Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Austin

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.