Texas Bicycle Laws: What You Need To Know

Riding a bicycle can be a delightful experience. Whether a bicyclist is a recreational rider or someone who uses the cycle as their regular mode of transportation, it is essential to understand that bicyclists face more risks than others in or around the roadway. To mitigate the risks associated with riding a bicycle, both drivers and bicyclists must understand Texas bicycle laws and their application. Here, we want to review some of the fundamental Texas bicycle laws so you can remain safe on the roadway.

Texas Cycling Laws You Should Know

There is no doubt that bicycling can be dangerous, particularly because bicyclists often share the road with other vehicles, such as trucks and buses. However, it is essential to recognize that bicycles are typically regarded as vehicles under state law and should be treated with the same rights as other vehicles. Conversely, bicyclists are required to follow traffic laws when they are on the roadway. Some of the fundamental bicycle laws in Texas are as follows:

• Bicyclists should only ride on streets, roadways, bike paths, and other designated routes explicitly for bicycle use.

• Bicycles should not be ridden into bicycle racks. Instead, a bicyclist should dismount upon arrival and place their bike into an available space.

• Bicycles are considered vehicles, and the bicyclist must obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. This includes stopping at all stop signs and all red lights.

• Bicyclists may ride two-abreast on the roadway, but shall not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic.

• A person using a bicycle may not carry more passengers than the bike is designed for.

• Bicyclists may not carry any objects that prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.

• Bicyclists must extend their hands to perform arm signals regarding their intent to stop or turn.

• Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake capable of making the braked wheel skid on dry, clean, and level pavement.

• Bicycles can only be operated at nighttime if they are equipped with a headlamp that is visible from a distance of 500 feet in front of the bike and a rear red reflector or red lamp visible from a distance of 300 feet or 500 feet, respectively.

• A bicycle rider who is moving slower than other traffic on the roadway should ride as near as possible to the right curb or right edge of the roadway.

Under the following circumstances, bicyclists are allowed to take the full lane of travel:

• When the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction.

• What the person is preparing to make a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway.

• When there are unsafe conditions on the roadway that prohibit riding safely near the right side of the road.

• When the lane is substandard in width, it makes it unsafe for a bicyclist and a motor vehicle to travel side by side.

While Texas does not have a statewide helmet law requirement for bicyclists, all bicycle riders, including electric bicycle riders, are strongly encouraged to wear helmets to protect themselves from open head wounds and traumatic brain injuries.

Texas Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 2,547 bicycle crashes were reported during the latest available year. Out of these incidents, there were:

• 16 fatalities

• 312 suspected serious injuries

• 1,102 non-incapacitating injuries

• 878 possible injuries

When looking at this data, it is clearly evident that bicycle operators have a high probability of being injured in the event a collision occurs with another passenger vehicle on the roadway. By following the laws mentioned above, both drivers and bicycle riders will take steps to mitigate risks and stay safe on the roadway.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident?

Car accidents can cause severe emotional and financial disruption to your life or the lives of loved ones. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes after a car accident that can worsen their situation. Our blog will help you identify some common mistakes. Some of the most common car accident mistakes include:

1. Not understanding your auto insurance policy. The first common mistake occurs before an accident. Nonetheless, it is a mistake that must be covered. You should understand who and what is covered on your auto insurance policy. Do you have PIP and UM/UIM coverage? These are essential factors to determine before you are ever involved in an accident.

2. Failing to seek medical attention. We recently published a blog that discussed delayed injuries after a wreck. Some life-threatening or disabling injuries may not show symptoms right away. You should seek medical attention after an accident to protect your health, but also to establish a record of any injuries you or other passengers sustained.

3. Talking about your case. You should avoid discussing your case on social media or with insurance adjusters working for the other parties involved in the wreck. In fact, you may seriously limit your options for compensation if you make this mistake.

4. Not taking photographs or collecting other evidence. We understand that there are cases where you will be unable to take photos of an accident scene. If you are able and it is safe to do so, photographs could help your case. You could also help your case by writing down the names and contact information of any witnesses.

5. Settling right away. Taking the first settlement offer can be a significant mistake. Remember, insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They are in this business to make a profit, not to ensure that you are well compensated.

6. Admitting fault. Saying “I’m sorry” after an accident could cost you in the long run. Admitting fault after a car accident could jeopardize your ability to recover adequate compensation.

7. Failing to retain an attorney. It is very easy to make mistakes while seeking compensation from a car accident claim. An attorney could recognize these mistakes and help protect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries or loss.

Call Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers with Questions About Insurance

The Texas car accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC want to protect your rights. If you have questions about your insurance policy or what to do after an accident, then we are here to help. It costs nothing to speak with one of our attorneys.

Six Types of Truck Accidents That Occur in Texas

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) statistics show that truck accidents cause more than 3,000 deaths on US roads each year. Various types of truck accidents are responsible for deaths and injuries. This is true for truck accidents in Texas and across the US. Possible causes of truck accidents include:

1. Underride accidents: Underride accidents occur when smaller passenger vehicles are forced beneath the rear or sides of tractor-trailers. Vehicles can be sheared in half and their occupants may be decapitated.

2. Rollover accidents: Trucks can tip over and slam into other vehicles. Rollover accidents involving commercial trucks can occur for several reasons. For instance, cargo shifts can cause a truck to roll over while making a sharp turn. Taking sharp turns at high speeds could also cause this type of accident. Rollover accidents may happen during severe weather or when trucks slam into other objects.

3. Jackknifing accidents: These accidents may occur when truckers hit the brakes and their trailers shift outwards into an “L” or “V” shape. Slippery road conditions may cause jackknifing accidents.

4. Lost-load accidents: Motorists could be struck by objects while following trucks. There are a couple of reasons why lost load accidents can happen. One reason is that cargo may not be properly tied down. However, poor maintenance practices could also cause a lost load accident. Equipment from a truck could come loose and hit other drivers.

5. Tire blowouts: Poor maintenance practices or debris on the road can cause truck tires to blow out. Truckers may lose control and crash into other vehicles.

6. Head-on collisions: Truck drivers can slam head-on into smaller vehicles. The results are almost always devastating. Drowsy driving can cause this type of accident. Truckers may crash into other cars if they are impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Questions About Truck Accidents? Call Our Texas Truck Accident Lawyers

You should speak to an attorney right away if you or a loved one were harmed in one of the types of accidents described above. In some cases, truck accidents are caused by the negligent actions of commercial drivers, their employers, or auto parts manufacturers. You could speak with one of the Texas truck accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates LLC to determine whether you would be able to pursue compensation against one or more of these parties.

Should There Be a U.S. Ford Explorer Recall?

Do you own a Ford Explorer that was manufactured between 2011 and 2017? You should continue reading this blog. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received almost 1,400 reports of these vehicles leaking exhaust fumes into passenger cabins. Complaints suggest that vehicle owners are being exposed to carbon monoxide. There are also reports of crashes and injuries caused by this possible defect.NHTSA is investigating Ford Explorers affected by the issue, and a recall may be issued.

The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) has called on Ford to recall these vehicles before anyone is killed. Vehicle owners have reported experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning while driving. Symptoms reported by vehicle owners include drowsiness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. CAS said it has received reports of children suffering these symptoms and requiring emergency treatment.

In one case, a 70-year-old Explorer owner said he had to pull over and call an ambulance after becoming deathly ill while driving. In another incident, a Lafayette, Louisiana, family became very sick while making a trip to Dallas in their 2015 Ford Explorer. Complaints about the issue began with police utility vehicles, which are a modified version of the Ford Explorer. Police officers have reported crashing or almost crashing their cars due to symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Last year, seven officers with the Austin Police Department (APD) were reportedly exposed to carbon monoxide while using these vehicles. One APD officer became drowsy while driving and almost crashed into a bus. Another filed a lawsuit after suffering possible nerve damage due to carbon monoxide exposure.

What Do You Think About Ford Explorer Carbon Monoxide Leaks?

Ford claims its vehicles are safe. However, the recent increase in near-misses or accidents involving these vehicles suggests they may contain a deadly safety defect. Will Ford issue a recall before it’s too late? If you have read our prior blogs on auto recalls, then you may already realize that auto manufacturers sometimes conceal dangerous defects. If you have been injured due to a defective product, contact Mike Love & Associates, LLC today. We can help!

12th Annual Mike Love & Associates, L.L.C. Fireworks Extravaganza

Please join us at our annual fireworks show![video width="640" height="520" mp4="http://texaslawoffice.com/files/2017/06/promo-My-Promo-video-2.mp4"][/video]