Man Injured in Central Fresno Bicycle Accident
A man was injured in a central Fresno bicycle accident on the evening of July 4, 2019. The crash occurred shortly before 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Orchard Street and Belmont Avenue. According to the Fresno Police Department, the cyclist was riding southbound toward the intersection when he was hit by a westbound vehicle in the second lane. He was thrown off his bike and landed onto the windshield of the car. The cyclist was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. An update regarding his condition has not yet been released by officials.
What Are the Common Causes of Central Fresno Bicycle Accidents?
Following are some of the common reasons for bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers:
- Distracted driving, including applying makeup or texting and calling on a cell phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle
- Drifting into the bicycle lane
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to yield the right of way to a cyclist while turning into a parking lot or alley
- Opening the door of a vehicle parked on the side of the road without checking for oncoming cyclists
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Speeding or driving too fast for weather and traffic conditions
How Can I Get My Medical Bills and Damaged Bike Paid?
A third-party claim will need to be filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, these claims often take months or even years to resolve. The insurance company may also use your unfamiliarity with the situation to dispute liability. This is their way of reducing the amount they pay out for a claim or denying it altogether. In these situations, it is best to seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer in Fresno before reaching out to the insurance company directly. To learn what to look for in a reputable injury lawyer, watch the below video.
Is There Enough Insurance to Cover My Bicycle Accident Claim?
A bicycle accident often results in catastrophic injuries to the cyclist involved. Such trauma can require surgery to repair. This can result in mounting medical expenses and time away from work to recover. When the driver responsible for the accident carries little to no liability insurance, this can put the cyclist and their family in a financial predicament. When this happens, a cyclist can turn to their own car insurance policy if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of protection can help cover remaining damages if the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits have been exhausted or the motorist does not have insurance. It may also protect those injured in a hit and run accident. If a bicycle rider does not have car insurance but lives with someone who carries UM/UIM, a claim may also be placed against that policy. This is possible so long as the cyclist is not listed as an excluded policy member.
How a Lawyer Can Help
The best way to protect your right to fair compensation is to secure the representation of a Fresno personal injury attorney promptly after a bicycle accident. An attorney will handle all aspects of your personal injury case, preserve critical evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf. Your attorney will also negotiate a fair settlement that will cover all of your potential damages. If all attempts fail for a favorable recovery, your lawyer can take your case to trial, if needed.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. When a cyclist is injured through the negligence of a driver or entity, the injured person may be able to pursue compensation for their losses. Although no amount of money can ever make a person whole again, it can help cover the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that were caused. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of another, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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