888-970-5729
200+
A Fresno bicycle accident lawyer from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can help you obtain maximum compensation if you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash. Our law firm possesses the experience, resources, and track record to effectively represent clients’ best interests.
Schedule a free consultation with our Fresno personal injury law firm by completing this online form or calling us at (559) 900-3076.
Why Choose Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
Bike accidents resulting in serious injury or involving a reckless driver entitle injured parties to compensation. However, insurance companies often look for ways to place fault on the bicycle accident victims or minimize the severity of injuries sustained to reduce compensation amounts.Â
To counter these tactics and recover a fair settlement, speak with a skilled Fresno bicycle accident lawyer. Our personal injury law firm provides our clients with the following benefits.
Local Expertise
Our award-winning legal team lives and works in Fresno, so we know the streets, traffic patterns, and common accident hotspots firsthand. Whether it’s the busy intersection of Friant Rd. and Shepherd Ave. or the congested roadways near Fresno State College, our local knowledge gives us an edge in investigating crashes and demonstrating liability.
Winning Success Rate
The firm has recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for clients injured in various personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. These cases range from minor dooring accidents to catastrophic collisions involving speeding motorists. Whether it’s seeking a fair settlement through negotiations or filing a personal injury lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation in court, our bicycle accident attorneys have the experience to deliver an optimal outcome
Client-Focused Representation
We prioritize clear and consistent communication from the start. Clients will always remain informed about case progress and available legal choices. Our practice is built on genuine compassion and individualized attention, always putting the client’s needs at the forefront.
No Fees Unless We Win
Our bicycle accident cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis. This means no legal fees are collected until we deliver a case win. If a maximum settlement is not secured, then there is no charge for our legal services.
Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle crashes often result in severe injuries, like broken bones and spinal injuries, due to the lack of protective barriers between riders and what they come in contact with. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head and Brain Injuries
Even with a helmet, cyclists can sustain concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) when thrown from their bikes or struck by a vehicle. These catastrophic injuries may lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, or personality changes. - Fractures and Broken Bones
Arms, wrists, collarbones, ribs, and legs are particularly vulnerable in any motor vehicle-related accident. In high-speed impacts, facial injuries and multiple fractures can occur, requiring extensive medical treatment and a long healing process. - Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the back and spinal area can result in partial or complete paralysis, debilitating accident victims for a period of time. Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries often involves lengthy hospital stays, specialized therapy, and home modifications. - Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage
Abrasions and deep lacerations from sliding across asphalt can become severely infected if not properly treated. Additionally, soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and torn ligaments, can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility. - Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can cause organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. Immediate symptoms for these “hidden” injuries sometimes go undetected, which is why immediate medical treatment is necessary. Otherwise, they can become life-threatening.
Each injury carries its own set of treatment protocols, recovery timelines, and long-term implications–all of which directly influence the value of a bicycle accident claim.
How Injury Severity Affects Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Claim
Because some bicycle accident injuries can result in disability or take individuals out of work for long periods while recovering, the severity of the sustained injury plays a crucial role in determining the value of a personal injury claim.
All Medical Expenses
- Current medical bills: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic tests, medications, and physical therapy
- Future medical costs: Anticipated treatments, follow-up surgeries, long-term rehabilitation costs, home modifications, and assisted living arrangements
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- Lost wages: Accumulated time missed from work due to hospitalization and the recovery period
- Loss of earning potential: When severe injuries or permanent disability interfere with returning to previous work responsibilities
Pain and SufferingÂ
- Compensation for non-economic damages, such as chronic pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety, and depression
Permanent Disability and Disfigurement
- Cases involving amputations, significant scarring, or lasting impairment impacting quality of life
Fatal Bicycle Accident
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for spouses or other family members for the loss of companionship, affection, or other support
- Wrongful Death: Compensation for other losses to the surviving family of a victim of a tragic bicycle accident
Our Fresno bicycle accident attorneys work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to build a comprehensive picture of both present and future losses, ensuring that nothing is overlooked when calculating the extent of damages.
Types of Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
Injured bicyclists may be eligible to recover compensation for various damages, which may include:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (hospitalization, physician fees)
- Future medical expenses (reconstructive surgery, physical therapy)
- Prescription and medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, pain management)
- Lost wages and benefits (sick leave, vacation time)
- Future lost earnings and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage (repair or replacement of bicycle, helmet, or personal belongings)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party demonstrates gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, such as driving under the influence, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar future conduct.
Wrongful Death Damages
For a fatal bicycle accident, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Who Is Liable for a California Bicycle Accident?
In California, injured bicycle riders by a negligent party can pursue a bicycle accident lawsuit for compensation. However, the appropriate liable party must be identified. This may include any of the following:
Reckless DriversÂ
Motorists who operate a vehicle recklessly, such as speeding, running stop signs, not yielding to bicyclists, or engaging in other forms of aggressive driving, increase the likelihood of a bike accident.
Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle riders could be held responsible for their own injuries if their actions contributed to the incident, like not wearing a helmet and sustaining a traumatic brain injury.
Bicycle Repair Shops
Bicycle repair shops conduct repairs, modifications, and bicycle sales. Errors during repairs or the sale of a faulty bike will put the business at fault.
Bicycle Manufacturers
Bicycles may possess safety flaws that elevate accident risks. Bicycle manufacturers could be held responsible for bicycle accidents resulting from defective brakes, tires, or other bike parts.
Government Entity
Liability for severe accidents caused by road defects or insufficient signage may fall on the government entity (city, county, or state) responsible for road maintenance, particularly if they were aware of the hazardous condition.
What To Do When a Bicycle Accident Occurs
There are critical steps to take following the bike crash to prevent serious injuries from escalating and to protect your personal injury claim. Here are the steps to follow that will strengthen your case under California law:
- Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention Immediately: If possible, move to a safe location to avoid further injury. Then, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, as some conditions may not be immediately apparent and are life-threatening.
- Report the Fresno Bicycle Accident: If the accident occurred within the Fresno city limits, file a police report with the Fresno Police Department. Provide an accurate account of what happened, but avoid speculating or admitting fault. This will be crucial evidence.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and injuries. Note the time, date, weather, and lighting conditions. Document any information that creates a detailed account of the bike accident.
- Gather Witness Information: Speak with bystanders who saw the crash. Record their names, contact information, and statements of what they witnessed.
- Preserve Physical Evidence: Keep the bike, helmet, and any damaged personal items in their current state. Store torn clothing in a plastic bag to maintain tear patterns and bloodstains. Also, retain all medical records and medical expenses. This will indicate the severity of the crash and the resulting damage.
- Do Not Speak with the Insurance Company: Before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company, consult with a Fresno bicycle accident attorney. Insurance adjusters frequently try to reduce settlements by shifting blame or minimizing the seriousness of injuries.
- Consult a Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The legal team will handle all communications with the insurance company, conduct a thorough investigation, and develop a strategic plan to pursue maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Fresno, CA
A recent study indicated that Fresno’s intersection crash rate of nearly 40% was higher compared to other cities in California. Most of these accidents result from the following:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, phone calls, adjusting GPS, or interacting with passengers
- Dooring Incidents: Opening a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist, which is common along Fresno’s busy residential streets and downtown corridors
- Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way: Motorists turning across a path or intersection before a bicyclist, or running a red light or stop sign
- Poor Road Conditions and Infrastructure: Potholes, uneven pavement, lack of protected bike lanes, insufficient signage, poorly marked bike routes, and broken traffic signals
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Exceeding posted speed limits, swerving in and out of lanes, failing to signal
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescribed or illegal)
Our law firm collaborates with accident reconstruction experts, traffic engineers, and investigators to identify the cause of the accident and determine liability.
California Bicycle Laws and Regulations
The California Vehicle Code has specific laws outlining the rights and duties of all road users, including bicycle riders, on public roadways. Some important aspects of these traffic laws are:
- Helmet Requirements: Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted, approved bicycle helmet–although it is recommended that all riders wear helmets to prevent a head injury.
- Operating a Bicycle: Bicyclists have the same rights and must follow California traffic laws like other road users, including the right to ride on roadways except where prohibited.
- Bike Lanes: Riders must use designated bicycle lanes when available, unless preparing for a left turn, overtaking another bicyclist, avoiding hazards, or where bike lanes are too narrow.
- Condition of Bike: Bicycles must be adequately equipped with functioning brakes, handlebars, and reflectors (when riding at night).
- Passing and Overtaking: Bicyclists can ride with other motor vehicles when moving as fast as traffic. They can also “take the lane” if it is not wide enough for both a bike and a vehicle. Drivers overtaking bicyclists must leave a minimum of three feet of clearance.
- Dooring Liability: Vehicle occupants are responsible for ensuring the path is clear before opening their door to avoid a dooring accident.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Injured bicycle riders may use their own auto insurance policy to cover some damages after an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver if they have UM/UIM coverage.
Familiarity with these regulations maintains rider safety and informs about the legal strategies that can be applied when seeking damages. Violations of these laws by motorists or municipalities can form the basis of a negligence claim, significantly strengthening a bicycle accident claim.
Do I Need a Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Legal representation is not required for every personal injury case. However, choosing to pursue a claim independently will present many challenges to victims, especially as they recover from their injuries.
How Legal Representation Benefits Injured Bike Riders
Retaining the professional services of an experienced personal injury lawyer grants injured cyclists access to a full-service legal team committed to:
- Thorough Investigation: Collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage, as well as working with experts to reconstruct the crash and establish fault
- Aggressive Negotiation: Submitting thorough demand packages to the insurance company to demonstrate the full extent of injuries and avoid accepting inadequate settlement offers
- Compassionate Client Support: Guidance through medical referrals, rehabilitation options, and community resources, keeping clients informed at every stage
- Trial-Ready Representation: Filing a bicycle accident lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation if insurers refuse to offer fair compensation
Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today
The Fresno bicycle accident lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer are available to discuss your case, address your concerns, and create a personalized approach to seek the highest possible compensation.
Don’t deal with the insurance company alone. Allow us to leverage our experience and resources for your benefit. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. After an accident, Jeff’s got you.
Other Personal Injury Cases Our Law Firm Handles
We have law offices throughout Fresno County, including Clovis, Del Rey, Madera County, Selma, Tranquility, Parlier, Kingsburg, Auberry, Orange Cove, and Riverdale. We also offer representation for the following practice areas:
- Car Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber Accidents
- Lyft Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Personal Injury Law Firm
Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your bicycle accident case. Please reach out to our bicycle accident attorneys at your earliest convenience.
Address: 44 P Street, Suite 304, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone Number: (559) 900-3076
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations
We offer free case evaluations at all of our Southern California offices. Please contact us at any location that is convenient for you.