Bicycle
Accident Lawyers

Protecting Cyclists in Brownsville, Cameron County & Across the Rio Grande Valley

Why Bicycle Accident Cases Are Unique

Cycling in Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley is growing, with more people using bikes for exercise, commuting, and leisure. But with narrow roads, limited bike lanes, and distracted drivers, accidents happen all too often.

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we know a bicycle accident is not a “minor” crash—it’s often a life-changing event. Cyclists are unprotected compared to motorists, and even a low-speed impact can lead to catastrophic injuries. That’s why bicycle accident law deserves its own focus, separate from car accidents.

Bicycle Laws in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley

• Bicycles as Vehicles: Under Texas law, bicycles are treated as vehicles. Cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists, including obeying traffic signals and stop signs.
• Bicycle Lanes: Harlingen, Brownsville, and McAllen have limited designated bike lanes. If none are available, cyclists may use the roadway, but must ride as far to the right as practicable.
• Right-of-Way: Motorists must yield to cyclists when required by law. Cyclists, in turn, must yield at stop signs and red lights. Failure of either side to respect right-of-way rules often leads to collisions.
• Helmet Laws: Texas does not require helmets statewide, but local ordinances may apply, especially for minors. Helmets can reduce injury severity but are not a legal requirement for adults.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Leaving the scene after hitting a cyclist is a felony in Texas. Sadly, these cases happen frequently in South Texas.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Harlingen

• Distracted Driving: Texting drivers fail to see cyclists until it’s too late.
• Failure to Yield: Cars making left-hand turns often cut across cyclists.
• Unsafe Road Design: Potholes, loose gravel, poor lighting, and lack of bike lanes put cyclists at risk.
• Dooring Accidents: Cyclists collide with suddenly opened car doors on busy streets.
• Commercial Vehicles: Delivery vans, buses, and 18-wheelers pose extreme risks in tight roadways.

Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Because cyclists lack protection, injuries are often severe:

• Traumatic brain injuries (even with helmets)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Road rash and disfigurement
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Psychological trauma such as PTSD and anxiety about riding again

Children are especially vulnerable, often sustaining injuries to the face and head.

Liability and Comparative Negligence

Determining fault is rarely simple in bicycle accident cases. Texas applies comparative negligence, meaning:

• If the cyclist is found less than 51% at fault, they may still recover damages.
• Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.

Example: If a jury awards $100,000 in damages but finds the cyclist 20% at fault, the final recovery is $80,000.

This rule makes it vital to have an experienced attorney counter arguments that blame the cyclist for their own injuries.

Unique Considerations

• Driver Distraction Data: Phone records can reveal whether a driver was texting when the crash happened.
• Bike Tech Evidence: Many modern bikes have GPS or fitness trackers that can show speed, direction, and impact time.
• City Responsibility: In some cases, poorly maintained streets or defective traffic signals in Harlingen or Brownsville may place partial liability on local governments.
• Commercial Insurance: If hit by a delivery truck, commercial liability policies may provide higher recovery limits.

Call Our Harlingen Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Harlingen, Brownsville, or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and strict deadlines apply.

Call (956) 368-0000 today for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

FAQ: Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Harlingen, TX

Q: The driver says I “came out of nowhere.” Does that kill my case?

A: No. Insurance companies love this phrase, but Texas law requires drivers to keep a proper lookout—even for cyclists. Your lawyer can use crash scene evidence, GPS apps, or traffic cameras to prove you were visible and had the right to be there.

Q: What if a pothole or bad road caused my crash instead of a car?

A: In Harlingen and Cameron County, poor road conditions sometimes cause accidents. These cases may involve claims against the city or state under special laws like the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA). The deadlines are much shorter, so you need a lawyer immediately if you suspect road design or maintenance played a role.

Q: Can my fitness tracker or bike computer help in my case?

A: Yes. GPS and ride-tracking apps like Strava or Garmin can show your speed, direction, and time of impact. This data often rebuts claims that you were riding recklessly.

Q: What if I was hit by a delivery truck or commercial van?

A: Commercial vehicles (like Amazon vans or FedEx trucks) usually carry higher insurance coverage. These cases can involve corporate liability and federal trucking regulations, giving you more paths to recovery than a standard car crash.

Q: Do bicycle accidents count as “premises liability” if I crashed in a store parking lot?

A: They can. If you fell because of dangerous conditions in a parking lot—like oil slicks, loose gravel, or poor lighting—your case may fall under premises liability instead of auto accident law. That means the property owner or business may be responsible.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

A: Yes. Texas law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. While helmets reduce head injuries, the lack of one does not erase a driver’s negligence.

Q: I was sideswiped but didn’t fall—do I still have a case?

A: Possibly. “Near-miss” crashes can still cause injury. Many cyclists suffer sprains, anxiety, or bike damage even without a direct fall. Document everything and speak with a lawyer.