Corpus Christi Teen Hospitalized Following Bicycle Accident
An 18-year-old bicyclist was hospitalized Thursday evening after he was struck by a vehicle near a Corpus Christi intersection.
Details of the Corpus Christi Bicycle Accident
According to KRIS-TV, the accident occurred near the intersection of Weber and Holly Road around 9:50 pm Thursday.
Police say the 18-year-old bicyclist was riding in the bike lane on Holly toward Weber when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. The teenager was transported to the hospital by medics.
The driver of the vehicle, 43, pulled into the parking lot of a nearby business and waiting at the scene. The accident remains under investigation, but police did say alcohol does not seem to be a factor in the accident.
What Are Some Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
When a bicycle accident does occur, it may not be immediately clear who is at fault. Below are a few common examples of bicycle accidents and who is typically at fault.
- A Car Pulls Out from a Side Street or Parking Lot – This is probably the most common cause of bicycle accidents involving a motor vehicle. Studies have found that drivers tend to look into the middle of the road for oncoming traffic (where cars would normally be) and often fail to check bike lanes or sidewalks. In this example, the driver is at fault as the bicyclist would have the right-of-way.
- A Driver Opens their Car Door into a Bicyclist – Motorists often fail to check their rear-view mirrors and blind spots for bicyclists before opening their door. In this case, the motorist would again be at fault provided the bicyclist was traveling in the same direction as traffic. If the bicyclist was traveling in the wrong direction, it could be shared fault.
- A Car Turns in Front of a Cyclist – If a car turns in front of a bicyclist, it is the motorist’s fault. Drivers are expected to check for motor traffic, bike lane traffic, and pedestrian traffic before completing a turn.
- A Car Hits a Bicyclist Traveling in the Same Direction – Currently, Texas does not have a state law for safe following distances or safe between distances when it comes to bicyclists. So, there can be confusion about what a safe distance is. Still, if a motorist strikes a bicyclist from behind, side-swipes a bicyclist, or enters a biking lane occupied by a cyclist, they will normally be held at fault.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced automobile and bicycle injury lawyers have handled a multitude of accident cases and have achieved record-breaking, real results for injured clients. We ensure that you are in the best position possible to achieve the maximum amount of compensation for your case. You can recover compensation for medical expenses, your pain and suffering, and lost wages from missing work.
Our personal injury lawyers in Corpus Christi are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim. Contact us today for a free case review. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Austin, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.
