Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney

A bicycle accident is a form of catastrophic incident that will leave the victim with terrible scars, both mental and physical problems, as well as economic annihilation. The experienced attorney then protects your legal rights while accompanying you throughout this critical phase in your life. At SSD Law Firm PC – Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm, we’re here to help.

Let our firm, led by highly professional attorney Sarwinder Dhanjan, get you the compensation you deserve. We work tirelessly so that you can collect medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether your accident was due to the negligence of a driver, defective roads, defective equipment, or other causes, we are ready to fight on your behalf.

We know this process is overwhelming, so we provide personalized guidance every step of the way. If you need a trusted Fresno bicycle accident attorney, do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation so we can start recovering what you deserve for your injustice.

Why Choose Us as Your Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney?

Our law firm understands that bicycling on the road is an arduous process. With several years of experience and empathy, personal injury attorney Sarwinder Dhanjan has helped countless personal injury victims receive compensation.

Here’s why we’re Fresno’s trusted choice for bicycle accident cases:

• Proven Results: We have a strong history of recovering damages on behalf of personal injury victims, including cyclists.
• Personal Attention: Each case gets our undivided attention; this is one-on-one consultation based on individual needs.
• No Win, No Fee: We operate on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if we win your case.

Allow us to fight for your rights as you seek recovery.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Fresno, CA

Accidents can happen for many reasons when riding bikes. Most of these can be prevented by often greater awareness of the drivers and sometimes by road infrastructure design. The leading causes of bike accidents, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and People Powered Movement, include the following:

Driver Distraction

Driver inattention is a major cause of bike accidents, contributing to about 30% of incidents. Driver distractions include texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. These distractions cause drivers to fail to notice cyclists on the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Failure to Yield

Confusion or disregard for road-sharing rules usually creates terrible accidents between cyclists and motor vehicle drivers. Most drivers misunderstand or ignore traffic laws about cyclists, like yielding at crossroads or giving them enough space while passing, leading to dangerous and sometimes deadly encounters.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roadways, potholes, and scattered debris are responsible for about 13% of the bike-related crashes. In these situations, bicyclists are forced to swerve or make sudden stops to avoid these obstacles, which increases their risk of losing control or being struck by a nearby vehicle.

Riding at Night Without Proper Gear

More than half of all biking accidents occur after dark because of poor visibility and lack of proper safety equipment. Without lights, reflectors, or bright clothes, it is infinitely more difficult for drivers to see a cyclist, especially on poorly lit roads; therefore, riding at night is exceptionally hazardous.

What Injuries Can a Bicycle Accident Cause?

Bicycle accidents have a severe injury pattern because of the lack of physical protection for the cyclist, who is entirely exposed on the road. The common types of injuries include head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries that can occur even when cyclists wear helmets since they may reduce but not eliminate the impact of a crash. Broken bones are another commonality: arms, legs, wrists, or collarbones may fracture when cyclists instinctively try to break their fall. Spinal cord damage is possible in severe crashes and may result in partial or complete paralysis that could permanently alter a person’s quality of life.

Other significant risks include blunt force trauma, which might lead to internal injuries with damage to one’s vital organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs. These may not be overt immediately but could be life-threatening if not treated. Road rash is a painful and often underappreciated injury when sliding across the pavement and causes deep skin abrasions to the skin, scarring, and infection if not cared for appropriately.

These are injuries that demand immediate medical attention, sometimes requiring emergency services, surgeries, rehabilitation, or continuous therapy to assist in recovery. Besides the physical and emotional burden, the financial burden can be overwhelming, with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs piling up quickly. Our team is committed to standing up for cyclists injured by negligence and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions while assisting victims in receiving the compensation they deserve to rebuild their lives.

California Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist in Fresno Should Know

Stay safe, know your rights, and observe the road rules. California has stern laws that protect bicyclists and pave the way for much safer roads. Awareness of such laws is necessary when commuting, exercising, or just leisurely riding bikes. Based on the Bike Safety Guidelines, here are some crucial rules every bicyclist in Fresno should adhere to:

• Equal rights and responsibilities: Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers. They must obey all traffic laws, including yielding to pedestrians and signaling turns.
• Staying to the right: The cyclist should ride as close to the right-hand side of the road, except when passing, turning, or avoiding hazards like potholes or parked cars.
• Helmet Use: Helmet use is required for riders under 18. It’s not for adults, but it drastically reduces the risk of head injuries.
• Traffic lights and stop signs: Bicyclists are expected to obey all traffic lights and stop signs. Running them is dangerous and also includes a fine.

These traffic laws will protect you, show respect, and make you responsible. It also gives you more grounds in case other people’s negligence leads to an accident. Knowledge and alertness are all it takes to have a safer cycling experience.

How a Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

Recovery from a bicycle accident is difficult enough without legal and insurance challenges. That is where we come in. Our team handles every detail in your case while you focus on healing. We will conduct an extensive investigation, including taking photos of the accident scene, obtaining video footage, and detailed witness statements. No detail is left unconsidered when building a strong case on your behalf.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or refuse to pay out, but we won’t let that happen. We will fight for you, negotiating aggressively to obtain the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are ready to take your case to court.

With experience and dedication, we fight relentlessly to help protect your rights and get the justice and financial recovery you deserve. You are not alone, and we can assist you through it all.

What Compensation Is Available for Bicycle Accident Victims?

You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence. This may include the following compensation available to bicycle accident victims:

Medical Expenses

This includes coverage for your current and future medical costs related to the accident, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. It guarantees you’re not burdened with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses while recovering.

Lost Wages

You may be entitled to compensation for loss of income while recovering from your injuries, provided these injuries prevent you from working. It may also cover any future lost earning potential if the injuries had a long-term impact on your ability to work or pursue your career.

Pain and Suffering

Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish brought about by the accident. These can also involve damages for the reduction in your quality of life, for example, the inability to go back to doing things you liked or participating in activities and everyday routines.

Property Damage

This includes repairing or replacing your bicycle, equipment, and personal items damaged in the accident. This will help you recover the value of your property and replace things important to daily living or activities.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be rewarded in cases where the responsible party’s actions were substantially reckless or careless. These are not to compensate you directly but as a fine for the wrongdoer and not to happen again.

Who Has the Right of Way, a Bicycle or a Car in Fresno?

It depends on the situation. Like drivers, cyclists have to obey traffic laws for road safety. Right-of-way at intersections depends on factors such as bike lanes or pedestrians. For instance, when drivers make right turns, they have to yield to cyclists in the designated bike lanes to enable them to proceed with their journeys without interruptions.

Yet cyclists have responsibilities, too. Like vehicles, they are supposed to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. When riding outside a bike lane, cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers, which include stopping at red lights and signaling turns.

Understanding these rules is crucial for fostering a safe and cooperative environment between cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians. By sharing the road responsibly, everyone can navigate it more safely and smoothly.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Fresno?

If you get into a bicycling accident, the first proper steps are designed to protect yourself legally and medically. Here is what you must do:

1. Keep yourself safe: Check yourself for injury and move to a safe place away from traffic or any immediate danger. If seriously injured, remain in place and wait for help.
2. Call 911: This will report the incident for immediate medical attention and provide a written record of what transpired, which may be helpful in any ensuing insurance or other legal procedures.
3. Document the scene: Using a phone, take clear photos of the accident scene, including the position of your bike, any vehicles involved, road conditions, and visible injuries. These photos could be critical evidence if there is a dispute about what happened.
4. Exchange information: Get the driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information since they can provide helpful statements regarding what happened in the incident.
5. See a doctor: Even if you feel well or your injuries appear minor, it is essential that you have yourself checked. Some of your injuries, like concussion or internal damage, may not be symptomatic right away.
6. Consult an attorney: After the accident, see an attorney. He will let you know your rights, communicate with insurance firms, and explain options for compensation. The attorney will guide you through the process and protect your interests.

The following steps could make all the difference in the world for someone’s health and rights after involvement in a bicycle accident.

Contact a Fresno Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Injured in a bicycle accident? Don’t wait to protect your rights and get the support you need. At SSD Law Firm PC – Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm, we help Fresno cyclists recover from injuries and secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. With years of experience, we understand the challenges bicycle accident victims face and will guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact Sarwinder Dhanjan at (559) 342-2000, or visit 2170 N Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93703, to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Fresno bicycle accident lawyer. We’re here to fight for you and ensure you’re not alone.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Jamie N.

January 2025

In December 2023 a woman completely blew a stop sign and nailed me on my bicycle in Old Fig Garden (Fresno, Ca.). This was my first experience dealing with this type of incident, and due to my injuries it was advised I seek legal representation. Mr. Sarwinder Dhanjan agreed to take my case. He clearly explained my case in a way that easy to understand and assured me that he would fight for a fair conclusion. His team stayed in contact with me throughout the process until its conclusion in October 2024. I was very happy with how his team handled my case and would recommend his team to anyone who is going through a similar situation.

View More Reviews on Google Maps