Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyers
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 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 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.
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. 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 at-fault driver’s automobile policy will cover the accident just like you were in a car rather than your bicycle.
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 an 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 bicycle accident lawyer?
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 case is treated fairly and completely by the insurance company of the person that caused your injuries.
How Can Our 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 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 an injury accident, it is very important to consult with an attorney as quickly as possible. If you wait to consult a lawyer, 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.
