Houston, TX Bike Accident Lawyer

Hurt in a Bicycle Accident? We Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Protecting Cyclists Hit by Cars in Montrose, Midtown, The Heights, Allen Parkway, and Throughout Houston

Being involved in a bicycle accident in Houston can be a life-altering experience. One moment you’re pedaling along Houston’s busy streets or neighborhood roads, and the next you could be facing serious injuries due to a collision with a motor vehicle. If you or a loved one were hurt while cycling – whether on a Downtown street, in Midtown traffic, or along a neighborhood road in Montrose or The Heights – you may be overwhelmed, in pain, and unsure of what to do next. At Adley Law Firm, we understand the challenges you’re facing. Our compassionate team is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to recover.

Houston is a sprawling city known for heavy car traffic and a growing cycling community. Unfortunately, the city’s infrastructure and driver awareness haven’t fully caught up with the needs of cyclists. Harris County consistently has one of the highest rates of bicycle accidents in Texas. In fact, state data from TxDOT shows that bicyclist fatalities in Texas have risen sharply in recent years. Houston saw a particularly alarming increase – in 2023, there were 365 crashes involving vehicles and bicycles in the city (up 21% from the year before), including 16 cyclist fatalities^*. These sobering statistics underscore how important it is for injured cyclists to know their rights and have strong legal representation. You don’t have to go through this alone.

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Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Houston
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
Houston & Texas Bicycle Laws
Compensation and Legal Options
Houston Bicycle Accident FAQs

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Houston

Houston’s roads can be dangerous for cyclists due to a combination of heavy traffic, high speeds, and sometimes inadequate cycling infrastructure. Bicycle crashes can happen anywhere in the Greater Houston area – from busy urban intersections to quieter neighborhood streets – whenever drivers fail to share the road responsibly. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Houston include:

Driver Distraction or Inattention: Distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions. A driver looking at a phone or GPS can easily overlook a cyclist. On congested roads like Westheimer Road, Kirby Drive, or I-45 frontage roads, an inattentive driver can drift into bike lanes or fail to see a bicycle stopped at a light.
Failure to Yield at Intersections: Intersections are especially dangerous for cyclists. Cars making left or right turns may fail to yield to bicycles going straight. Busy crossroads (for example, along Westheimer at Post Oak near the Galleria, or intersections in Downtown and Midtown) often see drivers turning without checking for bikes in the crosswalk or bike lane.
“Dooring” Accidents: In areas like Downtown, Montrose, or the Heights where street parking is common, cyclists risk being hit by car doors. A parked driver who opens their door without looking can suddenly block a cyclist’s path, causing a serious crash. This type of accident, known as “dooring,” is a frequent hazard on city streets like West Gray or Westheimer in dense neighborhoods.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: High-speed roads through Houston (such as FM 1960 on the north side, or Memorial Drive through Memorial Park) leave little margin for error. When drivers exceed speed limits or drive aggressively, they have less time to react to cyclists. A car going 45+ mph on a city street can cause catastrophic injuries if it collides with a person on a bike.
Driving Under the Influence: Drunk or impaired drivers pose a major danger to bicyclists, especially at night. Texas consistently has a high rate of DWI-related crashes, and Houston is no exception. About one-quarter of traffic fatalities involving cyclists or pedestrians involve alcohol use by the driver and/or cyclist. An intoxicated driver might swerve into bike lanes or blow through red lights, with deadly consequences.
Poor Road Conditions or Lack of Bike Lanes: Some parts of Houston lack dedicated bike lanes or have poorly maintained roads. Potholes, debris, or poor lighting can force cyclists into the main roadway unexpectedly. In suburban areas or older parts of the city without bike infrastructure, cyclists must share lanes with fast-moving vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions.

As you can see, many bicycle accidents are preventable and stem from driver negligence or unsafe conditions. When motorists fail to pay attention, break traffic laws, or simply don’t respect a cyclist’s right to the road, the results can be devastating. No matter the cause of your accident, if a driver’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike in Houston, it’s important to take certain steps right away (if you are physically able) to protect your health and your legal rights. The moments following an accident can be chaotic and scary, but what you do can significantly impact any future claim. Here are the steps you should follow after a bicycle accident:

Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel “okay,” get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of serious injuries like concussions or internal trauma. Having an official medical record right after the crash not only ensures you get treatment, but also provides documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
Contact the Police and File a Report: In Houston, an officer from HPD (Houston Police Department) or local law enforcement should come to the scene to make an accident report. This report will record important details about the crash, including the driver’s information and any witness statements. Always try to get the responding officer’s name and incident number. The police report will be a key piece of evidence when you file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Gather Information at the Scene: If you are able, collect as much information as possible. Get the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information. Also, try to get names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses who saw what happened – for example, other cyclists, pedestrians, or nearby residents. If you’re in a well-known accident-prone spot (like an intersection in the Museum District or a crosswalk near the University of Houston campus), there might be surveillance cameras; note any nearby businesses or traffic cams that could have footage.
Document the Scene and Your Bicycle: Use your phone to take photos or video of the accident scene. Include pictures of your damaged bicycle, the vehicle that hit you (including its position, damage, and license plate), any visible injuries you have, skid marks on the road, traffic signs or signals, and the overall scene from multiple angles. Houston’s roadways can be complex (e.g., multiple lanes, bike lane markings, etc.), so visual evidence can later help accident reconstruction experts understand exactly how the crash occurred.
Do Not Admit Fault or Discuss Details on Scene: While you should cooperate with police and exchange information, avoid apologizing or saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Even saying “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” to the driver could be used against you later. It’s best to stick to the facts when talking to the police. Likewise, don’t post about the accident on social media, as those statements could be misconstrued.
Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer Before Talking to Insurers: The at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to call you within days (or even hours) of the accident. It’s wise to speak with an experienced Houston bike accident attorney before giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offer from an insurer. Insurance adjusters might seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts. A lawyer will advise you on your rights and can handle communications with the insurance company to prevent you from saying something that hurts your case.

By following these steps, you will have covered the essentials: ensuring your well-being, creating an official record of the incident, preserving evidence, and positioning yourself to file a strong claim. The more documentation and proof you have of what happened, the better your chances of recovering fair compensation for your injuries. Remember, after a serious bike crash in Houston, it’s not just about healing physically – it’s also about protecting your financial future and holding the responsible party accountable.

Understanding Houston & Texas Bicycle Laws

Bicyclists in Houston and throughout Texas are protected by laws designed to promote safety and hold negligent drivers accountable. As an injured cyclist, it’s helpful to understand some key traffic laws and regulations that may apply to your case. Here are some important points about bicycle laws in Houston and Texas:

Bikes Are Considered Vehicles: Under Texas law, a bicycle rider generally has the same rights and duties as the driver of a car (Texas Transportation Code §551.101). This means cyclists must obey traffic signals, stop at red lights and stop signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, and use hand signals when turning or stopping. Just like motorists, bicyclists are expected to follow the rules of the road.
Right to the Road & Taking the Lane: Cyclists are allowed to ride on practically all Houston roads (except major highways) and can “take the lane” when it’s not safe to stay to the far right. Texas law requires cyclists to ride as close as practicable to the right curb if moving slower than traffic, but there are many exceptions – for example, when the lane is too narrow to share safely, when passing another vehicle, or when preparing to turn left. In other words, if a lane on Westheimer or Allen Parkway is too tight for a bike and a car side-by-side, the cyclist is permitted to use the full lane. Drivers need to respect this and not try to squeeze past dangerously.
Houston’s Safe Passing Ordinance: The City of Houston has a local Safe Passing law to protect “vulnerable road users” like bicyclists. Motorists must maintain a minimum safe distance when passing a person on a bike – at least 3 feet of clearance for a car or light truck, and at least 6 feet if driving a larger truck or commercial vehicle. This means drivers should change lanes if necessary to give cyclists ample space. Cutting it too close when overtaking a bicycle is not only dangerous, it’s against the law in Houston. Unfortunately, this ordinance isn’t always well-known or enforced, but it can be important in establishing a driver’s negligence if they passed you too closely.
Helmet Use: Texas does not have a statewide law requiring bicyclists to wear helmets. However, Houston city ordinance **does** require all cyclists under 18 years of age to wear a helmet while riding. Adults 18 and over are not legally required to wear a helmet in Houston, but wearing one is strongly recommended. Helmets save lives by preventing or reducing the severity of head injuries. If you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, you should still speak with a lawyer – lack of a helmet does not prohibit you from recovering damages (especially for injuries unrelated to your head), though the insurance company might try to argue it contributed to any head injury you suffered. Our attorneys are experienced in countering such arguments.
Liability and Comparative Fault: Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (also known as the 51% Bar Rule). This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. However, any share of fault attributed to you will reduce your compensation. For example, if a jury finds the motorist 80% at fault and the cyclist 20% at fault (perhaps for not having a light at night or some other factor), the cyclist’s award would be reduced by 20%. If a cyclist is found 51% or more at fault, they would be barred from recovery. In bicycle accident cases, insurance companies sometimes try to blame the cyclist (claiming you “came out of nowhere” or weren’t visible, etc.). It’s our job as your attorneys to gather evidence to show the driver’s fault and protect you from unfair blame.
Statute of Limitations in Texas: Injured cyclists must be mindful of the legal deadline to take action. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within two years, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation altogether. (There are a few exceptions or special circumstances, such as claims involving a government entity which may have shorter notice requirements, but for most bike accident cases the 2-year limit applies.) Two years might seem like a long time, but important evidence can disappear quickly and witnesses can become hard to locate, so it’s wise to consult with a lawyer well before the deadline.

Understanding these laws can help you see how your case might be handled. For instance, if a driver violated a traffic law (like running a red light or failing to yield in a crosswalk) and hit you, that can be strong evidence of negligence. If the driver violated Houston’s safe passing ordinance, that too can support your claim. Our legal team will use police reports, witness statements, and even expert analysis to determine exactly how the law applies to your situation. We will also ensure that the insurance companies and courts understand the full extent of the driver’s negligence under Texas law.

Compensation and Legal Options After a Bike Accident

A bicycle accident can leave you with mounting medical bills, time missed from work, and immense pain and suffering. When your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for all of these losses. As your Houston bike accident attorneys, our job is to pursue a claim or lawsuit on your behalf to recover fair and full compensation. Here are the main types of damages (compensation) you may be entitled to in a bicycle injury case:

Medical Expenses: This includes all hospital and medical bills related to the accident, such as emergency room care, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, X-rays and MRIs, and rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, chiropractic care, etc.). It also covers future medical treatment you may need for long-term or permanent injuries. For example, if you suffered a serious spinal injury on a bike, you might require ongoing therapy or multiple surgeries – those anticipated costs should be included in your claim.
Lost Wages and Income: If your injuries force you to miss work, you can claim the income you lost during your recovery. This is not just limited to regular wages; it can include lost overtime, bonuses, or used sick days. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future (for instance, if you have a lasting disability or physical limitation), you may also claim “loss of earning capacity” for the income you will lose down the line.
Pain and Suffering: Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries – broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, road rash, etc. The physical pain, as well as the mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life that accompany such injuries, are all compensable under Texas law. While money can’t erase the trauma, it’s meant to acknowledge and provide some measure of relief for what you’ve endured. These non-economic damages are typically negotiated based on the severity and permanence of your injuries.
Bike and Property Damage: You can also recover the cost to repair or replace your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the crash (for example, a smashed smartphone, torn clothing, or a wrecked helmet). Bikes can be expensive, and a violent collision can easily total a high-end road bike or mountain bike. Make sure to keep receipts or quotes for repairs.
Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): If a loved one was tragically killed in a bicycle accident (a reality that unfortunately happens far too often on Houston roads), certain family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. This can seek damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, the deceased’s lost earnings to the family, and the emotional suffering caused by the untimely death. At Adley Law Firm, we handle these cases with utmost compassion and determination to get answers and justice for the grieving family.

After your accident, an insurance claim will usually be filed against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance (at least $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident), but hospital bills for a bicyclist hit by a car can easily exceed those limits. We will investigate all possible sources of recovery. In some cases, there may be multiple parties who share responsibility – for example, if a commercial vehicle hit you, the driver’s employer might be liable; or if a road hazard contributed to the crash, a construction company or municipality might be partially at fault.

How Our Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help: When you hire Adley Law Firm, we immediately begin building the strongest case possible. This involves conducting a thorough investigation of the accident. Our team will gather crucial evidence such as the police accident report, traffic camera footage or surveillance video (if available), photographs of the scene, and witness statements. We often work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other data to recreate how the collision occurred – this can be powerful evidence, especially if there is a dispute about fault.

We will also collect all documentation of your injuries and losses. This means obtaining your medical records, doctors’ reports, and bills to fully understand the extent of your injuries and treatment. In severe injury cases, we may consult medical experts to testify about your prognosis and future care needs. If you’re unable to work or have a long-term disability, we might bring in economists or vocational experts to calculate your future financial losses. By presenting a comprehensive picture of how the accident has impacted your life, we put pressure on the insurance company to pay what is owed.

Once we have built a solid claim file, we will aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies involved. It’s common for insurers to offer a quick, lowball settlement hoping you’ll take it and save them money. We caution you not to accept any offer until you have legal counsel – once you settle, you can’t go back for more if your injuries turn out to be worse than initially thought. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who know the tactics insurers use. We will fight to get a settlement that truly reflects your needs. If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and, if necessary, take your case to trial in a Harris County courtroom.

Throughout this process, our legal team will be by your side, handling the paperwork, legal deadlines, and tough conversations with adjusters, so you can focus on healing. We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to our clients – you will have an attorney who genuinely cares about your well-being and is available to answer your questions. In the aftermath of a traumatic bike accident, the last thing you need is the stress of dealing with insurance adjusters or worrying about how to pay your bills. Let us carry that burden for you.

No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency: The Adley Law Firm believes that finances should never stand in the way of justice for accident victims. That’s why we handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing out of pocket to hire us. Our firm only gets paid if and when we recover money for you, either through a settlement or a court judgment. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing in attorney’s fees. This contingency arrangement allows you to have top-quality legal representation without any financial risk. We also offer a **free consultation** to evaluate your case and explain your options, with no obligation.

Remember, the law is on your side when you are an innocent victim of a negligent driver. Our job is to make the law work for you by securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life. From day one, we will treat your case with the urgency and diligence it deserves. Our goal is not only to win your case, but also to help make Houston’s streets safer by holding careless drivers accountable. When negligent motorists face consequences, it sends a message that protecting cyclists matters in our community.

If you or a family member suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in the Houston area, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The sooner you have a dedicated bike accident lawyer advocating for you, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Evidence can fade quickly – let us preserve it and use it to fight for justice on your behalf.

Contact a Houston Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

After a serious bicycle accident, you need an attorney who understands Houston’s landscape, traffic patterns, and local laws – as well as the complexities of personal injury claims. The Adley Law Firm has been proudly representing accident victims in Houston and throughout Texas for years. We know the common tactics insurance companies use to try to reduce or deny bike accident claims, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. Our team is committed to treating every client with empathy, respect, and tireless advocacy.

Take the first step toward justice by contacting our Houston bike accident lawyers for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and outline a strategy to help you move forward. You can reach us at (713) 999-8669 to speak with an attorney about your case at no cost. We are also available through email or our website contact form if you prefer. And remember – you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we win for you. This contingency-fee promise means you have nothing to lose by getting legal help, and potentially everything to gain.

Recovering from a bicycle accident is not just about healing your injuries; it’s also about securing your future and holding wrongdoers accountable. Let Adley Law Firm fight for you while you focus on getting better. We are passionate about helping injured cyclists in our Houston community because we believe everyone deserves to feel safe on the road. When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Se habla español.

Houston Bicycle Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Houston?

After a bike accident in Houston, the first thing to do is ensure your safety and health. Call 911 if you or anyone else is injured. Get medical help right away – don’t dismiss any pain or assume you’re fine, because some injuries (like concussions or internal injuries) can appear later. Have the police come to document the accident and make an official report. While waiting for emergency responders, if you are able, gather information: the driver’s name, contact and insurance details, and contact info for any witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, your bike, and your injuries. It’s important to get a case number from the Houston police and later obtain a copy of the accident report. Once things have calmed down, consider contacting a Houston bike accident lawyer before speaking to insurance companies. An attorney can guide you on the next steps and help protect your rights from the very start.

What if the driver fled the scene (hit-and-run)?

Sadly, hit-and-run bicycle accidents are not uncommon in Houston. If a driver fled the scene after hitting you, you should still call the police immediately and get medical attention. Try to remember and record any details about the vehicle (make, model, color, partial license plate, etc.) and the direction it went. Witnesses are especially crucial in hit-and-run cases – see if any bystanders saw the crash or caught the license plate number. The Houston police will investigate the hit-and-run; sometimes there may be traffic camera footage or nearby surveillance video that can identify the vehicle. From a legal standpoint, you may have options to recover compensation even if the driver isn’t found. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy (or a family member’s policy you are covered under), you can often file a claim through that coverage for a hit-and-run accident. UM coverage in Texas typically covers hit-and-run situations as if the at-fault driver was uninsured. An experienced attorney can help you navigate your UM claim and negotiate with your insurer to make sure you are compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our firm can also assist the police investigation by pursuing any leads to identify the offender. It’s frustrating and angering when someone hits you and takes off, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone – we will do everything we can to help you find justice and financial recovery.

I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Can I still file a claim for my injuries?

Yes. Not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from filing a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident in Texas. There is no state law requiring adults to wear helmets, and while Houston requires helmets for cyclists under 18, failing to wear one is not considered wrongdoing on par with, say, running a red light. However, the insurance company might argue that your injuries (particularly head injuries) were more severe because you weren’t wearing a helmet. This is essentially a tactic to reduce what they have to pay. It’s important to note that under Texas’s comparative fault rules, the focus is on the cause of the accident itself. If the driver’s negligence caused the crash, that driver is liable for your injuries. The fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet generally does not cause the accident – it might impact the extent of injuries, but the driver doesn’t get to escape responsibility because of it. In some cases, a jury might consider whether not wearing a helmet constitutes a form of comparative negligence and could potentially reduce damages for head injury claims only. But a skilled attorney will counter these arguments by presenting medical evidence and possibly expert testimony to show the link between the driver’s actions and your injuries. Bottom line: You absolutely can pursue compensation for all your injuries (head and otherwise) even if you didn’t have a helmet on. We always encourage safe riding practices, including helmet use, but if you were injured by a careless driver, please don’t hesitate to seek legal help regardless of helmet use.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

It’s very important to be cautious with insurance settlement offers. After a bicycle accident, especially if the driver was clearly at fault, the driver’s insurance company may reach out to you quickly with a settlement. While it might be tempting to accept a quick check (particularly if you have medical bills piling up or you’re out of work), these early offers are often far too low. Insurance companies know that accident victims are vulnerable and might need money fast, so they try to settle claims before victims fully understand the extent of their injuries and rights. If an insurance adjuster offers you a settlement, it’s usually in your best interest to consult with a personal injury lawyer before accepting or signing anything. Once you accept an offer and sign a release, your claim is closed – even if you later discover your injuries are worse or you have additional expenses, you won’t be able to ask for more money. A Houston bike accident attorney can evaluate whether the offer is fair. In most cases, we find that initial offers don’t cover things like future medical treatment, physical therapy, lost future earnings, or pain and suffering. We can communicate with the insurer on your behalf and negotiate for a higher amount that truly reflects your damages. If the insurance company knows you have legal representation, they are likely to get more serious in negotiations. Remember, you don’t have to accept any offer – you have the right to seek full compensation, even if that means going to court. Our firm works on contingency, so there’s no upfront cost to having us review the offer and advise you. We want you to get what you deserve, not just what the insurance company is willing to cheaply pay to make the case go away.

How much does it cost to hire a Houston bicycle accident lawyer?

At Adley Law Firm, it costs you nothing upfront to hire a bicycle accident lawyer. We operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means our fee is “contingent” upon recovering money for you. You do not pay any hourly rates or retainer out of pocket. Instead, our law firm covers the costs of investigating the case, hiring experts (if needed), and negotiating with the insurance company. We only get paid a percentage of the settlement or judgment at the end of the case, and only if we win. If for some reason we are unable to recover compensation for your claim, you owe us no attorney’s fees at all. This contingency fee arrangement allows every injured person, regardless of financial status, to have high-quality legal representation. During your free consultation, we will explain our fee agreement in detail, so you know exactly how it works. There are no hidden fees or surprises. We believe that working on contingency aligns our interests with yours – we are motivated to get you the maximum compensation possible because our payment depends on it as well. Additionally, the initial case evaluation is free, so it doesn’t cost anything to speak with us about the specifics of your Houston bicycle accident and learn what your legal options are. We’re confident that once you talk to our team, you’ll see the value we can bring to your case. Se habla español – ofrecemos ayuda legal en su idioma.