Abilene Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Support For Injured Cyclists After Serious Crashes

When a car or truck hits a person on a bicycle, the rider usually takes the full force of the impact. Broken bones, head injuries, and time away from work can follow in an instant, and the insurance company may already be questioning what happened. If you are looking for a bicycle accident attorney that Abilene riders can turn to, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start.

At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we represent people in West Texas whose lives have been disrupted by preventable crashes. Our attorneys and staff handle serious injury cases every day, and we work to shoulder the legal and insurance burden so clients can focus on medical treatment and family. We know that for many bicyclists, this is their first time dealing with a claim, and they want someone who will take their concerns seriously.

Our firm has more than 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases in this region, and we have taken on large insurance companies in wrongful death and life-changing injury matters. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee, which means you do not pay legal fees unless we recover money for you. If you were hurt while riding, we are prepared to talk through what happened and outline your options.

Call (325) 440-9996 or contact us online today to request a free case review.

Texas Bicycle Laws

Texas law recognizes bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Understanding these laws is critical when determining fault and liability after a bicycle accident.

Key Texas bicycle laws include:

• Equal Roadway Rights: Bicyclists are legally permitted to ride on most public roads in Texas, including roads in Abilene, unless specifically prohibited.
• Lane Positioning: Cyclists may ride in the center of the lane when necessary for safety, such as when avoiding hazards or when a lane is too narrow for a car to pass safely.
• Driver Passing Rules: Motorists must provide a safe passing distance when overtaking a bicycle. Unsafe passing is a common cause of serious crashes.
• Traffic Signals & Signs: Cyclists must obey traffic signals and signs, just like drivers.
• Helmet Use: Texas does not have a statewide helmet law for adults, but helmet use is strongly encouraged to reduce the risk of head injuries.

When drivers violate these laws—or ignore the presence of cyclists altogether—they can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause. An experienced Abilene bicycle accident attorney can identify violations and use them to strengthen your claim.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Many bicycle accidents in Abilene occur because drivers fail to exercise reasonable care. Common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, eating, or other distractions prevent drivers from seeing cyclists.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers often fail to yield at intersections, crosswalks, or when making turns.
• Unsafe Passing: Passing too closely or at high speeds can sideswipe cyclists or force them off the road.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers turning left frequently overlook oncoming cyclists traveling straight.
• Opening Car Doors (“Dooring”): Parked drivers opening doors into bike lanes or traffic.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases injury severity.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly increases the risk of catastrophic bicycle accidents.

Identifying the exact cause of your accident is essential to proving negligence and securing compensation.

Common Types of Bike Accident Injuries

Because bicyclists have little physical protection, injuries are often severe. Common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Facial and dental injuries
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Our Abilene bicycle accident attorney works with medical professionals and experts to fully understand the impact of your injuries and pursue compensation that reflects their true cost.

Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

If a negligent driver caused your bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we pursue maximum recovery for injured cyclists, including compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Property damage (bicycle and gear)
• Wrongful death damages (in fatal bicycle accidents)

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto cyclists—having an experienced Abilene bicycle accident attorney on your side is critical to protecting your claim.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What should I do after a bicycle accident in Abilene?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to police, gather witness information, take photos if possible, and contact an Abilene bicycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Texas?

Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Insurance companies may raise it as an issue, but liability focuses on the driver’s negligence.

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

Yes. As long as you are not more than 50% responsible, you may still recover damages under Texas law.

How much is my bicycle accident case worth?

The value depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case accurately.

Why Injured Cyclists Choose Our Firm

For many bicyclists, the hardest part after a crash is realizing that the driver’s insurer may try to blame them for simply being on a bike. Our founders spent years representing insurance companies, and we intentionally use that background to anticipate the strategies adjusters and defense lawyers rely on. When we evaluate a bicycle crash, we look for the same weaknesses and leverage points that insurers focus on, then build a claim that addresses those issues from the start.

Partner Greg Allen is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. These distinctions are held by a small fraction of Texas lawyers, and they reflect a deep level of trial experience and commitment to serious injury litigation. His certification and courtroom work help shape our firmwide standards for investigation, preparation, and case evaluation, including for bicycle crashes that involve catastrophic injuries.

Our track record of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in wrongful death and other major injury cases shows that we have the financial resources to fully prepare complex claims. We can retain appropriate experts when needed and put in the long hours required before settlement talks or trial, instead of pushing clients toward early, uncomfortable resolutions. For an injured bicyclist, that level of preparation can make a meaningful difference when an insurer is undervaluing long-term medical needs or lost earning capacity.

When you hire us as your bicycle accident lawyer that Abilene families work with a team, not just a single person. Attorneys, senior paralegals, and case managers collaborate on each file, and many of our staff members have been with us for decades. Clients typically work with the same people throughout their case, receive clear explanations in plain language, and can reach us when questions come up. Our bilingual staff can communicate in English or Spanish, which helps make sure nothing is lost in translation during an already stressful time.

Call (325) 440-9996 to speak with our team today.