Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney

Accidents are unexpected and unplanned. They can disrupt the functions that a person would usually carry out, cause damages, and result in productivity loss. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you have the legal right to be compensated. With accidents like this, you need to make sure you have proper representation from a Fresno bicycle accident attorney.

Bicycle accidents are no joke as they can lead to abdominal trauma, bone fractures, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, chest injuries, facial scarring, etc, and other recoverable economic damages. In addition to the physical and emotional difficulties of the accident, you will also have to bear a financial burden that only increases with the severity of your injuries.

You should not have to bear this burden alone. Contacting a Roberts & Spiegel qualified Fresno bicycle accident attorney for compensation options, should be high on your priority list if you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident.

Our Fresno bicycle accident attorneys at Roberts & Spiegel Injury Lawyers are experts at handling bicycle accident claims. We are known for our professionalism, skill, and experience. Our experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers have helped our clients in recovering full and complete compensation. Many residents have gotten their life and finances back on track with our assistance.

If you have been injured in a Fresno bicycle accident, contact us at Roberts & Spiegel Injury Law for fast and solid representation.

How a Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help After an Accident

Dealing with a bicycle accident is a really difficult situation to be in. Victims are often facing significant injuries and medical expenses. Fortunately, you could be entitled to compensation. Here’s how a lawyer can help you get what you’re entitled to: 

• A lawyer will carefully review the facts of your case to determine if you have a viable personal injury claim or lawsuit. They will look at evidence, such as video footage, police reports, and medical records. 
• A lawyer will also speak with witnesses who saw the accident take place, as they can provide insight into what happened and who might be at fault. 
• A bicycle accident lawyer will calculate the amount of damages you are entitled to, including all out-of-pocket expenses as well as more intangible suffering related to your quality of life. 

If you’ve been involved in an accident and need help with a claim, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Fresno bicycle accident lawyer. 

Compensation in Bicycle Accident Cases

Over the years, there has been an increasing number of bicycle accidents. The Center for Disease Control reported that the costs of bicycle injuries and fatalities surpass $23 billion in the U.S each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates an annual average of 883 bicycle crash-related fatalities. Sadly, these numbers have shown no sign of dwindling.

The volume of compensation that an injured cyclist can receive is based on different factors. Some of these factors include who is at fault for the collision, how severe the injury is, and whether the rider has suffered any permanent disability. Contacting a Fresno personal injury attorney is a priority because you should seek compensation with a full understanding of your right and options.

Here are some different reasons for crashes and how lawsuits can be filed in each scenario.

• If a pedestrian or another cyclist caused the accident by obstructing or violating the cyclist's right-of-way, the cyclist can file a claim against them.
• If a bicycle was poorly designed or repaired, the cyclist can file a claim against the company responsible for manufacturing or repairing the bicycle for the accident that occurred because of their negligence or oversight.
• If the driver of a motor vehicle was the cause of the accident, the cyclist may file a claim against either the driver or the driver's auto insurance company.
• If a dog or a pet, jumped at a cyclist or was in any way the reason for a bicycle accident, the cyclist can file a claim against the owner of the dog or pet.
• If the road was in poor condition or the rider fell because of debris or potholes, the cyclist can file a claim against the government agencies responsible for designing or maintaining the road.

Deciding how and who to file a claim against is one of the first things we will help you figure out. Knowing which direction to go and intensifying our efforts in that direction will prove beneficial and result in positive outcomes.

What if you are partially to blame?

While this might put a hitch in our stride, it does not obstruct you from securing at least some form of compensation. Although, it is likely that you receive a lesser percentage than usual, depending on how much of the accident was your fault.

California operates a "comparative fault" system. This means that the damages an injured person would receive for their injuries would be reduced by the percentage of fault allocated to them. For instance, if you were 30% responsible for the accident, you would only receive 70% of the compensation awarded.

So, it is possible that you are compensated for your loss regardless of a fractional fault on your part. You will need to turn to your Fresno bicycle accident attorney for a full consult, highlighting everything you need to know to avoid exploitation by insurance companies.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Leading to Personal Injury Claims

When it comes to bicycle accidents, several common causes can lead to personal injury claims. Understanding these causes can help you comprehend the potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect yourself on the road. It will also help you determine when you might have a legal claim. Common causes include the following: 

• Distracted Driving: Inattentive drivers using cell phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions can cause accidents involving cyclists.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield to cyclists at intersections or when making turns can result in collisions and severe injuries.
• Dooring Accidents: Opening a car door without checking for oncoming cyclists is a common cause of accidents, leading to serious injuries.
• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for the conditions of the specific road the driver is on reduces their ability to react to unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving cyclists.
• Improper Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal properly may collide with cyclists when changing lanes.
• Right-of-Way Violations: Drivers not respecting the right of way of cyclists when merging, turning, or entering the road can cause accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, honking, or making sudden maneuvers endanger the safety of cyclists.
• Poor Road Conditions: Hazards like potholes, uneven surfaces, or unexpected objects on the road can lead to bicycle accidents, causing serious injuries.
• Cyclist Behavior: While drivers have a responsibility to share the road, cyclists must also comply with traffic laws and avoid risky behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring stop signs or traffic signals, or riding on the wrong side of the road. These behaviors can contribute to bicycle accidents. 

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, we're here to help. 

Common Injuries in a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, varying in severity from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering consequences. Here are some common injuries that cyclists may sustain in an accident:

• Head Injuries
• Bone Fractures
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Road Rash
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Nerve Damage
• Psychological Injuries

If you have been in a bicycle accident and suffered injuries as a result of someone else's negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to move forward with a claim for compensation. 

Types of Compensation Available After a Bike Accident

If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, we understand that financial compensation can’t make up for the experience you went through. However, you’re likely facing medical expenses and lost wages, which can be a significant burden on your life while you’re trying to recover from your injuries. You could be entitled to the following types of compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your accident:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the out-of-pocket expenses you’ve experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries. These generally include medical expenses, like physical therapy, surgery, follow-up visits, and any other type of treatment you need as a result of your injuries. Lost wages and property damage are typically compensable as well.  

Non-Economic Damages

You might also be able to recover non-economic damages. These are intended to compensate you for more intangible aspects of your injuries. This most often includes pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring and disfigurement. These can’t be calculated by looking at bills or a receipt, but a lawyer can help you determine what you may be able to recover.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, it’s possible to recover punitive damages. In California, punitive damages are only awarded when the defendant engages in oppression, fraud, or malice. 

• In an action for the breach of an obligation not arising from contract, where it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant has been guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice, the plaintiff, in addition to the actual damages, may recover damages for the sake of example and by way of punishing the defendant.

These damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Time Limit For Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Fresno, CA

In California, the statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. 

Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.

This means if you don’t file your lawsuit within this time frame, you lose out on your chance to recover compensation as arising from the accident. However, in some cases, there are exceptions to this deadline that can shorten or extend the timeframe. Make sure you speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure you don’t miss your chance to recover much-deserved compensation. 

Contact a Qualified Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney Today.

If you have sustained injuries and need a Fresno bicycle accident attorney, contact Roberts & Spiegel Injury Law. We help you solidify your chances of securing compensation and a positive outcome. Our Fresno car accident lawyer will assist you when involved in an accident. You can reach us at (559) 201-0911.