If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, get in touch with our bicycle accident lawyers in Austin, Texas, as soon as possible. Our team at Cofer & Connelly, PLLC is here to walk you through every part of your claim in pursuit of the compensation you deserve. We have successfully handled more than 18,000 cases and know what it takes to win when insurance companies refuse to help. After a serious injury, turn to serious legal counsel like ours.
Contact us online or via phone today at (512) 991-0576 to get information about starting a bicycle accident claim.
Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Take On
Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, resulting in an even larger variety of injuries, losses, and liabilities. No matter what type of bicycle accident you were in, if someone else caused it, Cofer & Connelly, PLLC can help you. We have ample experience and resources to put to good use to take on even the toughest of cases, like those that seem like a trial will be the only possible way to reach a conclusion.
We can work on cases involving bicycle accidents caused by:
Unsafe lane changes
Left-turn accidents (turning in front of an approaching bicyclist)
Drunk driving
Distracted driving
Failure to check blind spots
Right-of-way refusal
Speeding
Rear-end collisions
Dooring Accident Cases
A "dooring" accident occurs when a motorist opens their vehicle door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist, often without checking for approaching cyclists in their side or rearview mirrors. This sudden obstruction leaves the cyclist with little to no time to react, leading to violent collisions or forcing them to swerve into traffic, increasing the risk of further injury. Dooring accidents are particularly common in urban areas with high vehicle and bicycle traffic, where parked cars line busy streets. For cyclists, the consequences can be dire, including physical injuries, property damage, and emotional distress.
High-Risk Areas for Bicycle Accidents in Austin, TX
At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we are proud to have Austin locals on our team who genuinely care about our communities and the people who make them so amazing. Our team knows this city, its streets, and its bike paths in-depth. For bicyclists who have been involved in accidents, this local knowledge can prove incredibly helpful while preparing a case. We understand which intersections see the most traffic, where bike lanes are poorly maintained, and which areas pose the highest risks for cyclists, often due to driver mistakes common in the area.
For example, some high-risk areas for bicycle accidents in Austin that we’ve noticed throughout the years as local injury attorneys include:
South Congress Avenue (South of Riverside Drive): This vibrant area is packed with shops, diners, and pedestrians. The busy traffic and limited space for bicyclists can make it a dangerous zone for cyclists, though.
Guadalupe Street (near the University of Texas campus): With a mix of cars, buses, and university students walking and biking, this area often becomes chaotic, making it a notable hotspot for accidents.
East Riverside Drive (near Pleasant Valley Road): This intersection sees heavy car traffic that creates risks for cyclists trying to commute or cross the roadway.
North Lamar Boulevard (around Koenig Lane/West 2222): Although there is a dedicated bike lane on this stretch of road, fast-moving traffic still makes it particularly hazardous for cyclists.
South 1st Street (from Barton Springs Road to Oltorf Street): This road has inconsistent bike lane markings and can experience heavy traffic, creating danger zones for those riding bikes.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (at the entrance to Longhorn Dam): While the trail itself is popular and generally safe, congestion around Longhorn Dam often leads to conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians.
Cesar Chavez Street (between Congress Avenue and I-35): This urban corridor is a main artery for both vehicles and cyclists, but its lack of dedicated bike lanes in certain sections heightens the chances of accidents. Many cyclists in the area take to the sidewalk to stay away from vehicles, but this can put them at risk of dooring accidents caused by pedestrians leaving storefronts and other buildings.
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (near Interstate 35): Close to busy freeway entrances, this area sees a high volume of traffic and lacks sufficient infrastructure for safe cycling.
Austin is a city that encourages active lifestyles, but it’s clear there are improvements needed to ensure cyclists' safety. If you’ve experienced a bicycle accident in the areas listed above or elsewhere in Austin, remember that Cofer & Connelly, PLLC is here to help you explore your legal options. Combining our local insight with legal experience, we can work tirelessly to pursue the compensation and results you deserve. After all, we’re more than just attorneys—we’re locals who care deeply about the Austin community and its people.
Injuries Suffered by Cyclists in Accidents
Cyclists are far more vulnerable in accidents involving vehicles because they lack the physical protection that motorists have. While drivers are shielded by their vehicle's frame, airbags, and seatbelts, cyclists are exposed, with only their helmets and clothing for protection. The impact of a vehicle, even at relatively low speeds, can be devastating for a cyclist due to the significant difference in weight and force between a bicycle and a car. This disparity often leaves cyclists bearing the brunt of the injuries in a collision.
Life-changing injuries often suffered by cyclists who are hit by negligent drivers include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, cyclists can experience severe head trauma that leads to cognitive impairments or long-term disabilities.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, profoundly affecting quality of life.
Broken bones: Fractures, especially to the arms, legs, and ribs, are common due to the cyclist being thrown from their bike.
Internal injuries: The impact can cause damage to internal organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen, which may require emergency surgery.
Severe skin abrasions (road rash): Being dragged or thrown onto rough pavement can result in painful, deep abrasions that may lead to infection or permanent scarring.
Call us now at (512) 991-0576 or contact us online to learn how our bicycle accident lawyers in Austin can protect your rights.
Fighting for Full Compensation in Your Name
When a cyclist is injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, they may be entitled to pursue various types of compensation through a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney from our firm can help identify the damages you have experienced and then calculate their total value.
The following categories of damages are commonly cited in bicycle accident claims:
Medical expenses: Cyclists can seek compensation for all medical costs related to their injuries, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment needed as a result of the accident.
Lost wages and earning capacity: If the injuries prevent the cyclist from working, they can pursue recovery for lost income. Additionally, if the injuries result in long-term impairment or disability, they can seek compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: This category compensates the injured cyclist for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath. This can include anxiety, depression, or trauma stemming from the incident.
Property damage: If the accident caused damage to the cyclist’s bicycle, helmet, or other personal belongings, they can recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Disability or disfigurement: If the accident leads to a permanent disability or visible scarring, the cyclist can seek damages to account for the long-lasting impact on their life and self-esteem.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Injuries that prevent the cyclist from engaging in hobbies, exercise, or other activities they previously enjoyed may qualify for additional compensation under this category.
Punitive damages: In rare cases, if the at-fault party acted recklessly or maliciously, the cyclist might be able to demand punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
An attorney’s guidance is important to assess the full extent of the damages, gather evidence to support the claim, and attempt to negotiate with insurance companies or opposing parties to maximize compensation. If you want full compensation but not the full stress of pursuing it, put us in charge of your case.
Call Us for Dedicated Legal Representation
At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a bicycle accident. Take legal action to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve—and let us help. Our Austin bicycle accident attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, providing personalized attention and tireless counsel to help you rebuild your life after a devastating accident.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents? Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but most are caused by driver negligence. Common causes include distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, running red lights or stop signs, and improper lane changes. Bicyclists also face risks from hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, poor lighting, and lack of bike lanes. Additionally, "dooring" accidents, where a motorist opens their car door into a cyclist’s path, are a frequent danger on streets with parked cars.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident? Your safety is the top priority after a bicycle accident. Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Document the scene by taking photos of your injuries, bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any road conditions that contributed to the crash. Exchange information with the driver, including their name, contact details, and insurance information. Collect contact information for witnesses, if any, and file an official police report. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Finally, consult an experienced attorney to protect your rights and help you with your claim.
How is liability determined in a bicycle accident? Liability in a bicycle accident is typically determined by assessing who acted negligently or failed to follow traffic laws. Police reports, witness statements, and evidence like traffic camera footage and photos of the scene can help establish fault. For example, if a driver failed to yield at an intersection or was texting while driving, they might be found liable. It’s also important to note that cyclists are expected to follow traffic laws, and any evidence of cyclist negligence could affect liability. An attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident and gather the necessary evidence to establish fault.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault? Yes, in Texas, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault under the state's comparative negligence laws. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident and your damages total $50,000, you would be eligible to recover $40,000. If you are determined to be more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
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At Cofer & Connelly, we believe every client deserves more—more experience, more strategy, and more dedication. With former prosecutors, award-winning attorneys, and over 200 years of combined experience, we anticipate challenges and fight for the best outcome. No matter the case, we don’t settle—we do more.
