Fort Worth Bike Accident Lawyer | No Fee Unless We Win

If you were hit by a car, truck, or other vehicle while riding your bicycle in Fort Worth, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Fort Worth bike accident lawyer at Varghese Summersett can help you hold the negligent driver accountable and pursue the full value of your claim.

Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles often result in devastating injuries because cyclists have virtually no protection against the force of a collision. In fact, while cyclists and pedestrians account for only 4% of total crashes in Fort Worth, they represent 34% of all collisions resulting in death or serious injury. Whether you were struck in a crosswalk, doored by a parked car, or sideswiped on a busy Fort Worth street, our personal injury team is prepared to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.

Why Clients Trust Varghese Summersett With Bicycle Accident Cases

Our personal injury team brings decades of combined experience to every case we handle. Based in Fort Worth with additional offices in Dallas, Houston, and Southlake, our 70-member firm has the resources to take on insurance companies and corporate defendants. Our attorneys have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for clients injured in all types of vehicle accidents, including bicycle collisions.

What sets us apart is our background. Several of our attorneys are former prosecutors who understand how the other side builds cases. We use that knowledge to anticipate defense strategies and position your case for maximum recovery. Our team includes Board Certified specialists and attorneys who have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and other prestigious organizations for their work in personal injury litigation.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving real results for injured clients.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in Fort Worth and Tarrant County

Fort Worth and Tarrant County face significant bicycle safety challenges. Understanding the scope of this problem helps illustrate why experienced legal representation matters when you’ve been injured in a cycling accident.

Tarrant County: Among the Most Dangerous for Cyclists in Texas

Tarrant County consistently ranks among the top five most dangerous counties in Texas for bicycle crashes. Between 2010 and 2016, the county recorded 1,165 bicycle crashes and 21 fatalities. According to the People Powered Movement, over 600 bicyclists are injured or killed in crashes in Tarrant County every year.

For context, here’s how Tarrant County compares to other major Texas counties based on bicycle crash data:

• Harris County (Houston): 1,149 crashes, 46 fatalities
• Travis County (Austin): 1,112 crashes, 11 fatalities
• Dallas County: 681 crashes, 16 fatalities
• Bexar County (San Antonio): 595 crashes, 14 fatalities
• Tarrant County (Fort Worth): 459 crashes, 9 fatalities (2009-2014 data)

Fort Worth Crash Data (2019-2023)

Fort Worth’s Vision Zero Safety Action Plan analyzed crash data from 2019 to 2023, revealing troubling patterns. During this five-year period, the city experienced over 84,500 total crashes, with more than 2,731 resulting in serious injury or death.

The most alarming finding involves vulnerable road users like cyclists. While bicycle and pedestrian crashes account for only 4% of total crashes in Fort Worth, they represent 34% of all killed and serious injury (KSI) collisions. This means that when a cyclist is involved in a crash, the outcome is far more likely to be catastrophic.

In 2023, the nine-county TxDOT Fort Worth District recorded 627 crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists, resulting in 71 deaths and 146 serious injuries. Pedestrians and cyclists accounted for 21% of all traffic fatalities in the district that year.

High-Injury Corridors for Cyclists

Fort Worth has identified specific roadways where bicycle crashes are most concentrated. If you were injured on any of these corridors, you may have a particularly strong case:

• Sharondale Street (6th Avenue to James Avenue)
• West Seminary Drive (6th Avenue to Rector Avenue)
• Sycamore School Road (South Freeway to West Everman Parkway)

These corridors have been designated as part of Fort Worth’s High-Injury Network and are slated for roadway safety assessments and infrastructure improvements.

Statewide Context

Texas as a whole struggles with bicycle safety. From 2010 to 2016, the state recorded 16,807 crashes involving bicycles, resulting in 9,769 injuries and 362 fatalities. More recent data from 2018 shows 2,426 cyclist crashes and 621 deaths statewide. These numbers underscore the risks cyclists face every time they ride on Texas roads.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Fort Worth

Fort Worth’s Vision Zero analysis identified speeding and distracted driving as the top contributing factors to serious crashes. Fort Worth also has the highest proportion of commercial vehicle and large truck crashes (9%) among the six largest cities in Texas, creating unique dangers for cyclists given the size and weight differential between bicycles and commercial vehicles.

Many of the bicycle accidents our attorneys handle result from driver negligence, including:

Distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, scrolling through apps, or otherwise not paying attention to the road often fail to see cyclists until it’s too late. Even a few seconds of distraction at 35 mph covers more than 150 feet of roadway.

Speeding. Fort Worth’s crash data shows that speeding-related crashes tend to result in more severe outcomes. When a driver is traveling above the speed limit, they have less time to react to a cyclist and the collision force is dramatically higher.

Failure to yield. Texas Transportation Code § 545.151 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way in specific situations, including when turning left across oncoming traffic. Drivers who fail to yield at intersections are responsible for a significant percentage of bicycle accidents.

Dooring accidents. When a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, the result is often a violent collision. These accidents frequently occur on streets with parallel parking, such as in downtown Fort Worth or the Stockyards district.

Unsafe passing. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.053, drivers passing a bicycle must maintain a safe distance. Drivers who squeeze past cyclists without adequate clearance can clip handlebars, force cyclists off the road, or strike them directly.

Right-hook collisions. These happen when a driver passes a cyclist and then immediately turns right, cutting directly across the cyclist’s path. The cyclist has virtually no time to react.

Drunk or impaired driving. While Fort Worth’s crash analysis found that driving under the influence was not among the top crash contributing factors by volume, DUI crashes were far more likely to result in severe outcomes when they did occur. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to drunk driving accidents because they may not be visible to an impaired driver until impact.

Injuries Common in Fort Worth Bicycle Accidents

Because bicyclists lack the structural protection that motor vehicle occupants have, they often suffer serious or catastrophic injuries even in relatively low-speed collisions. Texas data reveals that 97% of people who die in bicycle accidents were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, underscoring both the severity of head injuries in these collisions and the life-saving importance of helmet use.

Our Fort Worth bike accident lawyers regularly represent clients who have suffered:

Traumatic brain injuries. Even when wearing a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions, skull fractures, and severe traumatic brain injuries that cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, or disability.

Spinal cord injuries. The impact of a collision can fracture vertebrae or damage the spinal cord itself, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often require lifelong medical care and assistance with daily activities.

Broken bones and fractures. Cyclists frequently suffer broken arms, legs, wrists, collarbones, ribs, and pelvises. Some fractures require surgical repair with plates, screws, or rods, followed by months of physical therapy.

Road rash and soft tissue injuries. Being thrown from a bicycle and sliding across pavement can cause severe abrasions that penetrate multiple layers of skin. Severe road rash can require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring.

Internal injuries. The blunt force trauma of a bicycle accident can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, which is why seeking medical attention after any accident is essential.

Where Bicycle Accidents Are Most Deadly

Understanding where crashes occur and where they’re most severe can help illustrate the risks you face as a cyclist. According to Texas crash data, two-thirds of bicycle crash injuries occur on city streets, which makes sense since cyclists spend most of their riding time on local roads.

However, the severity of crashes varies dramatically by road type. While city streets account for the majority of injuries, 33% of bicycle crash fatalities occur on U.S. and state highways, even though these roads represent only 15% of injuries. This means crashes on higher-speed roads are substantially more likely to be fatal.

Fort Worth’s road network data shows a similar pattern. On-system roads (maintained by TxDOT, typically higher-speed arterials and highways) account for 84% of vehicle miles traveled and roughly 53% of killed and serious injury crashes. Off-system roads (local streets) carry only 16% of traffic but account for 47% of KSI crashes, suggesting that local streets also present significant dangers despite lower speeds.

Compensation Available in Fort Worth Bicycle Accident Cases

Texas law allows injured cyclists to recover both economic and non-economic damages from negligent drivers. The specific compensation available depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the available insurance coverage.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover your actual financial losses, including:

• Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, and surgery
• Ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications and medical equipment
• Future medical expenses for permanent injuries
• Lost wages during your recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
• Bicycle repair or replacement costs
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that don’t have a specific dollar value but significantly affect your quality of life:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)

For more information about how damages work in Texas injury cases, see our guides to economic damages and non-economic damages.

How Fault Works in Texas Bicycle Accident Cases

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. This means you can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were found to be 20% at fault for not using a bike light at dusk, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. If you were found to be 51% or more at fault, you would recover nothing.

Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto injured cyclists, arguing that they were riding in the wrong lane, failed to signal, or were otherwise negligent. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and present evidence that accurately reflects what happened. We work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to establish exactly how the collision occurred and who was truly at fault.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Bicycle Accident?

While the driver who struck you is often the primary defendant, other parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances:

The driver’s employer. If the driver was working at the time of the accident (making deliveries, driving a company vehicle, etc.), their employer may be liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. This is particularly relevant in Fort Worth, which has the highest proportion of commercial vehicle crashes among Texas’s largest cities.

Vehicle owners. If the driver was operating someone else’s vehicle with permission, the vehicle owner’s insurance may provide coverage under Texas negligent entrustment laws.

Government entities. If a dangerous road condition contributed to your accident (a pothole, missing signage, or poorly designed intersection), the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining that road may be liable. Fort Worth’s Vision Zero initiative has identified numerous corridors requiring safety improvements, which may support claims involving infrastructure defects. Claims against government entities have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, making prompt legal action essential.

Product manufacturers. If a defective bicycle component, helmet, or vehicle part contributed to the accident or your injuries, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.

The Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Texas

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to recover any compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be.

Two years may seem like plenty of time, but building a strong case requires gathering evidence, obtaining medical records, consulting with experts, and negotiating with insurance companies. The sooner you contact a Fort Worth bike accident lawyer, the better positioned we will be to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation. For more details, read our guide on the statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Fort Worth

The steps you take immediately after a bicycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. If you are physically able, try to do the following:

Call 911. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to have police respond to the scene. The police report will document the accident and may include the officer’s observations about fault.

Seek medical attention. Go to John Peter Smith Hospital or another emergency room as soon as possible. Some injuries, particularly internal injuries and concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Medical records from the day of the accident create crucial documentation linking your injuries to the collision.

Document everything. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, your damaged bicycle, and any visible damage to the vehicle that hit you. Get contact information from any witnesses.

Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, sometimes even at the hospital. They may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize what the company pays. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney.

Contact a Fort Worth bike accident lawyer. The earlier you involve an attorney, the better. We can begin investigating immediately, preserve critical evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Bicycle Accident Claims

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their adjusters are trained to look for any reason to deny or undervalue claims. In bicycle accident cases, insurers commonly argue that the cyclist was at fault for riding in the road, that the injuries were pre-existing, or that the treatment was excessive or unnecessary.

Our attorneys know these tactics because we have seen them hundreds of times. We fight back by building comprehensive evidence packages that document liability and damages, retaining medical experts who can testify about the nature and extent of your injuries, and preparing every case as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to litigate, and they adjust their settlement offers accordingly.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire our firm to handle your Fort Worth bicycle accident case, you can expect:

A thorough investigation. We will gather police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any other evidence that can help establish what happened and who was at fault.

Aggressive negotiation. We will handle all communications with insurance companies and fight for a settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries. We do not recommend accepting lowball offers just to close a case quickly.

Trial-ready representation. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are not afraid to fight for our clients in front of a jury.

Clear communication. We will keep you informed about the status of your case and answer your questions promptly. You will never be left wondering what’s happening.

No fee unless we win. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you.

Local Resources

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Fort Worth, these local resources may be helpful:

• John Peter Smith Hospital – Fort Worth’s Level 1 trauma center
• Fort Worth Police Department – For obtaining accident reports
• Fort Worth Transportation & Public Works – For reporting road hazards

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Worth Bicycle Accidents

How dangerous is cycling in Fort Worth?

Cycling in Fort Worth carries significant risks. Tarrant County ranks among the top five most dangerous counties in Texas for bicycle crashes, with over 600 cyclists injured or killed each year. While bicycle and pedestrian crashes account for only 4% of total crashes in Fort Worth, they represent 34% of all collisions resulting in death or serious injury. This is why working with an experienced attorney is so important if you’ve been injured.

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, having experienced legal representation significantly increases your chances of recovering fair compensation. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize what they pay. A skilled bike accident lawyer levels the playing field and handles the complex legal and procedural requirements so you can focus on healing.

What if the driver who hit me didn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options. Your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that could apply to your bicycle accident. Our attorneys can review your policy and identify all potential sources of recovery.

How long will my bicycle accident case take?

The timeline depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, how long your medical treatment takes, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate in good faith. Some cases settle within months; others require litigation and may take a year or more. Our attorneys can give you a better estimate after reviewing the specifics of your case.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet when I was hit?

Texas does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets (though some cities have helmet laws for minors). Not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation. However, the insurance company may argue that your injuries would have been less severe if you had been wearing one. Texas data shows that 97% of people who die in bicycle accidents were not wearing helmets, so this is a common defense tactic. Our attorneys can address these arguments and fight to maximize your recovery.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.

Contact Our Fort Worth Bike Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love was injured in a bicycle accident in Fort Worth or anywhere in Tarrant County, don’t wait to get legal help. The evidence you need to prove your case can disappear quickly, and the statute of limitations is already running. Contact Varghese Summersett today for a free consultation. Call (817) 203-2220 to speak with an experienced Fort Worth bike accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.