Protecting Injured Cyclists in Fresno
Bicycling is a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to travel through Fresno. But when drivers fail to share the road safely, a relaxing ride can turn into a serious accident in seconds.
Because cyclists have little physical protection, even low-speed crashes can cause serious injuries. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help injured riders understand their rights after a crash. A motor vehicle can cause severe damage to someone riding a bicycle.
DJC Law represents injured cyclists throughout Fresno and works to hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable.
Call one of our bicycle accident lawyers today at (512) 888-9999 for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Serious Injuries Are Common—Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
Bicycle crashes often cause serious injuries because riders have little protection. Even when cyclists wear helmets and protective gear, they can suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Some injuries may not appear right away. Prompt medical care is important for your health and for documenting your claim. A bicycle accident attorney can also help preserve medical evidence that may strengthen your case.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident, we can help. Our bicycle accident lawyers have experience handling serious and complex injury claims.
Dooring Accidents and Driver Responsibility
Dooring accidents happen when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an approaching cyclist. These crashes can happen without warning. A rider may hit the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it.
California law places limits on when a person can open a vehicle door into traffic. Drivers and passengers should make sure it is safe before opening a door.
In many cases, the person who opened the door may be responsible for the cyclist’s injuries. Insurance companies may try to blame the cyclist instead. A bicycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash and gather evidence to help determine who was at fault.
E-Bike and Electric Bicycle Accidents
E-bikes are becoming more common throughout Fresno. They are used by commuters, students, delivery riders, and people who enjoy recreational cycling. While convenient, e-bikes can also cause serious injuries when crashes occur.
An e-bike crash can result in broken bones, head injuries, road rash, or spinal injuries. A bicycle accident lawyer can investigate whether a driver, unsafe road, or defective bike part caused the accident.
Delivery riders using electric bicycles may face additional legal issues. A crash could involve an employer, commercial insurance, or another company. A bicycle accident lawyer may need to investigate several parties to determine who is responsible.
Some crashes may also involve defective batteries, brake problems, or electrical failures. In these cases, a manufacturer or distributor may share responsibility. Speaking with an experienced e-bike accident lawyer early can help preserve important evidence.
When Other Parties May Be Responsible
Many bicycle accidents involve negligent drivers. However, other parties may also share responsibility, including:
- Commercial employers if a company vehicle was involved
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance
- Construction companies that failed to properly mark work zones
- Manufacturers of defective bicycle components or auto parts
Identifying all responsible parties can have a major impact on your case. DJC Law investigates the crash to determine every possible source of liability.
A bicycle accident lawyer can review traffic camera footage, police reports, witness statements, and other records to determine who may be responsible. Our attorneys have experience handling bicycle accident cases and investigating claims involving multiple parties.
Unsafe Roads and Government Liability Claims
Not every bicycle accident is caused by a driver. Dangerous roads, poor construction zones, and unsafe bike infrastructure can also cause serious crashes.
Problems may include:
- Uneven pavement
- Large potholes
- Debris in bike lanes
- Broken traffic signals
- Missing warning signs
- Poorly marked construction zones
- Unsafe or confusing detours
When a government agency fails to maintain a roadway or address a known hazard, it may share legal responsibility for an accident.
Construction companies and private contractors may also be responsible if they fail to mark work zones properly, leave materials in bike lanes, or create unsafe detours.
Claims involving government agencies can have special rules and shorter deadlines. California generally requires a claim for injury against a public entity to be presented within six months of the injury.
Because these cases can be more complicated, it is important to seek legal help quickly. A bicycle accident attorney can investigate whether poor road conditions or negligent maintenance played a role in the crash.
Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
If another party caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage to your bicycle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
We look at the full impact of your injuries so your claim accounts for both your current losses and future needs.
Your bicycle accident attorney will fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
The steps you take after a crash can affect your claim.
1. Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, take photos of the area, vehicles, road conditions, your bicycle, and your injuries. Photos can help show what happened and what conditions existed at the time of the accident.
2. Gather Witness Information
Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Witnesses may have important information about how the crash happened.
3. Report the Accident
Depending on the circumstances, contact the police and make sure an accident report is created. Keep a copy of the report if one is available.
4. Get Medical Care
Seek medical attention even if your injuries do not seem serious. Some injuries may become noticeable hours or days after a crash.
5. Be Careful With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may ask questions about the accident or request a recorded statement. Avoid making statements that could be used against you before you understand your rights.
Contacting an experienced Fresno bicycle accident attorney early can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence.
How DJC Law Helps Injured Cyclists
Our firm handles the legal process so you can focus on recovery. We:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Collect and preserve key evidence
- Review police and accident reports
- Look for available traffic or surveillance footage
- Identify potentially responsible parties
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Calculate full damages, including future medical needs
- Negotiate for fair compensation
- Prepare every case as if it may go to trial
We work to make sure fault is based on the evidence and not unfair assumptions about cyclists. Working with a bicycle accident lawyer early can help prevent insurers from unfairly reducing your claim.
No Upfront Fees
DJC Law works on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- No upfront legal costs
- No hourly billing
- No payment unless we win your case
Our goal is to remove financial barriers so you can pursue your claim with the help of an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
Speak With a Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. You may be facing painful injuries, medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. Insurance companies may also pressure you to accept a settlement before you know the full value of your claim.
You do not have to handle this alone. DJC Law is committed to protecting injured cyclists in Fresno and fighting for the compensation they deserve. We take the time to understand your injuries, your recovery, and how the accident has affected your life.
Call one of our bicycle accident lawyers at (512) 888-9999 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Let DJC Law stand with you and help you move forward with confidence.
