Bicycle Accident Attorney - Fresno CA

Proving fault: How our attorneys win your Bicycle Accident claim

A Fresno bicycle accident attorney can assist you in obtaining maximum compensation because we are aware of exactly what is required to build a winning case. To prove the other party acted carelessly and secure your compensation, we must legally establish four key components of negligence:

1. Duty of Care: We must establish that the at-fault party (the Respondent or defendant) owed a clear duty of care to ensure the safety of other road users, including cyclists. This is a basic legal requirement for all drivers and entities.
2. Breach of Duty: This is the core evidence: proving the defendant failed to uphold that duty of care (e.g., they were texting, speeding, or ran a stop sign).
3. Causation: We establish the crucial connection (nexus or causal relationship) between the defendant's carelessness and your injuries. It must be demonstrated as a matter of fact that their negligence directly caused your accident and subsequent harm.
4. Damages: We prove you suffered actual losses (economic and non-economic) as a result of that harm.

Our Fresno bicycle accident lawyer will also investigate the insurance limits of the at-fault driver and determine whether the policy coverage is sufficient to cover the full extent of your expenses and suffering.

How much compensation can I claim for a Bicycle Accident in Fresno?

Every bicycle accident claim is unique, but the goal is always to secure max compensation for the full extent of your losses, both financial and personal. Our bicycle accident attorneys pursue two main categories of damages on your behalf:

1. Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

These are the clear, out-of-pocket expenses that can be calculated with receipts and bills. We work to ensure every dollar of your financial loss is covered, including:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medication, and future long-term care for your byke injury.
• Lost Wages: Income lost from time missed at work, including future diminished earning capacity if your injury prevents you from returning to your job.
• Property Damage: Cost to repair or replace your high-value bicycle, helmet, and other riding gear.
• Other Expenses: Transportation costs to and from medical appointments (mileage, rideshares), and the cost of necessary household assistance.

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

This category represents the intangible losses that severely impact your quality of life. For a severe byke injury, this can often be the largest part of your recovery.

• Physical Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain, headaches, and ongoing discomfort from injuries like fractures or severe road rash.
• Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, fear of riding again, depression, and other psychological effects.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for losing the ability to participate in hobbies, exercise, or family activities.

Crucial legal factor: California's Pure Comparative Negligence

We know victims are often worried about fault. In California, even if the insurance company tries to blame you for the crash—for example, arguing you weren't visible enough or didn't use a bike lane—you can still recover damages.

California uses the Pure Comparative Negligence system, which means:

1. A percentage of fault is assigned to every party involved (e.g., 20% cyclist, 80% driver).
2. Your final compensation is only reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.

What steps will our team of lawyers do after coming on record?

When you retain one of our Fresno Bicycle Crash attorneys, we make an effort to handle all the legal facets of your bike crash case. The various ways in which we handle your matter are as discussed as follows. First, we begin by gathering the required proof which includes: photos, videos, accident records, and eyewitness accounts among others.

If we are unable to settle, we will represent you in court to obtain a judgment award. We will keep you informed of settlement proposals, respond to your inquiries, protect your legal rights, coordinate with the bicycle crash attorney for the opposing party, and keep you up to speed throughout the case.

Get in touch with our law firm. We will relentlessly fight to secure the maximum possible result for your case.

What is the Process of Finding out the Party at Fault?

Contrary to popular assumptions, bicycle accidents often involve more than just a car collision. Determining the liable party is a complex investigation, and the responsible entity may be an individual, a municipality, or a pet owner.

Identifying All Potential Liable Parties (Beyond Just Drivers)

To maximize your compensation, our team investigates all possibilities for fault. Your claim may be directed toward various parties, including:

• Negligent Drivers: The insurance of the car's driver will be the primary source of reimbursement if a car hits you or drives you off the road.
• Property Owners or Pet Owners: If an accident is caused by a dangerous condition on private property or if an animal assaults you while you are riding, the owner may be held liable to reimburse you.
• Government Entities (The City or County): If your accident results from an unmarked road, a poorly maintained street, or dangerous road design, the municipality may be liable to reimburse you.

Investigating Hit-and-Run and Disputed Liability Cases

Due to the difficulty of following a speeding car, some bicycle accidents result in hit-and-run incidents. If the driver of the vehicle stops, they may dispute liability. Regardless of how the driver views the fault, it is crucial to make a note of the license plate of the offending vehicle, take a picture of your wounds, and call the police to file an accident report.

If you do not know who hit you, our experts step in. We can look up the driver using business and traffic cameras, investigate local accident reports, and speak to witnesses to identify the appropriate party for reimbursement.

Why you may need a Fresno accident attorney

After a serious bicycle crash in Fresno, your focus should be on your physical recovery, not battling insurance companies or navigating the complex California legal system alone. Hiring a specialized attorney is the single best step you can take to protect your future. Here is how expert legal representation maximizes your compensation and simplifies your claim:

• Recover damages: An attorney can help you recover compensation for medical expenses and other damages from the responsible party. 
• Prove negligence: Lawyers can help prove fault in a bicycle accident, which is determined by whether a driver or cyclist acted negligently and breached their duty of care. 
• Handle complex cases: Bicycle accidents often result in serious or life-altering injuries, making legal representation important for navigating a complex claim. 
• Increase settlement amount: Statistics show that accident victims who hire an attorney often receive significantly higher settlements than those who don't. 

About our firm- how many other Bicycle Accident cases has our Firm handled

Our firm takes pleasure in easing the stress that injured bicyclists typically experience. We are aware that recovering from your wounds while pursuing legal action against the person or entity responsible for your suffering can be difficult.

For previous clients, we have successfully won numerous positive case outcomes and millions of dollars in recoveries. Our team is knowledgeable on every aspect of bicycle accident injury claims.

Frequently asked questions about Fresno bike accidents

How much does a Bicycle Accident Lawyer cost?

Victims of bicycle accident injuries may have expensive medical expenses to pay. We take claims on a contingency-fee-basis since we are aware that accident victims incur significant costs. As a result, you don't pay us until your case is won.

The Fresno bicycle accident lawyer handling your case will keep track of any expenses incurred by the firm to get a fair settlement for you, add them to any other applicable costs, and subtract them from your settlement amount. You won't owe the company any money if you lose the case and don't receive a settlement.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident Claim in California?

The general statute of limitations (legal deadline) for most bicycle accident and personal injury claims in California is two (2) years from the date of the injury. If a lawsuit is not filed within this two-year window, you typically lose the right to pursue compensation.

There are two critical exceptions to this deadline that must be noted immediately:

1. Claims Against a Government Entity: If the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition or a government vehicle, the deadline to file a claim is much shorter—often as little as six months.
2. Injured Minors: If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the crash, the two-year deadline usually does not begin until their 18th birthday.

Because these deadlines vary and are strictly enforced, it is crucial to contact a Fresno bicycle accident attorney immediately.

What if my Bicycle Accident was a Hit-and-Run?

A hit-and-run accident in Fresno is a serious crime, but it does not leave you without options. While finding the driver is challenging, the dedicated Fresno bicycle accident attorneys at Big Ben Lawyers specialize in these complex cases. We will aggressively investigate the scene for video and witness evidence, and work to maximize your compensation by leveraging your available insurance policies, such as Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Do not handle a hit-and-run claim alone—call Big Ben Lawyers immediately.

Which are the most dangerous Fresno intersections for bikers?

The most dangerous areas for cyclists in Fresno are typically major, high-traffic intersections and busy campus areas. Based on accident data, the following intersections present the highest risk:

• Friant Road & Shepherd Avenue
• Blackstone Avenue & Shaw Avenue
• Blackstone Avenue & Ashlan Avenue
• Cedar Avenue & McKinley Avenue
• Herndon Avenue & First Street

Additionally, special caution should be exercised in the Downtown corridors and around major college areas like Fresno City College and Fresno State (particularly along the Blackstone Avenue corridor) due to high pedestrian and vehicle volume.

Schedule a Free Consultation

For a single, free case consultation regarding a bicycle accident, contact us. Our Firm is prepared to listen to your tale. The members of our staff will explain your alternatives to you and clear up any uncertainty you may have regarding the claims procedure. Trust in our Fresno bicycle accident lawyers at this trying time.

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