Pedestrians always have to be on the lookout for cars, but they also need to remember that accidents with cyclists can also cause some damage. A collision with a bicycle moving at fast speeds can result in serious injuries and a stack of expensive medical bills. If this sounds like something that happened to you, you may have legal options. A Corpus Christi, Texas pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can help you figure out if you have a case.
What Kinds of Injuries Can a Bicycle Cause?
A bike can cause some serious harm when it’s traveling at high speeds. A collision with a pedestrian can result in:
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken and fractured bones
- Facial trauma
- Spine injuries
- Concussions and head injuries
Many pedestrians who get hit by vehicles also end up suffering from mental health issues, like PTSD. If the crash wasn’t your fault and the person riding the bicycle was clearly to blame, they should be held accountable for the harm that they have caused.
Can I Sue For Compensation After a Bicycle Hits Me?
You can sue for damages after you get hit by a bicycle. You may have to sue a cyclist directly, but sometimes an insurance policy can come into play here. A cyclist can buy coverage for their bike that includes liability coverage, meant for this exact kind of situation. If they do not have that kind of coverage, a renter’s or homeowner’s policy might pay out.
Regardless of how insurance gets involved, a pedestrian who was injured by someone on a bicycle may be able to claim a significant amount of compensation. You could get a settlement that helps make up for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage, like if an expensive item like a phone, laptop, or glasses were damaged in the crash
- Lost wages if you needed time off from work to recover
- Pain and suffering
What If the Cyclist Blames Me For the Accident?
One potential complication in cases like these is that they can evolve into a “he said, she said” situation. A cyclist might admit that they crashed into you, but they then can turn around and blame you. They might claim that you were inebriated or that you were looking down at your phone. Maybe you had headphones in and couldn’t hear them coming.
If they can be convincing enough, you may get part of the blame for the accident. This can be a problem. You can still sue for damages as long as you shoulder less than half the blame for an accident in Texas, but it reduces your compensation.
Here’s what we mean. You sue successfully and get awarded $15,000. The jury believes the bicycle owner when they say you are partly responsible for the crash though. They think you were 20% to blame. You still win, but you get only 80% of the settlement, or $12,000. This is why it’s a good idea to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can defend you and help you make your case.
Meet With Our Legal Team
If you are ready to pursue compensation, we are ready to help you. Contact Sahadi Legal Group and schedule a free case consultation.
