Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Fresno
Fresno bicycle accidents can happen anywhere, from quiet residential streets to busy bike paths. In most cases, bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence or recklessness. Bicyclists have a lower profile on the road, which makes them more likely to be hit by a vehicle.
Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Fresno, CA include:
- Speeding: The more speed increases, the higher risk for fatal injuries. A lack of designated bike lanes can also increase the risk of a high-speed accident, as bicycle riders must share the road with vehicle drivers.
- Distracted driving: Cell phones are a huge distraction for drivers and can cause an accident within a few seconds. Other distractions like eating, drinking, and changing the radio can also cause a driver to swerve and hit a cyclist on the road.
- Impaired driving: Drivers intoxicated by alcohol and/or drugs have a slower reaction time, more exaggerated behavior, and impaired judgment. Bike accidents caused by drunk driving are 100% preventable.
- Failure to yield: Fresno bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. They must respect the rules of the road, just as drivers must share the road with them. Driving recklessly and disregarding cyclists can cause serious harm.
- Dooring: This accident happens when a driver opens their car door without looking and strikes a bicyclist. While injuries are generally not severe, they should not be ignored.
- Road defects: A roadway hazard like a pothole or debris can cause a bicyclist to lose control and crash. In these cases, it would be the government or city’s responsibility to maintain the roads.
- Bicyclist error: There are instances in which the bicyclist may cause the accident, such as darting into the road, riding while intoxicated, or being distracted.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
With little protection from the impact of a motor vehicle other than a helmet, bicyclists often suffer much more serious injuries than drivers. While some injuries may heal quickly, others can leave lasting pain. Being hit by a car can also leave an injured cyclist with emotional trauma and PTSD. Some of the most common injuries in a bicycle accident lawsuit are:
Head Injuries
While helmets can protect against most head injuries, bicyclists are still vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and other catastrophic injuries. A brain injury can be minor, moderate, or severe, and may lead to lasting brain damage.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
If a bicyclist is hit and thrown to the ground, the force of the impact can lead to several spinal injuries and even paralysis. Even a minor back injury can lead to chronic back pain requiring physical therapy.
Road Rash
Lacerations and cuts are common bicycle injuries. Road rash is a friction wound that happens when the skin is scraped against a hard surface, like pavement. While it is not life-threatening, it can still be very painful and cause scarring.
Broken Bones
Fractured bones can put a bicycle accident victim out of work for an extended period of time. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the victim may recover in a few weeks or even months.
Facial and Dental Injuries
Unlike a motorcycle helmet, a bicycle helmet does not protect the front of the face. In a bicycle-vehicle collision, the bicyclist may land face forward and suffer serious injuries to their eyes or teeth. These injuries are extremely painful and may require surgery.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident caused by negligence, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim compensates the surviving family members for their losses, such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of inheritance, and more.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident
The first steps after a bicycle accident are the most critical. If you are not seriously injured, take the following steps to protect your health and legal right to a personal injury claim.
- Call 911: In an accident involving an injury, you must call 911 and report the accident. An officer will be dispatched and create an official accident report. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, always seek medical attention after an accident. You may experience a delayed injury or an injury that doesn’t show symptoms right away, like a concussion or internal injuries.
- Exchange information: If a negligent driver that hit you, get their name, number, address, insurance information, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
- Take photos: Document the scene of the accident as best as you can with photos or videos. Take pictures of your bike, the vehicle that hit you, road signs, and the location.
- Talk to witnesses: Make sure to obtain the contact information of any witnesses so you can get a statement from them later on.
- Contact a Fresno bicycle accident attorney: Do not talk to the other party or their insurance company without talking to a lawyer first. You don’t want to accept the first insurance settlement offer or make any mistakes that could hurt your personal injury claim.
Safety Tips for Cyclists
As a cyclist in Fresno or any other city, your safety is the most important. Not only are certain practices required by California law, other safety measures help drivers see you.
- Stay in the bike lane if you’re going slower than traffic.
- Wear a helmet. It is the single most important form of protection.
- Follow all traffic laws and signals.
- Be visible and alert, especially at night.
- Use hand signals to communicate your intentions to drivers.
- Avoid distractions and watch out for road hazards.
- Maintain your bike and check it before each ride.
