Cycling is a great way to stay in shape and get from place to place without using up expensive fuel. However, when cyclists get into an accident, their injuries can be very serious because a bicycle leaves the cyclist exposed and unprotected.
If you were injured in a bike crash caused by someone else acting recklessly or negligently, you may be able to pursue compensation with the help of a Fresno bicycle accident lawyer. Our skilled personal injury attorneys can help gather evidence and file a lawsuit that may cover your financial losses as well as non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering. Reach out to the Valero Law Group today to begin working with a dedicated advocate.
Common Causes of Bike Collisions
Many drivers do not pay enough attention to bicycles on the road, and as a result, devastating accidents can occur. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Drivers getting too close to a cyclist
- Distracted drivers failing to see a bicyclist
- Drivers failing to give bicyclists the right-of-way
- A person opening a car door into a bicycle lane directly in front of a cyclist
If another person caused the bike accident by not following traffic laws or acting recklessly, they may be liable for the injured biker’s losses. Speaking with a Fresno bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after an incident is the best way to determine next steps and preserve your right to compensation.
What Is the Three Feet Law?
Because bicyclists have the same basic rights as motorists while on the road, motorists need to follow certain rules when driving in the same vicinity as them. When followed correctly, the Three Feet Law can help prevent bicycle accidents. This law states that drivers must leave at least three feet of clearance between their vehicle and a bicycle.
If a driver fails to follow the Three Feet Law and an accident occurs that leaves the bicyclist injured, the driver could be held responsible for the accident. A bicycle accident lawyer in Fresno can carefully review the accident to determine whether the driver broke the Three Feet Law and gather other evidence to establish liability.
What Compensation Can I Get for a Bicycle Accident?
Proving liability is key to any personal injury case, and a Fresno lawyer can help gather evidence and build a strong case to support the injured cyclist’s claim. Our team can also calculate the injured biker’s losses, including economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the financial impacts of a wreck, such as current and future medical expenses, lost wages or diminished earning capacity, and personal property damage.
Non-economic damages are the more subjective losses from an accident and are often more difficult to calculate. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Connect with our team to learn more about the potential value of a claim.
Bicycle Laws and Motor Vehicle Interactions
Bicycles are legally considered vehicles, so cyclists must follow most of the same traffic rules as cars in Fresno. This includes obeying stop signs and traffic lights, riding in the same direction as traffic, and yielding the right-of-way when appropriate. According to California Vehicle Code § 21200, bicyclists also have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers, meaning drivers must treat them with care and respect on the road.
Unfortunately, collisions often occur when motorists fail to see or yield to cyclists, especially when turning or opening car doors. A person injured in a bike crash may be entitled to recover damages through a personal injury claim. A lawyer can investigate whether a driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving or unsafe lane changes, contributed to the crash. In doing so, they can help build a strong case for compensation covering medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. Call Valero Law Group for help with a case.
Helmet Use and Comparative Negligence
In Fresno, traffic law requires bicyclists under 18 to wear a helmet, but adults are not legally required to do so. While failing to wear a helmet will not automatically bar someone from recovering damages, it could impact their case under the state’s comparative fault system. Under California Civil Code § 1431.2, an injured party’s compensation can be reduced if they are partially at fault for their injuries.
For example, if a cyclist was not wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury, an insurance company might argue that this contributed to the severity of the injury. However, a lawyer can challenge such claims by providing medical testimony or arguing that the crash would have caused significant harm regardless. Even if the bicyclist shares some fault, they may still recover compensation, another reason why having a skilled attorney is critical in bike crash cases.
Unique Road Rules and Infrastructure
The local area has a growing network of bike lanes, shared-use paths, and designated cycling routes. However, many areas remain high-risk for bicyclists due to limited infrastructure or heavy vehicle traffic. Certain intersections, particularly those lacking clear bike markings or adequate lighting, have become known for the frequency of accidents that occur there.
Local traffic regulations also require cyclists to use a white front headlight and red rear reflector when riding at night in Fresno (Cal. Veh. Code § 21201). Failure to meet these requirements could affect liability in an accident. An attorney can review the scene of the incident and assess whether the road design contributed to the crash. They can also gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and collaborate with accident reconstruction professionals to strengthen a claim. Learn more by connecting with our team.
Call a Fresno Bike Accident Attorney Today
If a bicycle accident has turned your life upside down, a Fresno bicycle accident lawyer can help you get back on track. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and offering strong legal support every step of the way. Plus, we only get paid if we win your case, so you can feel confident in choosing us to represent you.
Schedule a consultation, and we will come to your home or any location you prefer. Share the details of your accident so we can evaluate your options for seeking compensation. If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you deserve to recover your losses—call the Valero Law Group today.