Houston's bike infrastructure has grown rapidly — Heights Hike-and-Bike, the Bayou Greenways, the BCycle network — and so has cyclist exposure to negligent drivers. A cyclist struck by a car or truck almost always suffers far more severe injuries than the driver, and the carrier's first move is often to pin blame on the rider for "darting out" or "being where they shouldn't have been."
That's almost never the real story. Texas Transportation Code § 551.101 gives cyclists the rights and duties of a driver. Investigating the case from the cyclist's perspective — and presenting it that way — is core to how we work these claims.
Texas bicycle law in plain English
Common causes of Houston cycling crashes
- Right-hook collisions (driver turns right into cyclist)
- Left-cross collisions (driver turns across path of oncoming cyclist)
- Drivers opening doors into bike lanes ("dooring")
- Distracted driving
- Drivers failing to yield at intersections
- Drivers crowding the bike lane (unsafe passing)
- Drunk or impaired drivers
- Hit-and-run drivers
Common injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractures (collarbone, wrist, ribs, pelvis)
- Internal organ injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Dental and facial injuries
- PTSD and anxiety
- Permanent disfigurement
Compensation we pursue
- Past and future medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Bicycle and equipment replacement
- Punitive damages where appropriate
Frequently asked questions
Do bicycles have the same rights as cars on Texas roads?
Yes. Under Texas Transportation Code § 551.101, a person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle. Cyclists are entitled to the lane and must be treated as traffic by motorists.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Texas has no statewide adult bicycle helmet law. Some Houston-area municipalities have ordinances applying to minors. Helmet use generally cannot be used to reduce recovery when no statute required one.
The driver fled the scene. Can I still recover?
Often, yes. If you carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto policy, that coverage typically applies to hit-and-run bicycle injuries even though you weren't in a car. We'll review your declarations page during the free consultation.
How long do I have to file a Texas bicycle accident claim?
Two years from the date of the crash under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003. Claims involving minor cyclists have different tolling rules — see our Injuries to Children page.