Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Injuries

Recovery after the emergency room

Pedestrians and cyclists absorb the full force of a vehicle. After fractures and head injuries have been ruled out or treated, many people are left with neck, back, hip and knee pain that limits daily life. Our providers build a plan to restore movement and strength.

Your care can include

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercise
• Chiropractic care when appropriate
• Soft tissue therapy
• Coordination with your other doctors

What injuries do pedestrians and cyclists have after being hit by a car?

People struck while walking or riding often have injuries in several places at once: legs and knees from the bumper, hips and pelvis from the hood, the head, neck and shoulders from hitting the windshield or pavement, and wrists from bracing. After emergency care, lasting neck, back, hip and knee pain is common.

Cyclists face a particular pattern. Being thrown over the handlebars can injure the collarbone, shoulders and wrists, and a sideways fall often injures the hip. Clipped in pedals can twist the knee and ankle as the bike goes down.

Seek emergency care right away for a head strike, confusion, severe headache, vomiting, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, inability to bear weight or new weakness or numbness. Those can signal fractures, brain injury or internal injuries that come before any rehab.

Cyclists who wore a helmet should still mention any head impact. A helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury but does not rule out a concussion, and neck strain often accompanies a helmet strike.

What do Texas traffic laws say about pedestrians and cyclists?

In Texas, drivers generally must stop and yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk when no traffic signal is in place or working, and pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. Cyclists generally have the same rights and duties as drivers, with some exceptions.

These rules come from Texas Transportation Code Sections 552.003 and 551.101. They are part of how fault may be judged, but every crash turns on its own facts, such as signals, lighting, visibility and speed.

Fault can be shared in Texas, and a person found more than 50 percent responsible generally cannot recover damages. Do not try to decide fault yourself, and avoid guessing about it at the scene. An attorney can review the facts, and we will focus on your injuries.

The driver's insurer may ask to interview you. Many people speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement about fault. We cannot advise you about that, but we can make sure your injuries are well documented.

Whose insurance may pay when a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist?

Often the driver's liability insurance is the main source when the driver was at fault. Depending on your own auto policy's terms, coverage such as PIP or uninsured motorist coverage may also help you even though you were not in a car. Health insurance is another option while a claim is pending.

Many people do not realize their own auto policy may matter when they were walking or cycling. Check your declarations page and ask your agent how your policy treats pedestrian and bicycle injuries. Our page on PIP, MedPay and paying for accident care explains the common options.

If a city bus, city truck or other government vehicle was involved, special notice rules may apply. Texas generally requires notice to a governmental unit within six months of the incident, and cities can set shorter deadlines of at least 30 days. Talk to an attorney quickly in that situation.

How does rehab rebuild walking and riding confidence after being hit?

Rehab after a pedestrian or bicycle crash restores the basics first: walking without a limp, climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, and balance. From there it builds endurance and strength for longer walks or rides. Many people also need time to feel comfortable crossing streets or riding in traffic again.

Our physical therapist and chiropractors combine hands on care with progressive exercise. For a walker, that may mean gait training and hip strength. For a cyclist, it may mean neck endurance for looking ahead, shoulder stability and knee control on the pedals.

Fear after being hit is normal. If anxiety about traffic keeps you from walking or riding, tell us, and talk with your primary care doctor about support. Physical recovery often goes better when you are not avoiding the activities that rebuild strength.

• Balance and gait training
• Hip, knee and ankle strength
• Neck and upper back endurance
• Gradual return to walking distance or riding time

What should you document after being hit while walking or riding?

Write down the exact location, the direction you were traveling, whether you were in a crosswalk or bike lane, the signal status and the lighting. Photograph the vehicle, the intersection, your clothing, your bike and your injuries, and get witness contact information and the police report number.

Keep damaged gear, such as a cracked bike helmet, torn clothing or a bent wheel, rather than throwing it away. It can show where and how hard you were hit, and an attorney may want to see it.

Nearby homes and businesses may have cameras that recorded the crash, and many systems record over footage within days. Ask quickly or let your attorney know where cameras might be. Then bring your notes to your first visit so your history is complete.

Track your recovery too. A brief weekly note about how far you can walk or ride, what hurts and what you missed shows how the injury affected daily life in a way medical records alone may not.

If you commute by bike or on foot, note how you are getting around while you recover, such as rides from family or rideshare costs. Those changes are part of the story of how the crash affected your life, and an attorney may ask about them.

Frequently asked questions

This page is general information, not legal advice. For questions about a claim, talk to an attorney or the agency that handles your claim.