Bike accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence in Houston, especially as our population continues to grow and motorists and cyclists are forced to share increasingly crowded streets.
Because cyclists do not have the same level of protection on the roads as motorists do, their injuries from a crash can be quite severe. The injury attorneys at Seerden Law Firm want you and your loved ones to be safe while cycling in Houston. The following tips can help protect you on the city’s roads.
Bicycle Accident Safety Tips and How to Avoid Injuries
To stay safe on the road in Houston, keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Wear a helmet: While children under 14 years of age are the only people required to wear helmets in Houston, all bicyclists should still wear one. A helmet is a vital piece of safety gear for preventing traumatic brain injuries when bicyclists are involved in accidents.
- Stay out of blind spots: When riding alongside traffic, be conscious of the vehicles around you and their blind spots. Try to stay within the motorist’s sight or where they should be able to see you in their side and rearview mirrors.
- Maintain a safe distance: Try and leave three feet of space between yourself and any vehicles.
- Remain alert: When riding, pay attention to parked vehicles as well as moving traffic. Being aware of people entering and exiting parked cars to reduce the chances of a possible “dooring accident,” in which a person swings open the door of an automobile into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
- Inspect your bike before riding: Performing a quick inspection of your bike (e.g., tires, brakes, chain, etc.) could identify maintenance issues with the bike before you ride.
Houston Bicycle Laws
Cyclists have a right to share the road with vehicles, and drivers are obligated to treat them with respect. Motorists, conversely, have a right to expect cyclists to obey all traffic laws and operate as any vehicle would.
City ordinances prohibit people from riding bicycles on sidewalks in the business district. In addition, any person who is biking on a sidewalk where it is permissible must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and signal before passing them.
When these laws are violated and someone is hurt in a bicycle accident, it is possible to hold the responsible party(s) responsible for their negligence. In Texas, it’s still possible for cyclists to recover compensation even if they share some fault in the accident that injured them.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
The attorneys at Seerden Law Firm have more than two decades of experience handling complex personal injury claims. We have the resources and experience to represent those injured in bicycle accidents in Houston Heights due to someone else’s recklessness.
Attorney M. Andrew Seerden is one of only 1,704 Texas lawyers currently board certified in personal injury trial law. Contact our legal team or call (713) 597-3241 for a free consultation today.
