A 49-year-old Edinburg man has succumbed to his injuries after being struck by a vehicle as he was riding his bicycle. According to the City of Edinburg, Pete Centeno was struck by a vehicle July 7 about 11:00 p.m. in the 1000 block of East University Drive.
Centeno died two days later at DHR Health Hospital, the city stated.
The city has not released details of how the accident occurred, the type of automobile involved, nor the name of the driver. The city has stated that the incident is under investigation, however, no charges have been filed against the driver, who remained at the scene following the accident.
Texas bicycle accident statistics
Texas consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous places for bicyclists to travel. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), approximately 60 bicyclists are killed in bike accidents in Texas every year. Houston is one of the 10 most dangerous cities for bicyclists in the United States, and within Texas, Travis County had the most bike accidents from 2010 to 2016 (1,985 accidents).
Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries
Because of the lack of protection surrounding the cyclist, bicycle accidents tend to result in more severe injuries than car accidents. The most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head or neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
Who can I sue for my bicycle accident?
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you can sue anyone who may have caused or contributed to the accident. In most cases, bike accidents are caused by a negligent driver. But, sometimes bike accidents are caused by the town (if the road wasn’t properly maintained) or by the manufacturer of the bike (if the bike was defective).
Bicyclists have the same rights as motorists when it comes to collecting damages for their injuries, which means they can receive compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering due to injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages or time at work
Call the J. Gonzalez Law Firm
The J. Gonzalez Law Firm helps individuals who have sustained injuries in accidents recover the full financial compensation they deserve. Sometimes a case that seems simple at first may become more complicated, but we have the expertise and experience the win even the most complex cases. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to find out if we can represent you in your case. Our number is 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
