Bicycle Wreck

By the Numbers

In 2025, 91 people riding bicycles were killed in Texas traffic crashes, a 13.75 percent increase from the year before. (Texas Department of Transportation, 2025 Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts)

Common Causes

• Drivers who fail to look before turning or opening a door

• Passing too close or too fast

• Distracted or impaired driving

• Failing to yield at intersections and driveways

• Poor road conditions and debris

Protecting Your Rights

• Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up days later.

• Call the police and make sure a crash report is made.

• Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries.

• Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.

• Check for video from neighbors' Ring doorbells, nearby businesses, or other security cameras, and ask them to save it. Many systems record over video within days.

• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before you talk with a lawyer.

• Keep every bill, receipt, and record of missed work.

Holding Careless Drivers Accountable

Insurance companies often try to blame the cyclist. We push back with evidence: the crash report, photos, video, witness statements, and expert reconstruction when needed. We keep your damaged bike and gear as evidence, and we work with your doctors to document your injuries and recovery.

What Compensation Can Cover

Depending on the facts, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses

• Lost wages and lost earning capacity

• Physical pain and mental anguish

• Physical impairment and disfigurement

• Damage to your bicycle and gear

Common Questions

Do I have to wear a helmet for my claim to count?

No. Texas has no statewide law requiring adults or children to wear a helmet on a standard bicycle, although some Texas cities require helmets for riders under 18. Not wearing a helmet does not bar your claim and does not change who caused the crash. The insurance company may still argue that a helmet would have reduced a head injury and try to shift part of the responsibility to you, but it must prove that with evidence, and a helmet has nothing to do with many injuries, such as broken bones and road rash.

What if I was partly at fault?

Under Texas law, if you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover. If your share is 50 percent or less, you can still recover, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Texas, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury, and some claims have shorter deadlines. Talk with a lawyer as soon as you can so the evidence and your deadlines are protected.

What if a driver opened a car door in front of me?

Texas law prohibits opening a vehicle door on the side of moving traffic unless it can be done in reasonable safety without interfering with other traffic, including people on bicycles. It also prohibits leaving a traffic-side door open longer than needed to let a passenger in or out. A driver or passenger who opens a door into a cyclist's path can be held responsible.

Does it cost anything to talk with you?

No. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation.