just handle this between us.” Get law enforcement involved and make sure a police report is filed.
Document everything. If you’re physically able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, your damaged bicycle, the vehicle that hit you, and anything else relevant. Get contact information from witnesses. Write down everything you remember about how the accident happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
Don’t give recorded statements to any insurance company without talking to a lawyer first. They’ll use your words against you. Be polite but firm: tell them you need to speak with your attorney before providing a statement.
Keep records of everything related to the accident—medical bills, receipts, time off work, any expenses you incur because of your injuries. These documents prove your damages.
Contact a Houston bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we can start investigating your case, the better. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and there are strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims in Texas. Don’t wait.
Proving Fault in Houston Bicycle Accident Cases
Winning a bicycle accident case comes down to proving that the driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. This requires building a strong case with solid evidence.
We start by thoroughly investigating the accident. This means going to the scene, taking measurements, photographing sight lines and road conditions, and recreating exactly what happened. We often work with accident reconstruction experts who use scientific methods to demonstrate how the crash occurred.
Witness testimony can be incredibly powerful. We track down anyone who saw the accident and get detailed statements about what they observed. Independent witnesses carry a lot of weight with insurance companies and juries.
The police report provides important information about the officer’s initial assessment, whether any traffic citations were issued, and statements from both parties. While not conclusive proof of fault, a police report that cites the driver for a traffic violation significantly strengthens your case.
Traffic camera footage, dashcam video, and security camera recordings from nearby businesses can provide definitive proof of how the accident happened. We know how to obtain this evidence before it’s deleted.
Your medical records create a direct link between the accident and your injuries. They document the severity of your injuries, the treatment you required, and your prognosis. This evidence is essential for proving damages.
In some cases, we bring in expert witnesses—medical professionals who can testify about your injuries, vocational experts who can explain how your injuries affect your earning capacity, and economists who can calculate your future losses.
Common Injuries in Houston Bicycle Accidents
The injuries we see in bicycle accident cases are often severe and life-changing. Without the protection of a vehicle around them, cyclists absorb the full impact of a collision.
Traumatic brain injuries are frighteningly common. Even when cyclists wear helmets, the force of impact can cause concussions, skull fractures, and brain damage. These injuries can result in cognitive problems, personality changes, and permanent disabilities.
Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis. The cost of treating and living with a spinal cord injury can easily reach millions of dollars over a lifetime.
Broken bones are almost expected in bicycle accidents. We see fractured arms and wrists from trying to break a fall, broken legs and hips from direct impact, fractured ribs, collarbones, and facial bones. Many of these fractures require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Road rash sounds minor but can be extremely serious. When a cyclist slides across pavement at speed, the friction can strip away layers of skin, sometimes down to muscle and bone. These injuries are excruciatingly painful, prone to infection, and often require skin grafts.
Internal injuries including damage to organs, internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after a crash.
Soft tissue injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause chronic pain and limit mobility. These injuries are often dismissed by insurance companies but can have long-lasting effects on quality of life.
Why Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers Get Better Results
Knowledge of True Case Value
Personal injury lawyers understand how to properly calculate damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages that insurance companies rarely offer to unrepresented victims. We know the full range of compensation available under Texas law
Experience with Insurance Tactics
Insurance adjusters use proven strategies to minimize payouts to unrepresented claimants Lawyers recognize these tactics and know how to counter them effectively We understand insurance company internal policies and settlement authority levels
Legal Leverage
The threat of litigation gives lawyers significant negotiating power Insurance companies know that experienced attorneys will take cases to trial when necessary Adjusters are more likely to make fair offers when they know they're dealing with competent legal representation
Professional Resources
Access to medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists who can strengthen your case Ability to properly document and present complex damages Understanding of legal deadlines and procedural requirements that can make or break a case
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Houston?
Texas law sets strict time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. The statute of limitations for most bicycle accident cases is two years from the date of the accident. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Two years might sound like plenty of time, but it goes by faster than you think, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and recovery. Plus, building a strong case takes time. The sooner you contact a Houston bicycle accident attorney, the better positioned we are to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
There are some exceptions to the two-year rule. If the accident involved a government entity—like a city bus or county vehicle—special notice requirements apply, and you may have as little as six months to file a claim. Cases involving minors have different rules. Don’t try to figure this out on your own. Call 713 Justice for a free consultation, and we’ll explain exactly what deadlines apply to your situation.
Why Choose 713 Justice for Your Houston Bicycle Accident Case
When you’re choosing a Houston bicycle accident lawyer, you need someone with a proven track record of winning these cases. At 713 Justice, we bring over 25 years of experience fighting for injured cyclists and other personal injury victims across Houston and Harris County.
Attorney Rick Molina’s background as a former Assistant District Attorney gives him unique insight into how the legal system works. He knows how to build a case that holds up under scrutiny and how to present evidence persuasively, whether we’re negotiating with insurance adjusters or presenting to a jury.
We’re members of prestigious organizations like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which includes less than 1% of attorneys in the country—lawyers who have won million-dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. This isn’t just a badge we wear; it’s proof that we know how to win significant compensation for our clients.
Our approach is personal and aggressive. We don’t run a volume practice where you’re just another case number. We take the time to understand what you’ve been through, what you’re facing, and what justice looks like for you. Then we fight like hell to get it.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. No upfront costs, no hourly fees, no risk to you. We only get paid when you get paid.
Bicycle Accident Hotspots in Houston
Certain areas of Houston see more bicycle accidents than others. If you were hit in one of these locations, you’re not alone:
- Downtown Houston has heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, and limited bike infrastructure. The mix of commuters, delivery drivers, and tourists creates dangerous conditions for cyclists.
- The Heights is popular with cyclists, but its narrow streets and on-street parking create hazards. Dooring accidents are common here.
- Montrose attracts many cyclists, but the combination of nightlife, street parking, and busy intersections leads to frequent accidents.
- Memorial Park area sees recreational cyclists sharing roads with commuters. Despite being a popular cycling destination, accidents happen regularly on Memorial Drive and surrounding streets.
- Buffalo Bayou trails connect to surface streets where conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles occur, especially at trailheads and crossings.
Wherever your accident happened in Houston—whether in Midtown, the Galleria area, Clear Lake, the Medical Center, or any other neighborhood—we have the experience to handle your case.
If you or someone you love was injured in a bicycle accident in Houston, don’t face the insurance companies alone. You need an experienced Houston bicycle accident attorney on your side, fighting for the compensation you deserve.