With its mild winters and desire to be seen as a bike-friendly city, it may come as a surprise that in 2021 Harris County actually experienced its deadliest year for cyclists hit by drivers within the last decade. In fact, according to the Houston Chronicle, in 2021 it was reported that drivers in Harris County struck cyclists a whopping 557 times, resulting in the deaths of 23 bicyclists, 11 of whom were within Houston, nine of whom were in Harris County, and two of whom were in Pasadena. Frighteningly, the number of fatalities is more than any other year since at least 2012. All told, more than 140 cyclists were killed in Harris County over the last decade.
According to the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report, in Pasadena alone, 8 bicyclists have been killed over the last decade.
Causes of Bicyclist Fatalities
A large reason for these deaths may be due to a lack of bike routes and infrastructure, or safe places for bicyclists to ride. However, there are other reasons that have been cited in police reports. Such issues include:
- Speeding of drivers in motor vehicles;
- Driving (and at times riding) while impaired;
- Failing to yield to bicyclists who have the right of way; and
- Failing to adhere to traffic signs and signals.
In 2021, many of the drivers who hit bicyclists fled the scene, and of the 10 who stayed, none of them were charged with a crime or cited for a violation. Of the 23 bicyclist fatalities that occurred, only two drivers were jailed and one was ticketed.
What Can You Do?
While you can’t always prevent bicycle accidents, it’s in your best interest to learn more about things that you can do to stay safe while cycling. There are also classes that you can sign up for. When you are injured in a biking accident, dealing with insurance companies is the last thing you want to worry about when you are focused on recovering from your injuries. That’s why a personal injury attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents can help.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand to what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that a bicycle accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
