Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Wichita Falls
Bicycle Accident Attorneys
A bicycle accident in Lubbock can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a fight against an insurance company. If a negligent driver hit you while cycling, Texas law lets you recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Malone Legal Group can help—call 806-642-6001 for a free consultation.
Cyclists have the same rights to Lubbock roads as drivers, but they have almost none of the protection. When a 4,000-pound vehicle collides with a person on a bicycle, the rider absorbs the full force of the impact. At Malone Legal Group, Matt and Valeri Malone handle bicycle accident claims as part of their broader personal injury practice, holding negligent drivers accountable and pursuing the full compensation injured cyclists deserve.
Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Dangerous
Unlike occupants of a car, a cyclist has no airbags, seatbelts, or steel frame to absorb a collision. Even a low-speed impact can throw a rider onto the pavement or into traffic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hundreds of cyclists are killed and tens of thousands injured nationwide each year, with most fatalities occurring in urban areas during evening hours.
Because these crashes so often involve a motor vehicle, bicycle accident claims overlap heavily with car accident and truck accident law. They also share much in common with pedestrian accident cases, where an unprotected person is struck by a vehicle.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lubbock
Most bicycle crashes are caused by driver negligence, not cyclist error. The most frequent causes we see include:
- Failure to yield at intersections, driveways, and turns
- Distracted driving, especially texting or phone use
- Unsafe passing that gives the cyclist too little space
- "Dooring" — opening a car door into the path of a rider
- Impaired or fatigued driving
- Speeding and reckless maneuvers
Texas law requires drivers to share the road. Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551, cyclists generally have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle operators, and many Texas cities have adopted safe-passing ordinances requiring drivers to leave a buffer when overtaking a bicycle.
Injured in a Bicycle Accident in West Texas? We can help
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because cyclists are so exposed, the injuries tend to be severe and long-lasting:
- Traumatic brain injuries, even when a helmet is worn
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and disfiguring scarring
- Internal organ damage
- Fatal injuries leading to a wrongful death claim
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that head injuries are the leading cause of death and serious injury in bicycle crashes, which is why proper helmet use and immediate medical evaluation are critical.
How Texas Fault Rules Affect Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault—but your compensation is reduced by your share of responsibility. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Insurance companies know this and routinely try to shift blame onto cyclists, arguing the rider "came out of nowhere" or ignored traffic laws. Building a strong, evidence-backed case is the most effective way to counter these tactics and protect your recovery.
Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
Injured cyclists in Texas may pursue both economic and non-economic damages, similar to other car accident compensation claims:
- Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage to your bicycle and gear
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
The steps you take in the first hours and days can make or break your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine—adrenaline masks serious injuries.
- Call the police and ensure an official crash report is filed.
- Document the scene with photos of the vehicle, your bike, the roadway, and your injuries.
- Get witness contact information.
- Do not admit fault or downplay your injuries to the driver or insurer.
- Contact a bicycle accident attorney before giving any recorded statement.
If negotiations with the insurer fail, your case may proceed to a lawsuit—a process similar to filing a car accident lawsuit in Texas.
Yes. Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551, a person operating a bicycle generally has the same rights and duties as the driver of a motor vehicle. Cyclists must follow traffic laws, and drivers must treat bicycles as legitimate roadway users. Many Texas cities also enforce safe-passing ordinances requiring extra space when overtaking riders.
Texas uses modified comparative negligence, so you can still recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault—though your award is reduced by your percentage of blame. Insurers often exaggerate cyclist fault to cut payouts. An attorney can gather evidence, reconstruct the crash, and counter these tactics to protect your recovery.
Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually bars your claim entirely. Exceptions exist—claims against government entities may require notice within months, and deadlines for minors are often delayed. Consulting an attorney promptly protects your legal rights.
Yes. Even careful, law-abiding cyclists face insurers determined to minimize payouts. Wearing a helmet does not prevent a company from blaming you for the crash. An experienced attorney levels the playing field by documenting liability, calculating full damages, and negotiating from strength—statistically helping injury victims recover more even after attorney fees.
Malone Legal Group works on a contingency fee, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless they recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of your recovery, and the firm advances case costs like expert and court fees. This arrangement removes financial risk and lets injured cyclists access quality representation regardless of their budget.
How Malone Legal Group
Can Help You With Your Bicycle Accident Case
Legal Expertise: Our knowledgeable attorneys understand the specific laws and regulations that pertain to bicycle accidents. They can navigate the complexities of liability, insurance coverage, and potential negligence on the part of the at-fault driver who caused the crash.
Investigation: Malone Legal Group will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and analyzing accident reports. This investigation can be crucial in establishing liability—especially when an insurer tries to shift blame onto the cyclist.
Negotiation Skills: At-fault drivers and their insurers often have teams of legal professionals working to minimize their liability. Our lawyers can negotiate with these parties on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Understanding Damages: Malone Legal Group can help you accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. This ensures that you pursue adequate compensation.
Court Representation: If negotiations fail, your attorney can represent you in court. We will build a strong case, present evidence, and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. Having a lawyer on your side allows you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal aspects.
