As Houston transformed into Super Bowl Central in early February, new concerns were raised over the city’s METRORail system, after trains were involved in two fatal accidents involving bicyclists. According to local authorities, the first accident on February 3 involved a Rice University professor who had, according to investigators, crossed into the train’s path

As Houston transformed into Super Bowl Central in early February, new concerns were raised over the city’s METRORail system, after trains were involved in two fatal accidents involving bicyclists.

According to local authorities, the first accident on February 3 involved a Rice University professor who had, according to investigators, crossed into the train’s path while riding near a local park. The second incident, which occurred on the Sunday of Super Bowl LI, occurred after a cyclist turned off the local service road into the path of a moving train. Though the cyclist survived the initial impact, he was transported to Ben Taub Hospital, where a METRO spokesperson confirmed that he had died as a result of his injuries.

No charges have been filed in either accident. However, local nonprofit groups have expressed renewed concerns over bike safety on the city’s increasingly congested roadways, calling for an investigation into accidents. These groups also confirmed that they would further press the City Council on proactive safety measures in the coming weeks.

Personal Injury from Bicycle Accidents

Safety is a key concern for bicycle riders taking to the roads today, especially in urban or other high traffic environments. Generally, when bikes collide with cars and other motorized vehicles, it is due to reckless operators, like those using cell phones, texting behind the wheel or failing to look out for other vehicles on the road.

In New Mexico, an automobile must maintain a minimal distance of five feet form a bicycle rider when they share a common roadway. Vehicles that breach this five foot margin may be held accountable for negligence behind the wheel and a criminal act.

The fact is that, when bicycle accidents occur, they tend to result in severe personal injury, including:

• Head injuries
• Broken or fractured arms, shoulders and/or legs
• Spinal injuries

Other less serious injuries, including cuts, scrapes, bruising and road rashes are also common in bicycle accidents. However, the severity of injury will depend on a number of factors, such as:

• The location of impact
• The speed of both vehicles
• Whether or not the bicycle operator was wearing safety gear, like a helmet

Have you or someone you know been involved in an injury-causing bicycle accident? If so, it is in your best interest to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney. Only an attorney specializing in personal injury can assess your individual case and determine the best possible strategy for a personal injury claim.

Legal Representation for Bicycle Accident Injury

In New Mexico, the highly-skilled legal team at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A. works closely with victims of personal injury, including those who have been injured in bicycle accidents.

We work exclusively in personal injury law and have a wealth of experience in representing clients who have been injured due to another party’s negligent actions. Our team can work closely with you to conduct an in-depth investigation into your case and determine the best avenue for the recovery of compensation and other damages, which can help offset the many financial challenges posed by personal injury.

Do not delay – we invite you to schedule an initial consultation with a member of our team to assess your case as soon as possible. To get started, call the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A. today at (575) 541-3004.

Related Links:

Deadly Bicycle Accidents in New Mexico
Truck Sought in Albuquerque Hit-And-Run Bicycle Incident
Top Three Las Cruces Personal Injury Mistakes
When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney
New Mexico Supreme Court Rules on Personal Injury Statute of Limitations