Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bike riders often have no protection at all when riding on the road. You may be wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, but this is nothing compared to the protection passenger vehicle riders have. If you’re in an accident, you need to partner with a Fresno bicycle accident lawyer.

Injuries are likely significant in an encounter with a passenger vehicle, and our firm wants to help you pursue compensation for eligible damages.

Fowler | Helsel | Vogt has 40 years of combined experience assisting injured victims in pursuing compensation. Call a Fresno personal injury lawyer 24/7.

Why Choose Fowler | Helsel | Vogt After a Fresno Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, having an experienced legal team on your side can make a difference in how your claim is handled. Fowler | Helsel | Vogt brings decades of combined experience and a local understanding of Fresno to every case.

• 40 years of combined experience: Our Fresno bicycle accident lawyers bring four decades of combined legal experience to bicycle accident claims.
• Since 2010: We have served clients and families since 2010, building a strong record of dedicated legal representation.
• Local to you: As a local firm, we understand the Fresno County community and the roads where bicycle accidents can happen.
• Approachable and accessible: Our Fresno bicycle accident lawyers make it easier for injured cyclists to get answers, discuss your concerns, and stay informed throughout your case.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Legal Help

After a bicycle accident, contacting an attorney sooner rather than later can help protect your ability to pursue a claim. Evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and important records may be lost or overlooked. 

Speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer early can also help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and take steps to build your claim while important evidence is still available.

Determining Who Is at Fault

Most of these incidents occur because drivers quite literally do not see the bicycle riders. This is an effect of what psychology calls a scotoma, the phenomenon of not being able to see what one is not looking for. Drivers are supposed to train themselves to look for and be considerate of bicycle riders.

Most accidents can be the fault of the careless driver if he or she:

• Was driving distracted or driving under the influence
• Failed to come to a complete stop at a sign or light
• Failed to use their signals before and while merging
• Failed to check blind spots before merging
• Entered or drove too close to a designated bicycle lane
• Caused a dooring accident

Bicycle Lane Laws in Fresno

Generally, cyclists and other very slow-moving traffic must keep as close to the right side of the road as possible, within a bike lane where applicable. There are exceptions; even some law enforcement personnel may not recognize your rights as a cyclist.

Our Fresno bicycle crash attorneys stay updated on any changes to these laws, helping to make sure that your legal rights are thoroughly protected. A cyclist may be entitled to the entire width of the lane if:

• Preparing for a left turn
• The lane is too small to ride beside traffic safely

Cyclists are generally restricted from:

• Using crosswalks
• Riding on certain sidewalks in Fresno
• Riding under the influence
• Not signaling or following traffic signs

There can be a lot of factors involved in these cases, and even if you bear some of the fault, the driver can also be deemed partially at fault. It is essential to speak to a Fresno bicycle accident lawyer so that you do not miss out on potentially recovering damages.

Rights and Resources for Injured Cyclists in Fresno

Experiencing a bicycle crash can be disorienting and overwhelming, especially when you are faced with medical decisions and insurance questions. It is important to recognize that as a cyclist in California, you have clearly defined legal rights that protect you if you are injured.

If you need help accessing local legal resources, a skilled bicycle accident attorney in Fresno can explain how to access police reports, communicate with insurers, and get your case appropriately documented in a timely manner.

In Fresno, injured cyclists may need copies of their accident reports from the Fresno Police Department or medical evaluations from hospitals such as Saint Agnes Medical Center, both of which can play a crucial role in building a strong claim. Below are some resources frequently accessed by cyclists involved in accidents:

• Fresno Police Department: For accident reports and local road safety information
• Community Regional Medical Center: For emergency care in the aftermath of a traffic collision
• Fresno County Superior Court: For handling legal filings, claims, or disputes

Therapy and Rehab Services

For those dealing with injuries after an accident, it is also essential to be aware of the support and rehabilitation services available in the region. Fresno offers a range of rehabilitation centers and trauma counseling facilities that can assist with your recovery.

By working with a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer in Fresno, you will have guidance in obtaining not only compensation but also referrals to these helpful local resources, giving you the support you need through each stage of the process.

California Bike Helmet Laws & Safety Measures

In the state of California, all individuals under the age of 18 (i.e., minors) are required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Despite this requirement, all cyclists, regardless of age, are highly encouraged to wear a helmet.

Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe head trauma in the event of a collision or fall. Wearing additional protective gear, such as reflective clothing and proper footwear, can enhance safety.

If you‘ve been injured, call our Fresno bicycle accident lawyers 24/7.

What Types of Injuries Are Sustained in Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle crashes can result in injuries ranging from minor abrasions to serious head, spinal, and internal injuries. Since bicycle riders lack physical protection around them, they are more susceptible to their environment when involved in bicycle accidents.

Whether you are an avid cyclist or occasionally get on two wheels, knowing what kinds of injuries are most common can help you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.

Head & Facial Injuries

The fact that injuries to the head and face are common in bicycle accidents will not shock many, especially those who are avid bicyclists. When riders are struck or hit by a stationary object, they may be ejected from their bikes and thrown forward, landing on their faces.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, between 22% and 47% of injured cyclists have sustained an injury to the head. Some of the most common of these injuries include:

• Eye trauma
• Dental fractures
• Facial contusions
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries

The best way to prevent potential head injuries on a bike is to wear a helmet. No, they may not be enough to protect you from the dangers of negligent drivers or road hazards. Still, they can mitigate the potential for catastrophic or fatal injury in a bicycle crash.

Fractures

Fractures or broken bones may seem like a relatively simple injury to treat. However, this is not always the case. Depending on how the bone was broken and what area was injured, the person may be debilitated for weeks or months and require surgery and physical therapy.

Prompt medical attention following a fracture can greatly influence recovery outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to the individual’s needs can help minimize downtime and facilitate a quicker return to daily activities.

Internal Damage

Not all injuries are readily apparent on the surface. Some of the most severe injuries occur below the surface of the skin. Damage to the internal organs can occur when the cyclist is hit by a vehicle, hits the ground after the fact, or hits debris or other objects after falling.

Damage to the following body parts can occur after physical trauma:

• Spinal injuries
• Abdominal wall
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Kidney
• Stomach
• Intestines
• Colon
• Uterus
• Bladder
• Blood vessels

One of the biggest dangers of organ damage is internal bleeding, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Quick intervention is key to managing internal damage, which might not be immediately recognizable due to the lack of visible symptoms.

Regular follow-ups and diagnostic tests are crucial to ensure that potential internal injuries are monitored effectively, preventing complications that could worsen the cyclist’s condition over time.

Building a Strong Compensation Claim for Cyclists

Bicycle riders have just as much of a right to safety on the road as drivers of commercial trucks, passenger vehicles, or motorcycle drivers. If you were injured as a result of the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation.

Compensation is often paid out for damages that can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Hospital expenses
• Emergency transport expenses
• Loss of wages, present and future
• Disfigurement

Our Fresno bike accident team takes a strategic approach to building compensation claims, ensuring that every potential avenue for damage recovery is thoroughly explored.

We construct robust cases that represent our clients’ interests by analyzing the specifics of each incident, collecting relevant evidence, and consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts. This process can help identify available sources of compensation and strengthen the evidentiary basis for your claim. 

Why Should You Hire Our Fresno Bike Accident Lawyers?

Clients choose us because of our experience handling bicycle accident claims, knowledge of local laws, and commitment to providing accessible legal support.

• Proficiency in bicycle accident law: Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer can provide the knowledge needed to handle your case, understand your rights as an injured cyclist, and determine the best way to pursue your claim.
• Knowledge of local laws: A bicycle accident attorney can identify local laws that may affect your case, including laws regarding cyclist safety equipment and other requirements.
• Understanding of insurance companies: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize compensation after a bicycle accident. A Fresno bicycle accident attorney can handle communications and negotiations while pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to under the law.
• Accessibility and support: Bicycle accident victims often need timely legal guidance after an accident. Our bicycle accident lawyers at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt are available 24/7 to provide assistance and support when you need it.
• Personalized guidance: Our commitment extends beyond legal representation as we maintain clear communication and provide personalized guidance throughout your case.

Our commitment extends beyond representation; we strive to be your partner in recovery. Our Fresno bicycle accident lawyers aim to ease the emotional and financial burdens accompanying such distressing events by maintaining clear communication and offering personalized guidance.

What Compensation is Available in a Bicycle Accident Claim?

The exact amount varies, but the types of damages you can recover generally fall into three main categories:

Economic Damages

Common examples include:

• Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and future care)
• Lost wages while you recover
• Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Property damage, such as repairing or replacing your bicycle and gear
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages

They may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (such as anxiety or PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (for example, inability to ride or participate in hobbies)
• Loss of consortium in serious injury cases

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but may apply if the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness, such as:

• Driving under the influence
• Intentional or particularly dangerous misconduct

Recovering Compensation for Severe Injuries

Severe bicycle accident injuries can have lasting effects on your health, finances, and daily life. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and other serious injuries may require emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.

These injuries can also prevent you from working or participating in activities you once enjoyed. If another party caused your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future treatment, and other damages related to your injuries.

We Can Handle the Insurance Companies

After a bicycle accident, dealing with insurance companies can add stress to an already difficult situation. Insurers may question liability, dispute the severity of your injuries, or offer less compensation than your claim may warrant.

Our bike accident attorneys can handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence to support your claim, and work to pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.

Building a Strong Bicycle Accident Claim in Fresno County

Building a strong claim after a bicycle accident starts with gathering evidence from the collision scene and reviewing available police reports. Our attorneys can examine police reports, accident reports, and other accident records to determine how the crash occurred and whether applicable traffic laws were followed.

Our Fresno bicycle accident lawyers can also review the collision scene, photographs, witness statements, and other evidence related to bicycle accident collisions while considering traffic laws that may apply in Fresno County.

Evidence from the collision scene may help establish liability and support your account of what happened. We can review police reports and consider traffic laws when evaluating the circumstances of your accident in Fresno County. We can also assess damage valuation when building your claim in Fresno County.

What to Expect During a Free Legal Consultation

A free legal consultation gives you an opportunity to speak with a bicycle accident attorney about what happened and learn more about your legal options. At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, we understand that you may have questions about your injuries, insurance claim, and potential compensation after a bicycle accident.

During the consultation, you can expect to discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident. Your attorney may ask when and where the collision occurred, how it happened, what injuries you suffered, and whether you received medical treatment.

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. You may want to discuss potential next steps, how an insurance claim works, what damages you may be able to seek, and what legal representation could involve.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Fresno?

Immediately following a bicycle accident in Fresno, the first step is to ensure your safety and health. Check for any injuries and call 911 if emergency medical assistance is needed.

Document the scene with photographs, noting any injuries, damages, and road conditions, as this will be critical if you choose to pursue legal action. Exchange information with the other parties involved, including drivers and witnesses, collecting names, contact details, and insurance company information.

It is essential to make a police report clearly explaining what occurred from your perspective. Contact Fowler | Helsel | Vogt as soon as possible to discuss your rights and explore the possibility of recovering damages with a Fresno bicycle accident lawyer.

How Often Do Bicycle Accidents Occur in Fresno, CA?

Bicycle accidents occur frequently in Fresno, reflecting the city’s road systems and diverse traffic. According to recent reports from the California Highway Patrol, bicycle-related incidents have steadily risen, ranging from minor collisions to severe accidents necessitating hospitalization.

This increase underscores the importance of city-wide initiatives aimed at improving cycling infrastructure, such as adding more bike lanes and enhancing street lighting. Awareness campaigns promoting safe cycling habits and educating motorists about sharing the road contribute to mitigation efforts.

As cyclists continue to be an integral part of Fresno’s transportation ecosystem, these moves are crucial in reducing accident rates and helping improve the safety of all road users.

Get a Free Consultation With a Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, taking swift action is essential to protect your health, financial stability, and future. Bicycle accident injuries can have long-term impacts, and obtaining the right legal support can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you deserve.

Our dedicated Fresno bicycle accident attorneys at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt are here to guide you through the process with the care and experience needed to help you recover.

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get the legal support you deserve. Contact us today, then visit our blog to learn more.