Fresno Bicycle Injury Accident Attorney

Have You Recently Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident? If you've been injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve justice and compensation. Let Goldberg & Loren fight for your rights and handle calls with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.

Call our Fresno bicycle injury attorneys today at (559) 603-8332 for a free consultation and take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve. We are open now to answer your questions 24/7, 365 days a year. Call today and schedule an in-person or online appointment for legal advice regarding your bicycle accident. 

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents Seen in Fresno

Bicycle accidents can occur in various forms, presenting risks to cyclists on the road. Common types of bicycle accidents include:

• Intersection Accidents: These accidents typically happen at intersections, where a cyclist and a motor vehicle collide due to failure to yield, running red lights, or not obeying traffic signals.
• Road Hazards: Cyclists can be involved in accidents due to dangerous road conditions or hazards such as potholes, uneven surfaces, loose gravel, or debris on the road.
• Sidewalk Collisions: Accidents can occur when a cyclist riding on the sidewalk collides with a pedestrian or an object such as a pole or a tree.
• Right Hook Accidents: This type of accident occurs when a cyclist is attempting to go straight through an intersection, and a vehicle turns right without properly checking or yielding, cutting off the cyclist's path.
• Left Cross Accidents: In this scenario, a cyclist is hit by a vehicle making a left turn at an intersection, failing to yield the right-of-way to the cyclist coming from the opposite direction.
• Overtaking Collisions: When a vehicle attempts to pass a cyclist without enough space or leaves insufficient clearance, it may collide with the cyclist, resulting in injuries or fatalities.

In 2020, Fresno experienced 26 bicycle accident deaths. [1] 

Causes of Fresno Bike Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur due to various common causes, including:

• Driver Negligence: This includes actions such as distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and failure to yield to cyclists.
• Dooring: When parked car occupants fail to check for approaching cyclists before opening their doors, it can lead to serious accidents. Cyclists can collide with open doors and be thrown off their bikes.
• Poor Road Conditions: Cyclists face hazards such as potholes, debris, loose gravel, and uneven road surfaces. Poorly maintained roads can contribute to bike accidents, leading to loss of control and crashes.
• Aggressive Driving or Cycling: Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating, honking, or aggressive overtaking, can escalate situations and lead to accidents between cyclists and motorists.

Types of Injuries Sustained in a Fresno Bicycle Accident

Injuries from a bicycle accident can range from minor to severe, some injuries include:

Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries, are a significant risk in bicycle accidents.

Broken Bones: Cyclists often suffer from fractures, particularly in the wrists, arms, collarbones, and legs, as these areas are vulnerable to impact in a fall or collision.

Road Rash: When a cyclist is thrown from their bike, they can sustain road rash, which refers to abrasions and lacerations caused by contact with the pavement. 

Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents that involve significant impact or force can result in spinal injuries, ranging from sprains and strains to more severe injuries like herniated discs or spinal cord injuries. 

Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and contusions (bruises) are common soft tissue injuries sustained in bicycle accidents.

Facial Injuries: Cyclists may suffer facial injuries in accidents, including fractures of the nose, cheekbones, or jaw, as well as cuts, bruises, or dental damage.

Internal Injuries: The blunt force trauma of a bicycle accident can cause internal injuries like organ damage, internal bleeding, or damage to blood vessels.

Psychological Trauma: Bicycle accidents can also result in emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or phobias related to cycling or the accident itself.

Bicyclists injured or killed within Fresno County in 2022 totaled 82. [2]

In addition to injuries, lives can be lost in bicycle accidents. If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle crash, contact our wrongful death lawyers in Fresno and obtain help seeking compensation to cover funeral and burial costs along with other damages.

Damages From a Fresno Bicycle Accident

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, individuals may be entitled to seek various types of damages, including compensation for:

Medical Expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, doctor's visits, medication costs, rehabilitation, therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.

Lost Wages: If your injuries from the bicycle accident caused you to miss work or resulted in a decreased earning capacity, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages and any potential future loss of income.

Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain, physical suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life, may also be pursued in a bicycle accident claim. These damages aim to compensate for the intangible harm you have experienced due to the accident.

Property Damage: If your bicycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you may be entitled to reimbursement or compensation for its repair or replacement. If it was damaged, but there was no injury, the claim can be settled in small claims court. 

Rehabilitation and Disability: In cases where the bicycle accident results in long-term or permanent disabilities that require ongoing medical care, therapy, or assistance, you may be able to seek damages for rehabilitation expenses and disability accommodations.

Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have had a significant impact on your marital relationship or ability to enjoy companionship with your spouse, your spouse may be able to seek damages for loss of consortium.

Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

What Should You Do After a Fresno Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident in Fresno, it is important to take immediate action to ensure safety and protect legal rights. Here are some suggestions:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is still advisable to seek medical attention to assess and document any injuries.
2. Stay at the Scene: Unless it is necessary for your safety to move from the scene, remain at the accident location until authorities arrive. Leaving the scene can potentially create legal complications.
3. Contact the Authorities: Call the police or relevant local authorities to report the accident. They will create an accident report. A copy of the crash report can be requested and will serve as evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action later.
4. Gather Information: This includes the names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers of any drivers, as well as any witnesses present. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle or other vehicles involved.
5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about what happened.
6. Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident. This includes keeping copies of medical bills, police reports, correspondence with insurance companies, and any other relevant documents.
7. Consult Your Local Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney: If you suffered significant injuries or believe someone else's negligence caused the bicycle accident, consult our bicycle injury lawyer. We can assess your case, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process, helping you pursue any available compensation.

Statute of Limitations For Bicycle Injury Lawsuits in California

The Statute of Limitations for bicycle injury cases in Fresno, California, is typically two years from the date of the accident or injury. California Code, CCP 335.1

Failure to file your claim within the specified timeframe may result in being unable to seek compensation. This implies that even if there is a strong case with supporting evidence for your claim, the court may dismiss it solely based on the fact that it was filed after the statute of limitations has expired.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations may apply in certain cases. In some cases, if the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year timeframe may not begin until they turn 18. Contact our dedicated Fresno personal injury lawyers to inquire about the time limit that will apply to your specific situation. 

Get a Free Consultation From A Fresno Bicycle Injury Lawyer Today

Our bicycle accident lawyers have successfully fought for countless clients and obtained maximum compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering.

We take the time to understand the specific circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case tailored to our client's needs.

Goldberg & Loren has an extensive network of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals. This allows us to present your bike accident claim in a compelling way that stands up against even the toughest opposition.

Let our bicycle injury attorneys empower you to focus on your recovery while we pursue justice for you. Contact us for a free consultation today. 

Sources:

[1] [Fresno Region Fatalities and Serious Injuries by Year]. (n.d.). https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/safety-programs/documents/shsp/shsp-ca-regional-factsheet-fresno-a11y.pdf

[2] California, S. O. (n.d.). OTS crash rankings Results | Office of Traffic Safety. https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/crash-rankings-results/?wpv_view_count=1327&wpv-wpcf-year=2022&wpv-wpcf-city_county=Fresno&wpv_filter_submit=Submit