As bicycling continues to be the fastest-growing mode of transportation in, more cities like McAllen are accommodating riders on their commutes. While bicyclists have the same rights as drivers in the state of Texas, they also have the same responsibilities. Whether you are enjoying a leisurely ride or you are commuting to and from work in rush hour, knowing the rules is necessary to stay safe on the road. Continue reading to stay informed with Laws for Bicyclists.
Laws for Bicyclists in Texas
Following these rules can help reduce your risk of being fined or worse, being involved in an accident:
- Travel in the same direction as traffic, never against it
- Obey traffic signs, including red lights and stop signs
- Observe others’ right-of-way
- Pay attention to lane markers
- When riding at night, use a light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the back of your bike
- Signal your turns: For a left turn, stretch your left arm out to the left. For a right turn, stretch your right arm out to the right. When stopping, hold your left arm downward.
General Bicycle Safety
While there is no Texas helmet law, some cities and counties do require cyclists to wear helmets. It is always best to wear a properly fitted helmet to reduce the chance of injury or even death in case of an accident. Always plan your trip ahead of time to avoid any dangerous roads, and check your tires and breaks before leaving the house. Ride as far to the right as you can, and be on the lookout for vehicles making right turns.
Riding at Night
Riding at night poses more risks for bicyclists, but you can take precautions to keep yourself safe when it is dark out. In addition to equipping your bike with a light on the front and either a red light or a red reflector on the back of your bike, you should wear bright colors or reflective clothing while riding at night. This will help drivers see you on the road and can prevent an accident. When possible, try to take a route that is well lit to assist in seeing potholes or other road hazards.
Tips for Drivers
When driving, be on the lookout for cyclists, especially at intersections. When you are passing a cyclist, be sure to give them plenty of room, and move to another lane when possible. As cycling becomes more common, it is important to familiarize yourself with cyclists’ hand signals so you will know when they are turning and stopping.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
