San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyer Fighting for Injured Cyclists

Protecting the Rights of San Antonio Cyclists

Cycling in San Antonio offers tremendous benefits—exercise, environmental sustainability, reduced traffic congestion, and simply enjoying our city’s trails and streets. Unfortunately, San Antonio’s roads were designed primarily for motor vehicles, and cyclists face serious dangers every time they ride.

Texas recorded 105 bicyclist fatalities in 2023. Many more cyclists suffered serious injuries that changed their lives forever. When drivers fail to share the road safely, cyclists pay the price—often with catastrophic injuries because they lack the protection of a vehicle around them.

Harper Law Firm represents San Antonio cyclists injured by negligent drivers. We understand Texas bicycle laws, cyclist rights, and how to build compelling cases against drivers who fail to respect cyclists on our roads. When a distracted, careless, or aggressive driver causes your injuries, you deserve experienced legal representation that fights for maximum compensation.

Cyclists Have Equal Rights Under Texas Law

Many drivers don’t realize—or don’t care—that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists under Texas law. Bicycles are legally defined as vehicles, and cyclists are entitled to use public roadways.

Texas Transportation Code provisions protecting cyclists include:

• Right to the roadway: Cyclists may use any lane when necessary for safety, though they should ride as far right as practicable when moving slower than traffic
• Safe passing requirement: Drivers must pass cyclists with at least three feet of clearance
• Right-of-way protections: Cyclists have the same right-of-way rights as other vehicles at intersections
• Protection from harassment: It’s illegal to harass, threaten, or throw objects at cyclists

Despite these protections, drivers routinely violate cyclists’ rights—with devastating consequences.

True Litigation Firm Fighting for Cyclists

Insurance companies often try to blame cyclists for their own injuries, arguing they weren’t visible, shouldn’t have been in the roadway, or somehow contributed to the collision. Many law firms accept these arguments rather than fight.

Harper Law Firm operates differently. As a true litigation firm, we:

• Thoroughly investigate how the collision occurred
• Document driver negligence and traffic law violations
• Counter “blame the cyclist” defense tactics
• Retain accident reconstruction experts when needed
• Calculate full damages including long-term impacts
• Prepare every case for trial

When insurance companies refuse fair settlements, we’re prepared to fight in the courtroom for our cycling clients.

Common Causes of San Antonio Bicycle Accidents

Driver Failure to Yield

The most common cause of bicycle accidents is drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists. This occurs when:

• Drivers turn left in front of oncoming cyclists
• Drivers turn right across bike lanes or paths
• Drivers pull out from driveways or parking lots without looking for cyclists
• Drivers fail to yield at intersections

Distracted Driving

Drivers looking at phones, adjusting GPS, or otherwise distracted may not see cyclists until it’s too late. A momentary glance away from the road can be fatal for a cyclist.

Unsafe Passing

Texas requires drivers to pass cyclists with at least three feet of clearance. When drivers pass too closely—especially at high speeds—they can clip cyclists or force them off the road.

“Dooring” Accidents

When occupants of parked vehicles open doors into the path of approaching cyclists, the results can be catastrophic. Cyclists may collide with doors or swerve into traffic to avoid them.

Right Hook Accidents

A “right hook” occurs when a driver passes a cyclist and immediately turns right, cutting across the cyclist’s path. These accidents are particularly common at intersections and driveways.

Left Cross Accidents

Drivers turning left across traffic often fail to see oncoming cyclists, turning directly into their path. These head-on collisions cause severe injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

Drivers approaching cyclists from behind may not see them—especially in low-light conditions—and strike them from behind. These collisions often throw cyclists from their bikes.

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Some drivers view cyclists as obstacles rather than legitimate road users. Aggressive driving behaviors—tailgating, honking, close passes, and intentional intimidation—endanger cyclists.

Dangerous Roads for San Antonio Cyclists

Certain San Antonio roads present heightened dangers for cyclists:

Major Arterials Without Bike Lanes

Many of San Antonio’s major roads lack dedicated bicycle infrastructure, forcing cyclists to share lanes with fast-moving traffic:

• Bandera Road
• Culebra Road
• Fredericksburg Road
• Wurzbach Road
• Military Drive

High-Speed Corridors

Roads with higher speed limits give drivers less time to react to cyclists:

• Loop 1604 access roads
• Loop 410 access roads
• Highway 281 access roads
• I-10 access roads

Areas with Poor Visibility

Locations with curves, hills, or visual obstructions create hazards when drivers can’t see cyclists ahead:

• Hill Country roads northwest of San Antonio
• Winding roads through older neighborhoods
• Areas near construction zones

High-Traffic Tourist Areas

Areas with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic create conflict zones:

• Downtown and River Walk area
• The Pearl District
• Brackenridge Park vicinity
• Mission Trail corridor

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Because cyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, even relatively low-speed collisions cause severe injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries are among the most devastating bicycle accident consequences. Even cyclists wearing helmets can suffer:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries affecting cognitive function
• Subdural hematomas and brain bleeding

Helmets significantly reduce head injury risk but cannot prevent all brain injuries in serious collisions.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a collision can damage the spinal cord, causing:

• Partial paralysis (paraplegia or incomplete injuries)
• Complete paralysis (quadriplegia)
• Chronic pain and nerve damage
• Loss of bodily functions

Fractures

Cyclists frequently suffer broken bones when thrown from bikes or struck by vehicles:

• Clavicle (collarbone) fractures—extremely common in cycling accidents
• Wrist and arm fractures from bracing for impact
• Hip and pelvis fractures
• Leg and ankle fractures
• Rib fractures

Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Sliding across pavement causes severe abrasions that may:

• Require skin grafts
• Leave permanent scarring
• Become infected
• Cause long-term nerve damage

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma from collisions can damage internal organs:

• Spleen and liver lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Lung injuries
• Kidney damage

Facial Injuries

Cyclists often suffer facial trauma including:

• Broken jaw and facial bones
• Dental injuries
• Eye injuries
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Texas Bicycle Laws

Understanding Texas bicycle laws helps establish liability in accident cases:

Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities

• Cyclists must obey the same traffic laws as motorists
• Cyclists should ride as far right as practicable, with exceptions for safety
• Cyclists may use the full lane when necessary
• Cyclists must use hand signals for turns and stops
• At night, cyclists must have a front white light and rear red reflector

Driver Responsibilities Toward Cyclists

• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to cyclists as they would to other vehicles
• Drivers must pass cyclists with at least three feet of clearance
• Drivers may not harass or throw objects at cyclists
• Drivers must check for cyclists before opening vehicle doors

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. If a cyclist is found partially at fault—for example, for not using lights at night—their recovery is reduced by their fault percentage. If the cyclist is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

Economic Damages

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Surgical costs
• Ongoing medical treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages during recovery
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Bicycle replacement and damaged equipment
• Home modifications for disabilities

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life (including loss of ability to cycle)
• Loss of consortium

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

At the Scene

Move to safety if possible without aggravating injuries
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention
Do not admit fault or apologize
Get driver information including name, contact, insurance, and license plate
Document everything with photographs of the scene, vehicles, your bike, and injuries
Get witness information from anyone who saw the collision
Note road conditions including weather, visibility, and any hazards

After the Accident

Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor—adrenaline can mask serious injuries
Preserve your bicycle and equipment exactly as they were after the crash
Keep your damaged helmet as evidence
Follow all medical recommendations
Document your injuries with ongoing photographs
Track lost work and expenses
Contact Harper Law Firm before speaking with insurance adjusters

Evidence Preservation

Critical evidence in bicycle accident cases includes:

• Your damaged bicycle (do not repair it)
• Your helmet showing impact damage
• Damaged clothing and cycling gear
• Photographs of the scene and your injuries
• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Witness statements

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Texas doesn’t require adult cyclists to wear helmets, so not wearing one isn’t automatically negligence. However, defense attorneys may argue it contributed to head injuries. Helmet use doesn’t affect your right to compensation for other injuries.

What if the driver says they didn’t see me?

Drivers have a duty to watch for all road users, including cyclists. “I didn’t see them” is not a valid defense—it may actually demonstrate negligence if the driver wasn’t paying adequate attention.

Can I recover damages if I was riding on the sidewalk?

San Antonio generally permits sidewalk cycling except in business districts. Even if you were somewhere you shouldn’t have been, you may still recover damages if the driver was also negligent. Comparative fault rules apply.

What if the driver left the scene?

Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in cyclist collisions. You may recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We can also help investigate to identify the driver.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, evidence preservation requires acting much sooner. Contact an attorney promptly.

San Antonio Cycling Resources

San Antonio offers growing cycling infrastructure:

• Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System: Over 80 miles of paved trails
• Mission Trail: Connecting San Antonio Missions
• Leon Creek Greenway: Northwest Side trail system
• Salado Creek Greenway: East Side trail network
• San Antonio B-cycle: Bike share program

While these facilities improve cycling safety, many cyclists must still share roads with motor vehicles—where most serious accidents occur.

Contact San Antonio Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured while cycling in San Antonio, you need experienced attorneys who understand cyclist rights and will fight for maximum compensation against negligent drivers.

Harper Law Firm offers free, no-obligation consultations where we’ll:

• Review the circumstances of your accident
• Explain your legal rights under Texas law
• Discuss the driver’s negligence and liability
• Outline compensation available for your injuries
• Provide honest assessment of your case

Cyclists deserve safe roads and respect from drivers. When negligent drivers cause injuries, they must be held accountable. Contact Harper Law Firm today—your San Antonio bicycle accident lawyers are ready to fight for you.