Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Texas

Dallas has a reasonably good reputation for bicycle friendliness. The city earned a Bronze Award from the League of American Bicyclists in 2024. However, it still has work to do to improve its infrastructure and safety.

Dallas bicycle accidents happen for many reasons. Understanding the causes of these crashes can help communities develop effective countermeasures to reduce the risk of collisions, injuries, and fatalities.

Texas Bicycle Accident Statistics

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) publishes annual pedalcycle accident statistics. “Pedalcycle” is a term traffic experts use that includes bicycles. This term covers all human-powered pedal vehicles, regardless of the number of wheels.

Texas defines bicycle accidents as collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles. Importantly, these incidents don’t include collisions between multiple bicycles or bicycles and pedestrians.

With all of this in mind, TxDOT’s crash statistics for 2024 indicate that there were 2,748 bicycle accidents that year, including the following:

• 79 fatal collisions
• 427 suspected serious crashes that caused at least one incapacitating injury
• 1,379 suspected minor collisions that caused some visible injuries
• 626 possible injury crashes that produced non-visible injuries with symptoms

Taken together, these statistics highlight the serious risks bicyclists face on Texas roadways and underscore the importance of understanding your legal options after a bicycle accident.

Causes of Bicycle Collisions in Texas

Every bicycle accident has unique facts surrounding it. 

However, the following crash scenarios arise repeatedly:

Failing to Yield to Cyclists

Under Texas law, cyclists have the same rights and must follow the same rules as drivers of motor vehicles. However, drivers often treat bicycles as if they were second-class vehicles. They may maneuver aggressively around them, including trying to pass them or beat them through intersections.

A common crash scenario happens when a cyclist is riding straight, and a driver turns in front of them. In many cases, the driver sees the bicycle but fails to yield even though the rider has the right of way.

Unsafe Passing

Drivers often fail to leave enough space when overtaking bicycles. When a driver crowds a cyclist, even a small mistake can lead to a crash. The driver might sideswipe the bicycle, or the rider might overcorrect after a near-miss. In either situation, the rider may fall to the ground or get run off the road.

Inattentive and Distracted Driving

Distracted driving happens when drivers perform tasks that divert their eyes, hands, or mind from the road. As a result, they may be unable to react when they approach a bicycle.

Similarly, inattentive driving occurs when a driver loses focus. Fatigue and boredom can dull a driver’s senses so they can’t concentrate on the road or any hazards ahead of them. Again, this leaves them unprepared to respond to unexpected events on the road.

Liability for Bicycle Crash Injuries Under Texas Law

The liability for a bicycle crash may fall on a driver who acted negligently. Specifically, a driver may be responsible for a bicycle accident and any resulting injuries if they failed to exercise reasonable care around the cyclist.

For example, a driver might cause a crash when they unreasonably crowd a cyclist while passing. If a reasonable driver would have left more space, the driver who hit the cyclist acted negligently and could be required to provide compensation for the rider’s injury-related losses.

Reducing Your Bicycle Accident Risk

Texas sees thousands of bicycle accidents annually. While you can reduce the likelihood of a crash by riding carefully and wearing protective equipment, some events are out of your control. As such, the best thing you can do is stay alert and ride defensively, understanding that drivers may not look out for you.

How a Texas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Texas, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming—especially while you are focused on recovery. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can protect your rights by investigating the crash, gathering evidence, and determining who may be legally responsible for your injuries. 

A lawyer can also pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs. By handling negotiations and, if necessary, litigation on your behalf, an attorney allows you to focus on healing while working to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the financial recovery you deserve.