Bicycle Accident Attorney in Galveston, TX
There are many places to enjoy scenic bicycling in Galveston, such as the trails on Galveston Island State Park and Seawall Boulevard. Many in the area ride through town, and some even use bicycles to get to and from work. However, when bicyclists are involved in accidents with motor vehicles, bicyclists are likely to suffer severe injuries. If this has happened to you, it’s crucial to consult a Galveston bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Representing Victims of Bicycle Accidents in Galveston, TX
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates has decades of experience representing injured clients in Galveston and surrounding Texas communities. Any vehicle accident case can be life-changing, but bicyclists are especially likely to suffer severe injuries in traffic accidents. A Galveston personal injury lawyer can help you make sense of your legal options, prove liability for your accident, and pursue maximum compensation for your damages.
The Texas Department of Transportation recently reported that bicycle accidents statewide increased by 58% between 2019 and 2023. In 2023 alone, 2,604 bicycle accidents resulted in 384 serious injuries and 106 deaths. These accidents commonly occur for the same reasons as other accidents, such as distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations. However, bicyclists have very little physical protection from crash impact forces and are likely to suffer serious injuries.
Our team will carefully review the details of your bicycle accident, calculate the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim, and determine your most efficient path to recovering your damages. We approach every personal injury case we accept with the intention of maximizing our client’s recovery.
Building Your Bicycle Accident Case in Galveston
In Texas, any vehicle accident involving more than one party is resolved based on fault, including bicycle accidents. This means that if you believe another party is responsible for your injuries, you need to establish fault for the accident before you can claim compensation for your damages. Whether you remember exactly how the accident happened or you have no recollection due to your injuries, an experienced attorney can gather proof of liability on your behalf.
Once you establish fault for your accident, recovering compensation will usually begin with an auto insurance claim. Texas law requires drivers to have liability insurance, and a covered driver’s policy can pay for damages they cause to others in an accident. However, filing your claim may be more challenging than you expect because most insurance companies will try to minimize claim payouts as much as possible.
Do not wait for an insurance company to deny or devalue your insurance claim to speak with a lawyer. When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer before filing your claim, you are more likely to be treated fairly, and your Galveston bicycle accident lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If you must file a personal injury case, you’re more likely to win and more likely to maximize your compensation with a skilled local attorney representing you.
The team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can provide compassionate legal representation when you need it most after a bicycle accident. We know how damaging these accidents can be and that you are likely to have many questions you cannot answer on your own. You have limited time to build your case, so reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to learn how we can assist with your recovery.
FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Galveston, TX
How Do You Prove Fault for a Bicycle Accident in Galveston?
You can prove fault for a bicycle accident in Galveston using various types of evidence that a skilled attorney can secure on your behalf. You may need police reports, witness statements, vehicle computer data, and photos of the accident scene to prove liability. Some of this evidence won’t be obtainable for long, so you need to hire a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can start building your case.
Can a Bicyclist Share Fault for Their Accident?
Yes, it is possible for a bicyclist to share fault for their accident. Texas enforces a modified comparative negligence rule, so as long as the plaintiff is found less at fault than the defendant, the plaintiff can still recover compensation. Their percentage of fault will be subtracted from their case award. However, if the plaintiff is found more at fault than the defendant, the plaintiff is no longer allowed to claim compensation from the defendant.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Bicycle Accident Case?
The damages you can claim in a bicycle accident case can include property damage, such as the cost of replacing your bike, medical expenses, including long-term treatment costs for serious injuries, lost wages, and lost future earning capacity if you were left permanently disabled. You also have the right to claim compensation for pain and suffering with a personal injury case, and your attorney can help you maximize this aspect of your recovery.
What Are the Penalties for Causing a Bicycle Accident in Galveston?
There could be penalties for causing a bicycle accident in Galveston beyond liability for the damages caused. If the defendant caused the accident through some form of illegal misconduct, they face criminal prosecution in addition to their civil liability for the victim’s damages. For example, if your accident resulted from drunk driving, the drunk driver faces various criminal penalties from the state, along with their responsibility for your damages.
Why Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Galveston?
You should hire a bicycle accident lawyer in Galveston to maximize your chance of success with your case. A skilled local attorney can help you gather any evidence needed to prove fault, accurately calculate your total damages, and determine the most efficient path to recovering those damages. You are more likely to succeed with your recovery efforts when you have experienced legal counsel on your side.
Speak With Our team
The team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates has the experience needed to handle the most challenging accident cases in Galveston, including bicycle accident cases. You have limited time to pursue accountability, and our team will guide you through each step of your proceedings. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with an experienced Galveston bicycle accident lawyer and learn how we can help with your recovery.