The Gutierrez Law Firm helps accident victims in Houston. Our lawyers know how serious a bicycle accident can be, especially when you look at the statistics. With so many bike accidents happening, it’s crucial to know your legal choices. If you or someone you know has been injured in a bike accident in Houston or the nearby area, contact us today for a free consultation.
How Many Bicycle Accidents Are There in Houston Compared to Other Accidents?
Being that Houston is one of Texas’ most populated areas, it’s not really all that surprising that there are numerous accidents per year. In fact, according to the 2022 Houston Vision Zero Annual Report, there were 1,592 accidents of various types between:
- Motor vehicle accidents – 1,149
- Pedestrian accidents – 245
- Bicycle accidents – 32
- Motorcycle and other accidents – 165
Given that these accidents leave you and others in Houston with serious injuries, it’s unfortunate that so many are involved. As it relates to bicycle accidents though, injuries are almost guaranteed. When the accident happens because of someone’s negligence, it gives you legal rights.
Generally, the more seriously injured you are, the more support you’ll need. Our team will explain your options, investigate the accident, assess your damages, and guide you through the process. Plus, we work on a contingency-fee basis, so there’s no upfront cost.
How Many People Get Hurt in Houston Bicycle Accidents?
Even though Houston is more of an urban layout, there’s still a variety of opportunities to get out and ride your bike. According to Vision Zero, 2022 saw 32 bicycle accidents that resulted in serious injuries.
These numbers line up with recent years, at least according to the data provided by Vision Zero:
- 2018 – 46 injuries
- 2019 – 45 injuries
- 2020 – 27 injuries
- 2021 – 47 injuries
- 2022 – 32 injuries
As the data shows, injuries are pretty much guaranteed in a bicycle accident. This doesn’t have a lot to do with your actions while on your bike, although that can also factor in. Rather, the reality is that you have very little protection against moving cars and other things that frequently lead to bicycle accidents in Houston, like:
- Drivers failing to yield, especially at intersections
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or failing to check blind spots
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence
- Dooring accidents, where a person opens their car door into your path
- Potholes and other poor road conditions
All of these things lead to bicycle accidents, particularly in the city’s more crowded areas like Washington Avenue or Westheimer Road. But it’s important to remember that any bicycle accident carries not just injury risk, but worse, the risk of fatality.
How Common Are Fatal Bicycle Accidents In Houston?
Not surprisingly, the seriousness of a bicycle accident has a lot to do with the level of injuries you go through. Not only does Vision Zero give us the total number of bicycle accidents in Houston, but also the number of fatal accidents over a five year period:
- 2018 – 9
- 2019 – 16
- 2020 – 12
- 2021 – 12
- 2022 – 11
While this shows the number of fatal bicycle accidents, it doesn’t really get into why these accidents are fatal. At the same time, given the nature of most bicycle accidents, fatal injuries are not all that difficult to understand. Basically, the injuries you suffer in a bicycle accident are such that they can rise to the level of fatal. Typically, this involves:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Blunt force trauma, especially to your chest
- Fractures and broken bones
- Severe cuts and blood loss
A fatal accident is the worst possible outcome of a bicycle accident in Houston. That said, while bike accidents are fairly common, they’re more common in certain areas of the city.
Where Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Houston?
It’s true that any bicycle accident carries the risk of injuries in Houston. However, the fact remains that certain parts of the road in Houston are more likely to see a bike accident. Vision Zero data found that, of the 37 total bicycle accidents in 2023, the breakdown of the road type was:
- City street – 31
- Interstate – 2
- Highway – 3
- Toll road – 1
Obviously, most bike accidents happened on city streets in Houston. This isn’t all that surprising given that this is where the vast majority of bike traffic happens. Although there’s lower speeds on city streets, the increased traffic and interaction with larger cars and other vehicles is naturally going to lead to more accidents.
Get Legal Help From The Gutierrez Law Firm After a Houston Bicycle Accident
Every bicycle accident is different, and what you can recover from the at-fault party depends on the specifics of your case. That said, there’s certain “damages” that are generally available when you file an injury claim:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Physical therapy expenses
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Repair/replacement costs for your bike or other damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death expenses, if the accident is fatal
Recovering from a bicycle accident in Houston can be tough, but at the Gutierrez Law Firm, we’re here to help. We help with your claim and any health problems you might have. Our goal is to get you the financial support you need to get better. Contact us for a free consultation today.
