Teen Crashes into Group of Cyclists in Waller, Texas

Waller Police are investigating a crash in which a 16-year-old driver crashed a large pick-up truck into six bicyclists.

Details of the Waller Crash

According to reports, the crash occurred around 10:30 am Saturday morning on Business 290 in Waller County.

Witnesses to the accident said the driver was menacing the bicyclists and may have been attempting to “roll coal,” an act where drivers of diesel trucks will accelerate rapidly in an attempt to send thick, black diesel exhaust towards those that the vehicle is passing.

The driver first “rolled coal” at a group of bicyclists including witness Chase Ferrell. The truck driver then continued onward and attempted to “roll coal” at another group when he lost control and barreled into at least six bicyclists. Ferrell said he was sure he’d find dead cyclists once he reached the group.

Fortunately, none of the cyclists suffered life-threatening injuries. However, reports did note several were hospitalized with should, back, and neck injuries.

The teen was stopped by police, but was not and has not been arrested.

Ferrell said six cyclists involved are awaiting surgery.

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 injury attorneys 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.

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