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Bicycle riders already know that people who drive cars and trucks often do not pay enough attention to their surroundings and do not look for bicyclists before making driving moves that can imperil their lives. In 2012, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 49,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic crashes in the United States. 726 were killed. A Fresno personal injury law firm can help.
And far too often, those Fresno bicycle accidents are the fault of the motor vehicle driver, not the bicyclist. If you are bike rider – now or in the future – injured in a bicycle accident in central California, and a bus, truck, or automobile driver’s negligence caused that bicycle accident injury, get legal help right away. You may be able to recover medical costs, lost wages, and related expenses.
What causes bicycle accidents?
Inattention and visibility. Car drivers are notoriously blind to bicycle riders. Lights, high visibility clothing and bike lanes are no guarantee of safety.
Driver Negligence: Motorists failing to see or yield to cyclists, often resulting in collisions.
Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones or other distractions leading to accidents with cyclists.
Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and poor road conditions can cause cyclists to lose control.
Dooring Accidents: Cyclists colliding with car doors opened into their path.
Speeding: Excessive speed by either cyclists or motorists increases the risk of severe accidents.
Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Both cyclists and drivers not adhering to traffic signals and rules.
Understanding these causes can help in taking preventive measures to avoid accidents.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Fresno
Head Injuries: These can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk, but not all cyclists wear them.
Fractures: Commonly affecting the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones due to the impact of falls or collisions.
Road Rash: Abrasions and lacerations caused by skidding on pavement, often requiring extensive cleaning and sometimes leading to scarring or infections.
Spinal Injuries: These can range from minor back pain to serious spinal cord damage, potentially leading to paralysis.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and contusions affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often resulting from sudden impacts or falls.
Facial Injuries: Including dental damage, broken noses, and cuts or bruises to the face, often occurring when the cyclist is thrown over the handlebars.
Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Cyclists in Fresno face risks from various factors including traffic, road conditions, and driver negligence, making safety precautions and awareness crucial.
What should I do following a bicycle accident?
Call the police for assistance. Next, make sure you get the necessary medical treatment. Don’t hesitate to insist on an ambulance ride to the hospital. If you are able, get the license and insurance information from the car driver. Photographs of the area and property damage would be great as well.
Following a bicycle accident, it’s important to take specific steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:
Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
Call 911: Report the accident and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
Collect Information: Gather contact and insurance details from involved parties, and get contact info for witnesses.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike.
File a Police Report: Ensure the accident is officially documented.
Seek Medical Attention: Follow up with a doctor for a thorough examination.
Consult an Attorney: Speak with a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and potential compensation.
These steps can help you handle the aftermath of a bicycle accident effectively.
In a perfect world, you or someone you trust would obtain a statement (by voice memo for example) from any witnesses; making sure to get their name and contact information.
How much compensation is available for a bike accident?
The compensation available for a bike accident varies based on the severity of the injuries and the specifics of the bicycle accident case.
Generally, it can cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages. Medical expenses include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing medical care. Lost wages account for income lost due to the inability to work. Pain and suffering compensate for physical and emotional distress.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney can provide a more accurate assessment based on individual circumstances. When should I hire a bicycle accident lawyer?
As soon as possible. You shouldn’t sign any papers or give a statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without first consulting with a Fresno bicycle accident attorney –and remember, its free to do so! You can always sign those papers or talk to that adjuster later; after you to speak to a lawyer.
It almost certainly isn’t in your best interest to give a statement or sign paperwork from the ‘other side’ without knowing your rights. You can be certain that any mistakes or errors you make in a statement will be used against you in any subsequent settlement negotiations or lawsuit.
Why do I need a Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Peace of mind, having someone handle all the legal aspects and details while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries and getting better. Making sure that your bicycle accident case is treated fairly and completely by the insurance company of the person that caused your injuries.
How Can Our Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorneys Help You?
When handling a personal injury claim for a bicycle accident, a good bicycle accident lawyer will consult the best available accident reconstruction experts to prove who was at fault; obtain the testimony of medical experts to support your bicycle accident claim; and fight aggressively to win the maximum compensation.
A bicycle accident attorney will personally interview every individual who witnessed the incident and thoroughly investigate every detail of the crash. Following a bicycle accident injury accident, it is very important to consult with an attorney as quickly as possible.
If you wait to consult Fresno bicycle accident lawyers, evidence may be lost and witnesses may disappear or become forgetful. A bicycle accident law firm will take swift action to secure and protect relevant evidence.
All too often, bike riders are injured or killed by drivers who fail to check their blind spot, make right turns in front of bicyclists, sideswipe them, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or otherwise proceed in a dangerous manner that risks lives.
In some cases, damages can be recovered even in a hit-and-run if the bicyclist carries insurance with uninsured motorist coverage. We will work relentlessly to obtain the financial compensation you deserve and to make the legal process as simple and painless as possible. We keep flexible hours to meet your needs, and we return every call promptly.
Our staff speaks Spanish and French; don’t let a language barrier keep you from the help you need. Call us today at 559-545-0383 or reach us online to schedule a consultation.