Texas Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our Texas bicycle accident lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer represent injured bicyclists after a crash caused by a negligent driver or another at-fault party. Most bicycle accidents happen because a motor vehicle operator failed to obey traffic laws, and bicyclists face a serious risk of catastrophic injuries when they share the road with cars and trucks. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame onto the rider to avoid paying fair compensation.

Our Dallas bicycle accident lawyers can help you seek compensation and pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, so our legal team can begin building your winning bicycle accident claim.

Types of Bike Accident Cases Our Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Handle
Do I Need to Hire a Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Texas Bicycle Laws That Will Affect Your Claim
Texas E-Bikes and Electric Bicycle Regulations
Bicycle Accident Claim Filing Deadline in Texas?
Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Claim
Who Is at Fault in Texas Bicycle Accident Case?

What the Data Indicates About Texas Bicycle Crashes

Bicyclists make up a small share of Texas traffic but carry a disproportionate share of the risk when a crash occurs. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), with over 2,7000 reported bicycle crashes, the 2024 crash data shows the scope of the problem for bike riders statewide. Key statistics include:

In 2016, 65 cyclists died in Texas vehicle collisions. Since then, there have been 80 traffic fatalities involving cyclists, with another 429 suffering serious injuries

Driver inattention and failure to yield the right of way commonly contribute to most bike accidents

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute found that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities more than doubled between 2010 and 2021

Bicycles offer virtually no protection compared to a passenger vehicle, so even a low-speed cycling accident can cause devastating, life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries or other damages in one of these crashes, a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer in Texas can help you understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation.

Types of Bike Accident Cases Our Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Handle

Cycling accidents can arise from a wide range of circumstances resulting from someone else’s negligence. At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our Dallas bicycle accident lawyers handle the following:

Right-Hook and Left-Turn Accidents: A driver turns across a cyclist’s path, often at an intersection or driveway, without checking for oncoming bike traffic
Failure to Yield Accidents: A driver pulls out from a stop sign, parking lot, or side street directly into a cyclist’s path of travel
Dooring Accidents: A parked vehicle’s door opens directly into a designated bike lane or a cyclist’s path of travel
Rear-End Collisions: A distracted or speeding driver fails to see or stop in time behind a cyclist
Unsafe Passing Accidents: A driver passes a cyclist too closely, clipping the rider or forcing them off the roadway
Road Hazard Accidents: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained bike lanes that cause a rider to lose control, especially in a busy central business district where traffic signs and signals are frequent
Drunk and Distracted Driving Accidents: Bicycle accidents caused by an impaired or inattentive driver who failed to see the bicyclist
E-Bike and Rideshare Bike Accidents: Crashes involving electric bicycles or shared dockless bikes, where speed, defective equipment, or driver inattention play a role

Bicycle accident victims are entitled to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, insurance adjusters often try to use a cyclist’s own behavior, such as lane position, helmet use, or visibility, against them. Consult with our award-winning law firm to protect your Dallas bicycle accident case.

Get Your Free Case Consultation

No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover fair and equitable compensation for our clients.

Do I Need to Hire a Dallas Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

No, hiring an attorney is not always necessary. With serious injuries sustained, choosing the right legal counsel to ensure fair case proceedings is crucial. Injured bicyclists must select a legal team that understands both Texas law and the biases cyclists often face from insurance companies and juries.

At Attorney Jeff, our core strengths that result in maximum compensation for clients include:

Proven track record: Our Texas bicycle accident attorneys have built a proven track record representing injured bicyclists throughout the state.
Direct legal representation: You will work directly with your Dallas bicycle accident attorney throughout the entire legal process.
Willing to go to trial: Our trial lawyers prepare every personal injury lawsuit as if it is headed to court, which strengthens our position against opposing counsel during negotiations.
Fighting rider bias: We know insurance companies often unfairly blame bicyclists. Our team works to counter that bias with evidence, not assumptions.
Serving all of Texas: Our Dallas bicycle accident attorneys serve clients throughout Dallas and North Texas.

Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. Schedule a free case evaluation today.

Which Bicycle Accident Injuries Qualify for Compensation?

Doctor reviewing CT scans of a patient's skull following a personal injury accident where a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have been sustained — Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries are common following a bike accident, emphasizing the importance of immediate medical attention following a crash to ensure health and safety.

Bicyclists have the same legal rights as motorists, so they are entitled to pursue maximum damages for any level of injuries sustained in a collision.

A bicycle crash can cause a broad range of common bicycle accident injuries, often far more serious than those seen in typical car accidents. Bicycle accident injuries that qualify for compensation include, but are not limited to:

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Ranges from mild concussions to severe head injuries with lasting effects
Road Rash and Lacerations: Severe skin abrasions that can require skin grafts and lead to permanent scarring
Spinal Cord Injury: May result in partial or complete paralysis and lasting neck injuries
Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Injuries: Especially common fractures in the wrists, collarbones, ribs, and legs, along with sprains and strains that can take months to heal
Facial and Dental Injuries: Damage to the face, jaw, or teeth from impact with a vehicle or the pavement
Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent and require prompt medical attention
Disfigurement and Permanent Disability: Long-term impairments requiring ongoing medical care

If you suffered any of these bicycle accident injuries, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately and consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options for recovering compensation for current medical costs and future medical expenses.

Texas Bicycle Laws That Will Affect Your Claim

Dallas has specific ordinances for bicyclists to follow, which shape how insurance claims are handled. Understanding these rules is critical to protecting your right to recover compensation, since violations by either party can directly affect determining liability.

Bicycles Are Legally Treated as Vehicles

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 551.101, a person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties of any other vehicle operator. This means cyclists must obey traffic laws and stop signs, but it also means drivers owe bike riders the same duty of care they owe to other motorists.

Lane Position and Right to the Lane

Bicyclists in Texas must use hand signals for turns. Under Texas traffic laws, a cyclist moving slower than the rest of traffic must ride near the right curb or edge of the roadway. However, the statute allows a cyclist to move away from the curb or take the full lane when:

Passing another motor vehicle moving in the same direction
Preparing to turn left
A road hazard, parked car, or other obstruction makes riding near the curb unsafe
The lane is less than 14 feet wide and has no adjacent bike lane
The lane is too narrow for a car and a bike to safely share side by side

Bike Lanes and Mandatory Use

Dallas has only 5.3 miles of protected bike lanes. Texas does not have a statewide law requiring cyclists to use designated bike lanes or paths when available. Therefore, riders may choose to ride in the general traffic lane even where a bike lane exists, particularly where the bike lane is blocked, damaged, or unsafe.

A driver who fails to yield to a bicyclist using a bike lane, or who parks or drives inside a marked bike lane, can be found negligent if that conduct contributed to a crash.

Safe Passing Distance

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.053, a driver passing a cyclist must pass to the left at a safe distance and may not return to the lane until safely clear. Texas is one of the few states that has never enacted a statewide numeric passing distance for cyclists.

In the absence of a statewide numeric standard, more than 20 Texas cities, including Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and areas around Dallas and Fort Worth, have adopted local Vulnerable Road User ordinances that define a specific safe passing distance, typically:

3 feet for passenger cars and light trucks
6 feet for commercial trucks and larger vehicles

Sidewalk Riding

Texas does not have a statewide statute that specifically authorizes or prohibits riding a bicycle on a sidewalk, leaving the issue largely to local ordinances. Many Texas cities and counties have adopted their own rules restricting or permitting sidewalk riding, which can become relevant if a crash occurs at a driveway or intersection where a sidewalk meets the roadway.

Helmet Use

Texas law does not require riders of any age to wear a bicycle helmet unless a local municipal ordinance provides otherwise. Not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar an injured bicyclist from recovering compensation. However, insurance companies frequently argue that a lack of head protection contributed to the severity of a rider’s head injuries, which can be used to reduce a fair settlement under the state’s comparative fault rule.

Proportionate Responsibility (Modified Comparative Fault Rule)

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, sometimes called proportionate responsibility. If an injured bicyclist is found to be 50% or less at fault for a crash, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If a cyclist is found to be 51% or more responsible, they are barred entirely from recovering compensation.

Because insurance companies often try to assign a disproportionate share of blame to bike riders, such as by claiming a rider disobeyed a traffic signal or was riding outside a bike lane, proving the negligent driver’s fault is central to nearly every bicycle accident case.

Texas E-Bikes and Electric Bicycle Regulations

electric bicycle, also referred to as an e-bike, parked on the sidewalk — Electric bicycles and similar motorized riding devices are beginning to become more regulated in various regions, as e-bike accidents continue to increase nationwide.

Electric bicycles have become increasingly common nationwide, and state law treats them differently from motor vehicles. Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 664 and Section 551.107, an electric bicycle must have operable pedals and a motor of less than 750 watts, and falls into one of three classes:

Class 1: Motor assists only while pedaling, with assistance stopping at 20 mph
Class 2: Motor can propel the bike without pedaling, with a top motor-powered speed of 20 mph
Class 3: Motor assists only while pedaling, with assistance stopping at 28 mph, and riders must be at least 15 years old

Because a legal e-bike is not classified as a motor vehicle, it does not require registration, a driver’s license, or motor vehicle insurance under Texas law. However, e-bike riders and the drivers who share the road with them are still subject to the same rules of the road that apply to traditional bicycles.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

Under the Texas statute of limitations, injured bicyclists generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit carries the same two-year deadline.

Exceptions to the Filing Deadline

The discovery rule may extend the deadline if an injury was not immediately apparent after the accident scene was cleared.
Claims against government entities, such as a crash caused by a hazardous road or bike lane condition, require formal written notice, sometimes within as little as six months.
Minors and certain other individuals may have modified timelines.

What Happens if I Miss the Deadline?

If a bicycle accident lawsuit is not filed within the statute of limitations, the accident victim generally forfeits the right to seek compensation, and courts will likely dismiss the case. Consulting an experienced accident lawyer early helps preserve key evidence, such as the police report, roadway conditions, and any available surveillance or dashcam footage, before it disappears.

Damages Bicycle Accident Victims Can Recover in Texas

Texas law allows financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. A fair settlement typically reflects the following categories of compensatory damages.

Economic Damages

Financial losses that can be proven with receipts, invoices, or other billing documentation, such as:

Current and future medical bills, medical expenses, and medical records
Lost wages and lost income from diminished earning capacity
Property damage to the bicycle, e-bike, and gear
Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs

Non-Economic Damages

Compensation that covers emotional trauma from bicycle accidents and may not hold a traditional monetary value, such as:

Physical and/or pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Disfigurement, scarring, and permanent disability
Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages

Victims can seek punitive damages if gross negligence, such as drunk or distracted driving, is proven. Such damages are often awarded in wrongful death cases or claims resulting in the most serious injuries, such as paralysis or amputation.

Texas law places specific limits on punitive damages, so it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney about how these caps may apply to your case.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Bicycle Accident Case?

Determining liability is often complex, especially when multiple parties may share responsibility for a crash. Common individuals and entities who may be held liable include:

Negligent Drivers: Speeding, distracted, drowsy, or impaired drivers who fail to see or yield to a cyclist
Government Agencies: Entities responsible for maintaining safe roads, bike lanes, signals, and traffic signs
Bicycle or E-Bike Manufacturers: A defective bicycle part, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning e-bike battery or motor
Employers: Companies whose employees cause bike accidents while on the job, including delivery and rideshare drivers
Property Owners: Owners responsible for hazardous conditions on private property that extend onto a shared path or roadway

In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, making it important to work with a bicycle accident lawyer who can conduct a thorough investigation to identify every at-fault driver.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Bicycle Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Texas?

In most cases, Texas law grants two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. Certain circumstances may shorten or extend that deadline, so it is best to speak with a Texas bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?

Yes. Texas does not require cyclists to wear a helmet, and not wearing one does not automatically bar recovery. However, an insurance adjuster may argue a rider’s lack of head protection contributed to the severity of their injuries, which can reduce financial compensation under the state’s comparative fault rule.

Does Texas have a three-foot passing law for cyclists?

No, not statewide. Texas law only requires drivers to pass at a “safe distance,” without a defined number. However, many Texas cities, including areas around Dallas and Fort Worth, have adopted local ordinances that specifically require three feet of clearance for cars and six feet for larger vehicles.

Am I required to ride in a bike lane if one is available?

No. Texas does not have a statewide law requiring cyclists to use an available bike lane, though some cities may have their own local ordinances addressing this issue.

Do I Need to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Texas?

No. However, hiring a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer is not always required, but pursuing a bicycle accident claim to recover fair compensation without one can be especially difficult, given the bias many injured bicyclists face from insurance companies and juries.

What if the other party did not have insurance?

If you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance claim, even if you were not driving your vehicle.

How Our Texas Bicycle Accident Law Firm Will Benefit Your Case

Our legal team handles the intricacies of your personal injury case so you can fully focus on recovery — both physically and mentally. Our award-winning services include:

Thorough Accident Investigation: In-depth review of the crash and contributing factors
Evidence Collection and Preservation: Securing police reports, medical records, and witness statements
Countering Rider Bias: Building a case that pushes back against unfair assumptions about bicyclists
Damage Assessment: Evaluating medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain and suffering
Insurance Negotiation: Aggressively pursuing fair compensation with insurance companies
Court Representation: Litigating your personal injury lawsuit if maximum compensation cannot be reached

Contact Our Texas Bicycle Accident Law Offices Today

Immediate action is crucial after a bicycle accident, both for your health and the validity of your personal injury claim.

Schedule your free consultation today to learn how our Dallas bicycle accident attorneys can support you through this challenging time. You don’t have to handle the legal intricacies or deal with the pushy insurance adjusters alone; Jeff’s got you.

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About the Author

JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.

Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.