One Person Critically Injured In Austin Bicycle Accident With Pickup Truck on the 4100 block of E Sh 71 Svrd Eb
AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 28, 2022) – A bicyclist was critically injured in a car accident with a pickup truck on the 4100 block of E Sh 71 Svrd Eb.
Travis County officials are saying that the collision took place on Tuesday. A bicyclist was traveling down the roadway when they were hit by a pickup truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. They were taken to the St. David’s South Austin Medical Center with critical injuries.
Police interviewed the driver of the pickup truck who remained at the scene. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Austin Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, “Despite a decrease in traffic crashes in 2020, Texas saw a dramatic rise in the number of people killed walking and biking on our roadways. Last year, 731 people died in pedestrian-related crashes, an increase of 9% from 2019. Crashes involving bicyclists claimed the lives of 82 people, up from 68 deaths the previous year.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a bicycle accident.
- Most bicycle accidents happen during the early morning and late evening hours when visibility is reduced.
- Bicycle collisions are more likely to occur during periods of inclement weather.
- Many bicycle collisions take place when drivers make turns without checking their blind spots.
Every driver in Texas must operate with due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians and bicyclists in the roadway. They must also operate at a safe speed. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code Section 545.351(1), no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than what would be safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. Any person that hits a bicyclist could be held at fault through a negligence claim.
Many pickup trucks are used for commercial purposes. If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a pickup truck driver may have been delivering materials when a crash occured. Victims of bicycle accidents often suffer very serious injuries including.
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any person that is injured in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. In order to win any civil claim plaintiffs will have to demonstrate negligence. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision. A bicycle accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Austin Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the bicyclist injured in this collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the negligence of another driver? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
