According to reporting from Fox San Antonio, a local teenager suffered a very serious injury when he collided with a pick-up truck while on his bicycle. The accident occurred on the West side of the city very early in the morning. Police reported that the teenager was riding with several others at the time of the accident, and the driver of the truck simply failed to see him when he was making a lane change. Our thoughts are with the boy and his family. This story is a reminder of the dangers that cyclists face on Texas roads. If you, or your family member, has been injured while on a bike in the San Antonio area, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon possible.
Bike Accidents Often Result in Severe Injuries
Unsurprisingly, when a collision occurs between a bike and an automobile, the cyclist often sustains the most severe injuries. Common injuries that occur in bike accidents include:
- Severe lacerations;
- Fractures and broken bones;
- Dislocated joints;
- Back and neck injuries;
- Concussions
- A broken jaw or other serious dental injuries; and
- In the worst case scenario, paralysis or even death.
Any of these injuries can have a substantial impact on the life of the victim. Bike injury victims deserve full and fair compensation.
Holding a Driver Liable for a Bike Accident Injury
Much like in other personal injury cases, bike accident victims can hold a driver liable for their injuries if they can prove that the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence. There are four elements required to prove negligence:
- Duty: Establishing this element is fairly straightforward in bike accident cases involving a vehicle collision. All drivers owe a duty of care to every other person that is on, or near, the road. Bikes have just as much right to the road as do automobiles.
- Breach: Proving that the driver breached their duty of care is often the most complicated element in a bike accident case. You will need to prove that the driver deviated from their obligation to look out for your safety. In some cases this might not be difficult, such as if your injury was caused by a driver blowing through a stop sign. In that scenario, it would be clear that the driver failed to follow Texas traffic regulations, and was therefore, was operating their vehicle at a level that was well below the ordinary standard of care However, in other cases proving a breach will be much more challenging.
- Causation: Once you establish a breach, you must also show that there was a connection between that breach and your injuries. For example, if you can prove that the driver went through a stop sign, but did it two minutes before your accident, then you would not have adequate proof of causation. You would still need additional evidence.
- Damages: Finally, you will always need to prove the full extent of your damages in order to make a complete recovery. An experienced bike accident attorney can help you gather and assemble the necessary evidence to help you prove your losses.
Contact Our Office Today
f you, or your child, was on a bike and was injured by an automobile, please contact our San Antonio office today. We will ensure that your legal rights are fully protected. Initial legal consultations are always fully confidential and free of charge. Our experienced bike injury lawyers represent victims throughout South Texas.
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