Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

Whether or not you use your bicycle as a primary means of conveyance, it’s an excellent way to get around, stay in shape, and do your part to reduce carbon monoxide emissions into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, you are exposed to outside motor vehicle error. Through no fault of your own, you may be struck or forced off your bike and need legal help.

Bike riders often have no protection at all when driving on the road. You may be wearing a helmet, elbow and knee pads, but this is nothing compared to the protection passenger vehicle riders have. Injuries are likely great in an encounter with a passenger vehicle, and our firm wants to help you recover compensation for all of your damages.

Determining Fault in the Other Party

Most of these incidents occur as a result of drivers quite literally not seeing the bicycle riders. This is an effect of what psychology calls a schotoma, which is 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 driver if her or she:

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

Bicycle Lane Laws in Fresno, CA

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, and even some law enforcement may not recognize your rights as a cyclists.

A cyclist may be entitled to the entire width of the lane if:

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

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's very important to speak to a lawyer so that you don't miss out on the opportunity to potentially recover damages.

Establishing Your Case for Compensation

Bicycle riders have just as much of a right to safety on the road as a driver of a commercial truck, passenger vehicle, or motorcycle. 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

Get Started on Your Case Today

If you or a loved were the victim of a bicycle accident, we urge you to do everything you can to protect the security and future of yourself and of your family. Contact our Fresno bicycle injury attorneys at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt at (559) 900-1280 and take the first steps toward filing your claim.

Don't wait to get help! Contact our firm for a free, no-obligation consultation today.