Were you hurt in a bicycle crash in Austin, Texas? Call Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers at (512) 503-4878 to find out if you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our Austin bicycle accident lawyers offer free consultations—call to schedule one today.
We understand the unique challenges and vulnerabilities that cyclists face on Texas roads. Our Austin personal injury attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, effective, and experienced legal representation to victims of bicycle accidents in Austin and throughout Texas.
Our mission is to fight for the justice and maximum compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of a complex legal battle. Contact us to set up a consultation with our firm.
Why Choose Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Bicycle Accident in Austin?
Choosing the right legal representation is one of the most important decisions you will make after a bicycle accident in Austin, TX. At Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on a deep commitment to our clients and a proven track record of success. To date, we’ve recovered millions in compensation for our clients.
Our team has 32 years of combined experience handling complex personal injury cases. We have a nuanced understanding of the local Austin legal landscape, including the specific laws and regulations that impact cyclists.
Here are just some of the reasons clients hire our Austin personal injury lawyers:
- We take a client-centered approach to every case. This means we take the time to listen to your story, understand the full impact of your injuries on your life, and develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- We offer personalized, focused legal representation. We’re not a high-volume firm. We intentionally limit our caseload to ensure every client receives the dedicated attention, clear communication, and personalized support they deserve.
- We will handle every aspect of your case. From conducting a thorough investigation and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court, we’re there every step of the way.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us any legal fees unless we successfully secure a settlement or a verdict in your favor. This structure ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
We aim to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether through a swift settlement or a strong verdict at trial. Call our Austin bicycle accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
What Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for calculating the value of a bicycle accident case. Instead, our team will evaluate every aspect of your claim to determine its true worth.
The factors we consider include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment
- Your lost income and earning capacity
- Your pain and suffering resulting from the accident
- Whether you are being blamed for your crash
- Property damage repair or replacement costs
- Available insurance coverage
Our experienced Texas bicycle accident attorneys are prepared to estimate the value of your case after getting all the details from you.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
After a bicycle accident, you may be able to seek compensation for a wide range of damages. These damages are generally categorized as economic and non-economic. Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses that have a specific monetary value. They are often calculated using bills, invoices, and other financial records.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate for your non-monetary losses. While they don’t have a specific bill attached, they are a critical part of a personal injury claim and can be substantial.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- PTSD, depression, and anxiety
In rare cases, usually involving especially egregious or malicious conduct, punitive damages may be available to victims. They are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, rather than compensate the victim. Our team can evaluate the facts of your situation and determine which damages may be available.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
We handle all bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. It means you do not pay us any legal fees unless we win your case. You owe us nothing up front, and we only get paid when we successfully secure a settlement or a verdict on your behalf.
Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery we obtain for you. This aligns our interests with yours—we are motivated to get you the maximum possible compensation because our fee is directly tied to the success of your case.
This arrangement also allows you to pursue justice without the added financial risk and stress of hourly billing or retainer fees. During your free consultation, we will clearly explain our fee structure and answer any questions you may have.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Texas?
It’s possible. Texas law allows for compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident, but with a critical limitation. Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar rule. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are generally barred from recovering any compensation from the other party.
If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can typically still recover compensation. However, the amount you are awarded will likely be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for a crash that resulted in $100,000 in damages, you may only recover 80% that total, which would be $80,000.
Insurance companies will often try to place the majority of the blame on the cyclist to reduce their payout. Our job is to counter these attempts by building a strong case that proves the other party’s liability and minimizes any alleged fault on your part.
Common Accident Injuries in Austin, TX
Bicycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor abrasions to life-altering trauma. The lack of a protective metal frame leaves cyclists incredibly vulnerable to the force of impact.
Common injuries we see in bicycle accident cases include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Arm and shoulder injuries
- Leg and knee injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- The wrongful death of a loved one
Our Texas bicycle accident lawyers have experience representing clients with many different injuries from bike crashes.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Texas?
Most bicycle accidents in Texas are not truly “accidents” at all; they are usually the result of a driver’s negligence or inattentiveness. While cyclists are expected to follow traffic laws, the overwhelming majority of collisions are caused by the negligence of a motor vehicle driver.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes
- “Dooring” accidents
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Aggressive driving
- Unfamiliarity with the area
- Poor road conditions
- Speeding
No matter what caused your bike wreck, we’ll investigate to find the cause and all the potentially liable parties.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including bicycle accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. This is usually a strict deadline, and if you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the merits of your case.
There are some exceptions, such as the involvement of a child or a government entity, that can change the deadline or add extra requirements. This is why it is so crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Investigating your case, gathering evidence, and preparing a strong legal strategy also takes time. Some evidence, like video footage or a witness’s memory of the crash, can disappear if you wait too long. The sooner we can begin, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Don’t wait until it’s too late to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Austin Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Austin, the road to recovery can feel long and uncertain. You don’t have to face this journey alone. The dedicated legal team at Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for your rights.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. Call our Austin bicycle accident lawyers today to schedule one and get started on the path toward recovery.