Cyclists face the streets with no airbags, no steel frames, and no room for error. When a bicycle accident happens the consequences are often life-changing, but insurance companies often refuse to acknowledge this, opting to delay, undervalue or flat out deny valid claims.
That’s where Daly & Black, P.C. steps in. As a seasoned Houston bicycle accident lawyer, we don’t just file claims—we go head-to-head with the insurance companies trying to minimize the extent of your suffering. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, run off the road, or injured due to a road defect, we’re ready to fight for every dollar you’re owed.
Get in touch with Daly & Black to schedule a free consultation. We go ALL IN. ALL THE TIME for you and your family.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Houston
The moments after a bicycle accident are often a blur. You may be dealing with serious injuries, confusion over who was at fault, or uncertainty about how to cover your medical bills. In many cases, there is no immediate police report or clear insurance information, leaving injured cyclists in the dark.
Insurance companies often use this chaos to their advantage. They may reach out with a lowball offer or deny the claim entirely. Without legal support, it’s easy to miss critical deadlines or unknowingly say something that weakens your case. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly and follow these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get evaluated. Many injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
- Call Law Enforcement – A police report can serve as important evidence.
- Document Everything – Take photos of your bike, the scene, your injuries, and any damage to the other vehicle.
- Get Witness Information – Names, phone numbers, and statements from those who saw the accident can make or break a case.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone – They may record your statement or push for a quick settlement.
- Contact a Lawyer – The sooner you involve an attorney, the more protected your rights will be.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle crashes can cause devastating physical harm, even at low speeds. According to data from the CDC and CPSC, some of the most common injuries include:
Spinal Cord Injuries
The Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, asserts that cycling is the leading cause of sports-related traumatic spinal injuries, accounting for 81% of such cases. Additionally, 13% of these cycling-related spinal injuries involve spinal cord damage, which can result in long-term impairment including partial or full paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical intervention and long-term care.
Fractures and Broken Bones
According to the CPSC’s 2023 report on OHV and bike-related trauma, fractures—particularly to arms, wrists, collarbones, and hips—are frequently treated in emergency departments.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, torn ligaments, and muscle injuries are often reported and can lead to chronic pain or limited mobility, especially when not properly treated.
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the most frequently reported and most serious injuries in bicycle accidents, especially those involving cars. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bicycling leads to the highest number of sport- and recreation-related emergency department visits for TBIs in the United States.
From 2009 to 2018, an estimated 596,972 emergency department visits were related to bicycle-related TBIs. The CDC also reports that head injuries account for 62% of bicycle-related deaths and 33% of emergency department visits.
Even with a helmet, cyclists remain vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries—especially in collisions with motor vehicles. These injuries can have lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional impacts, making early diagnosis and legal representation critical.
How to Claim Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, you must act within a limited window. Texas law sets the statute of limitations for personal injury claims at two years from the date of the accident (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003). Failing to file within this period may permanently bar your claim.
If You Were the Only Party Involved in the Accident
Solo bicycle accidents caused by poor road conditions, unexpected obstacles, or evasive action can still warrant compensation. In such cases, your own auto insurance policy may provide coverage through:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses and lost income regardless of fault.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Offers reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical costs.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Applies when a phantom driver (e.g., hit-and-run) may have caused your crash, or no other party can be identified.
You should notify your insurer as soon as possible, gather all related medical documentation, and avoid accepting any quick settlements before fully understanding your policy entitlements. The Texas Department of Insurance provides guidance on the first-party claims process.
If Another Motorist Was Involved or It Was a Hit and Run
If your crash involved a motor vehicle, whether a known driver or a hit-and-run, you may be able to file a claim through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or your own UM/UIM coverage. In these cases:
- Liability Insurance: If the motorist is identified and found at fault, their policy should pay for your damages.
- UM/UIM: If the driver fled the scene or lacks sufficient insurance, your own policy may step in.
- Preserve Evidence: File a police report immediately, and document the scene and any damage.
Working with a lawyer can be especially valuable here, as these cases often require extensive negotiation or litigation to recover full compensation.
A qualified attorney can handle communication with the insurer, calculate the full value of your claim, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
How Much Compensation for a Cycling Accident?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, and whether the other party was clearly at fault.
In Texas, compensation is also influenced by the state’s modified comparative fault rule—known as proportionate responsibility. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, you can recover damages only if you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident.
However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
What damages may be claimed?
- Medical bills – Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost income – Time off work now and in the future
- Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional trauma
- Property damage – The cost to repair or replace your bike and gear
The best way to maximize your compensation is to work with a lawyer who knows how to value your case and back it with strong evidence.
Why Choose Daly & Black as Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
When insurance companies try to shortchange injured cyclists, Daly & Black fights back. We’re not a volume firm looking to settle quickly—we’re a trial-ready law firm known for litigating complex claims and forcing full payouts.
Our team has earned recognition from Super Lawyers and accolades such as Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year because we don’t fold under pressure. We’re built for battle, and we prepare every case like it’s going to court.
Daly & Black is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for you and your family.
FAQ
How much compensation for a cycling accident?
Compensation varies depending on the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, time missed from work, and other losses. A lawyer can help evaluate the full value of your claim and negotiate with insurers or pursue litigation when necessary.
What is the most common injury in a bike accident?
Head injuries are the most common and most serious, especially in crashes involving cars. Even with a helmet, cyclists remain vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries.
What happens after a bike accident?
You may need medical care, legal advice, and support dealing with insurance adjusters. The key is to act quickly—document the scene, contact police, and get legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you were injured in a crash, a Houston bicycle accident lawyer at Daly & Black can help you navigate the claims process, deal with insurers, and pursue every dollar you are owed under your policy.Call us today or schedule your free consultation online.