Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Protecting Cyclists After an Accident Changes Your Life
Settlements
The Ride Ends. The Injuries Often Don’t.
You survived the bicycle accident — but now you’re dealing with injuries, bike repairs, missed work, and constant insurance calls.
Most cyclists don’t contact a bicycle accident lawyer immediately. They reach out days or weeks later, when injuries persist, bills accumulate, or insurers pressure them into unfair settlements. If you’re here now, it’s because you want answers, protection, and justice — not regrets later. That’s why having the right lawyer matters most.
Message From Attorney Michael Bates
“I understand that being hurt in an accident or facing criminal charges can turn your life upside down. I know the stress, the uncertainty, and the fear of what comes next.
My job is to listen, guide, and fight for you. I treat every case as if it were my own — making sure your rights are protected, your voice is heard, and your case is handled with the seriousness it deserves. You didn’t ask for this situation, but together, we can take control and work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.”
Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle
At the Law Office of Michael Bates, our Houston bicycle accident lawyers represent cyclists injured due to another driver’s negligence. We handle cases that include:
Vehicle–Bicycle Collisions
Often occur on Westheimer Road or I-10 when cars fail to see cyclists, causing serious side-impact injuries.
Intersection Accidents
Happens on Richmond Avenue or FM 1960 when drivers run red lights or fail to yield, endangering cyclists.
Dooring Accidents
Common on Montrose Boulevard or Washington Avenue when parked vehicle doors open unexpectedly, striking passing cyclists.
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
Frequently on the Sam Houston Tollway or US-59, leaving cyclists with injuries while drivers flee, complicates claims.
Lane-Change & Blind Spot Collisions
Drivers on I-45 or Beltway 8 often change lanes without seeing cyclists, leading to serious crashes.
Road Hazard / Poor Surface Accidents
Accidents on West Loop 610 or FM 1960 caused by potholes, debris, or uneven pavement that throw cyclists off balance.
Rear-End Bicycle Accidents
Vehicles hitting cyclists from behind on US-290 or I-10, often due to tailgating or distracted driving.
Multi-Vehicle Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists caught in pile-ups on I-10 or Beltway 8 when multiple vehicles collide, creating complex liability issues.
Distracted Driving Bicycle Accidents
Texting, GPS use, or other distractions on Westheimer Road or US-59 result in severe injuries to cyclists.
Speed-Related Bicycle Accidents
High-speed vehicles on I-10 or I-45 reduce reaction time and often cause catastrophic injuries to cyclists.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident
The steps you take can protect both your health and your legal claim:
Get Medical Care First
Even minor injuries can become serious later.
Document the Scene
Photos of the bike, road conditions, and any vehicle involved.
Report the Accident
Police reports often strengthen claims.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Let your Houston bicycle accident attorney handle communication.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Early
Evidence fades quickly; early action preserves your case.
It only takes 1 minute to see if you have a case — we’ll handle the rest.
When to Call a Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Most cyclists contact a lawyer when injuries don’t improve, blame shifts, or insurance offers seem unfair. At the Law Office of Michael Bates, we protect your rights, manage insurer pressure, and make sure your claim reflects the true impact of your bicycle accident, not just assumptions about riding.
What Is Bicycle Accident Law?
In Houston, bicycle accident claims follow Texas’s fault-based system, holding the at-fault driver responsible for medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Texas applies a modified comparative fault rule — recovery is barred if you are over 50% at fault. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, most claims must be filed within two years.
Houston also follows Texas helmet laws (§661.003): riders under 21 must wear helmets, while adults can ride without one only if they complete a DPS-approved safety course and carry qualifying medical insurance. Helmets significantly reduce head injuries and fatalities. Not wearing one may affect insurance arguments, but it does not prevent injured riders from pursuing full compensation for their damages.
How a Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps You
A bicycle accident attorney takes the stress off your shoulders and puts it where it belongs — on the insurance company. Your lawyer gathers evidence, documents injuries, calculates damages, negotiates with insurers, and prepares your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered. Having guidance early can prevent mistakes and maximize compensation.
Common Fault Scenarios in Bicycle Accident Cases
Understanding fault can determine the success of your claim:
Clear Negligence by Another Party
When a driver speeds, is distracted, or fails to yield, negligence is often clear. Injured cyclists in Houston can pursue full compensation under Texas law by proving duty, breach, causation, and damages. Claims must be filed within two years under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003 to protect your legal rights and secure maximum recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Shared Fault Bicycle Accidents
Insurance companies may claim that cyclists share fault to reduce payouts. Under Texas modified comparative fault rules, injured cyclists can recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault, although compensation is reduced proportionally. Acting promptly ensures evidence is preserved, fault is fairly assessed, and claims comply with the two-year filing deadline under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, protecting legal rights.
Multiple Liable Parties
Some bicycle accidents involve multiple responsible parties, including negligent drivers, vehicle owners, employers, or property managers responsible for unsafe conditions. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.013 allows liability to be apportioned among all responsible parties. Identifying every liable entity increases the potential compensation available for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering for injured cyclists.
Damages You May Recover After a Bicycle Accident
If you were injured, a Houston bicycle accident lawyer can help secure compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Covers emergency care, hospital visits, surgery, rehab, medication, and long-term treatment after bicycle crashes.
Lost Wages
Compensation for income lost during recovery, missed workdays, reduced hours, or future earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
Accounts for physical pain, emotional trauma, stress, and daily life limitations caused by bicycle accident injuries.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Provides damages when injuries permanently affect your ability to work, earn income, or advance in your career.
Wrongful Death
Financial support for families covering funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
Is Wearing a Helmet a Law For Bicycles
Texas law requires children under 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. While adults are not legally required to wear one, using a helmet is strongly recommended for safety. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and fatalities in crashes. Not wearing one can impact recovery or insurance claims after a bicycle accident, but it does not prevent you from seeking full compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose Our Law Office
Local Knowledge
Our lawyers in Houston are familiar with local courts, judges, and procedures, giving your case a strategic advantage.
Client-First Representation
You work directly with your attorney—not passed off to case managers.
Proven Results
Millions recovered for clients by our team of attorneys.
No Fee Unless We Win
We only get paid when you do.
The Personal Injury Process
Free Consultation
We listen to your story and review the facts of your case.
Investigation
Gathering evidence, witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony.
Negotiation
Aggressively pursuing full compensation from insurance companies.
Litigation
Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
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You’re Not Alone After an Accident
Reach us at [Your Phone Number] or submit the form for a free consultation. We’ll listen, support you, and fight to ensure your recovery and future are protected.
It only takes 1 minute to see if you have a case — we’ll handle the rest.
- Frequently asked question
Answers to your asked queries
Do I have a valid bicycle accident case?
If a driver or another party caused your injuries, you likely do. A free consultation can confirm liability and damages.
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
Depends on injury severity, medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term impact — not just bike repair costs.
How long will my case take?
Some settle in months; others require more time. Our focus is on fair compensation, not speed.
Will I have to go to court?
Many bicycle accident claims settle. Every case is prepared for trial if needed.
What does it cost to hire a bicycle accident attorney?
No upfront fees. You pay only if compensation is successfully recovered.