Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in Houston. When a driver’s negligence causes a bicycle crash, the injuries are severe and insurers’ instinct is to blame the rider. Texas Legal Giants counters that bias with evidence, Texas law, and an experienced legal team.
Attorney BJ Kemp represents bicycle accident victims throughout Greater Houston on a contingency basis. No fee unless we win.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Houston
Failure to Yield at Intersections
Drivers turning who fail to yield to cyclists in the intersection or bike lane. One of the most common fatal bicycle crash patterns in Texas.
Dooring
A parked driver opens their door into the path of an approaching cyclist. Causes serious ejection injuries. Both the driver and property owner may be liable.
Distracted Driving
Texting and phone use while driving cause drivers to miss cyclists or fail to maintain safe passing distance.
Right-Hook Collisions
A driver passes a cyclist then immediately turns right, cutting off the cyclist who has right of way. Very common at intersections and driveways.
Failure to Maintain 3-Foot Clearance
Texas law (Transportation Code §545.0545) requires 3 feet when passing a cyclist. Violations are negligence per se.
Defective Road Conditions
Broken pavement, missing bike lane markings, defective crossings — may create liability for the City of Houston or TxDOT.
Under Texas Transportation Code §545.0545, drivers must maintain at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Violation is negligence per se — the driver broke the law and is presumed liable for resulting injuries.
What should I do after being hit by a car while riding my bicycle in Houston?
Call 911 and get a police report. Accept emergency medical care and follow up with your physician. Photograph the scene, your bicycle damage, the vehicle, and your injuries. Get the driver’s insurance and contact information. Note witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney — bicycle claims are routinely undervalued by insurers who know cyclists rarely have legal representation.
Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Texas has no statewide helmet law for adults — not wearing a helmet is not illegal and does not automatically reduce your recovery. The defense may argue head injuries were worse without a helmet, but we counter by establishing that the driver’s negligence — not your equipment choice — caused the crash and resulting injuries.
How Insurers Fight Bicycle Accident Claims
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my auto insurance cover me as a cyclist hit by a car?
Your own auto insurance’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage typically covers you when struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver — even while riding a bicycle. We identify every coverage layer and maximize total recovery from all sources.
What is the statute of limitations for a bicycle accident in Texas?
Two years from the date of injury under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003. If the crash involved a government road defect, you must file a notice of claim within six months. Contact an attorney immediately.
Can I get compensation for my damaged bicycle?
Yes — property damage (bicycle replacement or repair value), lost accessories, and replacement transportation costs are all part of your claim. We document property losses as part of the full damages picture.
What if I was hit in a marked bike lane?
Being struck while lawfully in a marked bike lane is one of the clearest cases of driver negligence. The driver failed to yield to a cyclist with legal right of way. Liability is strong — the fight is over documenting damages to maximize recovery.
Can I sue the City of Houston for a pothole that caused my bicycle crash?
Yes, in some cases. The Texas Tort Claims Act permits suits against government entities for road defects. However, you must file a formal notice of claim within six months of the injury. Government immunity defenses are significant — contact an attorney immediately if a road defect contributed to your crash.
Related Practice Areas
Bicycle Accident Resources
BJ Kemp
Texas State Bar #24116608 • Houston, TX
BJ Kemp represents bicycle accident victims throughout Greater Houston, fighting insurer bias against cyclists and pursuing full compensation. Contingency basis — nothing unless we win.
(346) 971–7333 — Free Consultation