A bike accident has the potential to cause catastrophic harm to a cyclist. Although Texas law provides certain protections to cyclists and requires motorists to yield to them in specific situations, not all drivers follow the rules, and their actions and carelessness can have severe consequences. Because riders may have no more protection than a helmet, they face significant exposure to a wide range of injuries that could leave them in pain, out of work, and anxious about their finances.
If a motor vehicle recently hit you while you were out riding, you may be entitled to compensation through a bicycle accident claim. Taking action against the at-fault driver could go a long way toward covering your medical expenses, lost income, and other financial and personal losses. However, this isn’t something you ought to take on by yourself; you should be focusing on healing instead.
Instead, trust the team at The Patel Firm to provide the personalized legal support you need. We have a successful track record of results, and we ensure that you are treated well throughout the process; you’ll never feel like just a case number. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your options with a Corpus Christi bicycle accident lawyer. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney for My Corpus Christi Bicycle Accident Claim?
Trying to handle a bicycle accident claim on your own can quickly become overwhelming. You’re already dealing with medical treatment and the stress of recovery, and the last thing you need is to find yourself going up against insurance adjusters who are trained to minimize payouts. Without legal guidance, you could end up settling for far less than your claim is worth.
As Corpus Christi bicycle accident attorneys with significant experience managing Texas bike accident claims, we at The Patel Firm can handle all these details for you. We’ll fight to safeguard your rights and work to recover fair compensation, allowing you to focus on your health.
A bicycle accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can go above and beyond what you’d be able to manage on your own by doing the following:
- Thoroughly Investigating the Accident – Your lawyer can collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and testimony from accident reconstruction experts to determine who and what caused the accident. This helps establish liability and prevents insurance companies from blaming you for what their policyholder did.
- Managing Communications with Insurance Companies– Insurers often look for statements or inconsistencies they can use to reduce your claim. We’ll handle all correspondence to protect your interests and prevent costly mistakes that could jeopardize your right to recovery.
- Calculating the Full Value of Your Losses – The Patel Firm can identify both current and future losses, including financial and personal losses, such as ongoing medical treatment, lost earning potential, and emotional distress. The amount we fight for should always reflect your total losses.
- Negotiating a Fair Settlement – We know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and protect their profits. We’ll counter lowball offers with strong evidence to fight for every dollar you deserve.
- Taking Your Case to Court if Necessary – If the at-fault driver’s insurer refuses to make a fair offer, The Patel Firm is prepared to file a bicycle accident lawsuit and take your case to trial to advocate for you before a judge or jury.
- Charging You Nothing to Get Started – When you hire The Patel Firm, you pay no upfront attorney’s fees. We are only paid if we successfully secure compensation in your case.
Contact us today to speak with a qualified bicycle accident lawyer in Corpus Christi. Your case review is free and fully confidential.
What Should I Do After a Bike Accident?
When a bicycle accident occurs while you’re riding in Corpus Christi, focus first and foremost on your safety and health. Many cyclists are too injured to take immediate action at the scene, and that’s understandable. If possible, move out of the roadway and call 911 for assistance.
Even if you believe your injuries seem minor, you should always get checked out by medical professionals as soon as possible. Symptoms of head injuries and internal injuries can take time to appear, and they can quickly become dangerous if not treated in time.
In the days and weeks after the accident, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal claim:
- Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments to clearly link your injuries to the accident.
- Keep a journal of your recovery, noting symptoms, pain levels, and any limitations in your daily activities.
- Keep your damaged bike, helmet, clothing, and other personal property in their post-accident condition.
- Avoid posting on social media about the accident or your injuries because insurance companies may monitor your accounts for information that can be used against you.
- Notify your insurance provider of the accident, but avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve spoken to a bicycle injury attorney.
- Consult a bicycle accident lawyer at The Patel Firm to review your situation and guide you on your next steps.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
Your claim for bicycle accident compensation should encompass the full scope of the financial and personal losses the accident caused. While every case is unique, many bike accident claims seek compensation for the following:
- All medical expenses, including the cost of future treatment
- Lost income and lost future earnings
- Physical, emotional, and psychological pain and suffering
- Reduced quality and enjoyment of life
- Property damage, including bicycle repair or replacement
The precise amount of compensation you seek will depend on the severity of your bicycle accident injury and its likely long-term consequences. For example, if you face permanent disability or can no longer work due to your injuries, you’ll likely pursue far more compensation than a cyclist with more superficial injuries.
At your free, no-obligation consultation, a bicycle accident attorney in Corpus Christi can assess your situation to determine the compensation you could qualify for.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Texas?
Texas law generally allows injured cyclists two years to file a lawsuit. The clock starts ticking on the date of the accident, and once two years have passed, you no longer have a right to compensation. That’s why it’s so important to secure legal representation right away, as your attorney can investigate more effectively and ensure they file your claim on time.
Some cases, like those involving minors, are subject to more generous deadlines. While you should always ask your attorney whether they believe any exceptions may apply in your bicycle accident case, it’s best to approach this process conservatively and assume you have no more than two years to act.
