Bicycle Accidents

Eric Reyes understands what it means to be a bicycle rider on our Texas roads. Mr. Reyes has been an avid cyclist for the past 10 years. He currently races on an amateur road racing team as well as a sponsor for several local cycling organizations in the Metroplex.

Mr. Reyes’ passion for cycling and the power as a lawyer to fight for our right to “share the road” with the public means he gets results. Results which translate to fair compensation to victims of negligence for their lost wages , medical bills and other damages.

Mr. Reyes also understands that cyclists face a public bias against their activity that is sometimes shared by the police and the insurance companies. Cyclist are frequently blamed for accidents that are not their fault despite the fact that Texas law gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Unfortunately, insurance companies often do not understand this simple fact. Even when the police report blames the cyclist we have been successful in persuading the insurance company to reverse their initial denial.

In most cases the auto driver is at fault for an accident with a cyclist. This usually occurs when a motorist turns left directly into the path of the cyclist. Even in this situation the insurance company may deny or delay the admission of liability based on the “alleged” inattention or “excess” speed of the cyclist.

Pursuant to Texas law the other driver’s insurance company should pay for ther bicycle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, or your other damages. Below are some tips to avoiding injury. However, if you have been injured despite following this advice call me today.

WEAR A HELMET.
Never ride a bicycle without a helmet. Wearing a helmet reduces head injuries by 85 percent. A proper fitting helmet should fit snugly and sit flat on the head. Wear bright colors and use lights and reflectors to make yourself more visible.

AVOID CYCLING AT NIGHT.
If you must ride at night do not assume that drivers can see you. Use reflectors, mount bike lights on the front and rear, and try to stay in lit areas.

LEARN AND OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD.
Bicyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as vehicles. Never wear earphones, headsets, or earplugs. Be courteous to other vehicles and pedestrians.

BE AN ALERT AND ATTENTIVE CYCLIST.
Watch out for potholes and anything that could make you fall. Go slow over bumps and remember to cross railroad tracks at a 90 degree angle. Ride on the right side of the road. Ride single file in the same direction as the flow of traffic.

ALWAYS CHECK FOR TRAFFIC.
Look left and right and behind you. More than 70% of crashes between cars and bicycles occur at intersections. Get a small rear-view mirror to attach to your helmet.

CHECK YOUR WHEELS.
If your wheels are quick-release make sure they are securely fastened.

ADJUST YOUR BICYCLE PROPERLY.
Make sure your bicycle is adjusted to fit you, refer to your owner’s manual.

CHECK YOUR BRAKES BEFORE EACH TIME YOU RIDE.
Check your owner’s manual or go to a bicycle shop to have your brakes adjusted properly.