Hurt on a Bike in Fresno? Talk to Colvin Accident Lawyers

Colvin Accident Lawyers is a bicycle accident law firm that represents riders hurt in crashes with cars, trucks, and buses, and families who lose a cyclist. Our office is in Bakersfield, California, and we serve riders in Fresno. This page explains how these claims work, what to do after a crash, and what to expect when you reach out.

Bicycle Accident Representation for Fresno Riders and Families

Colvin Accident Lawyers handles bicycle accident claims for injured riders and for the families of riders who die.

Our practice also covers car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bus, premises liability, dog bite, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death matters. Bicycle cases are one part of that work.

Donald Norman Colvin is the California-licensed attorney responsible for this practice. Our support staff helps keep your case organized and answers everyday questions, so you have a clear point of contact.

Riders of all kinds share busy roads with cars, trucks, and buses. A single crash can change work, school, and daily life quickly. At the consultation, we review how the crash happened, your injuries, and the insurance information you have. Bring what you can, such as the police report number, photos, medical bills, and the other driver’s details.

Fresno riders are served from our Bakersfield office. Our first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.

Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Fresno and Who May Be Liable

Many bicycle crashes happen when a driver fails to yield, turns across a rider’s path, or opens a car door into a cyclist’s lane. Common patterns include:

• Left turns across a cyclist’s path
• Failure to yield at intersections
• Car doors opened into a rider’s lane
• Drivers passing too closely
• Rear-end collisions

For example, a cyclist found 70% at fault would still recover 30% of damages (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.).

A road or property defect can also play a role. Under Cal. Gov. Code § 835, a public entity can be liable for a dangerous condition of its property. The condition must create a reasonably foreseeable risk of injury, and a public employee’s negligence must have created it, or the entity must have known about it in time to act.

Who is responsible depends on the facts of the crash. It may be a driver, a vehicle owner, or another party. If a truck or bus is involved, federal rules may require drug and alcohol testing of commercial drivers after certain crashes (FMCSA drug and alcohol testing guidance).

Injuries and Damages in Bicycle Accident and Wrongful Death Claims

Damages in a bicycle claim fall into two groups: money you can document and losses that don’t appear on a bill.

Common injuries in bicycle crashes include:

• Fractures
• Head and brain injuries
• Road rash
• Spinal injuries
• Internal injuries

Serious injuries, such as catastrophic injury, are handled as their own type of matter.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1431.2, economic damages are objectively verifiable monetary losses. These include medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, and costs of repair or replacement.

Non-economic damages are subjective losses. They include pain, suffering, inconvenience, emotional distress, and loss of society and companionship. The same statute says each defendant’s share of non-economic damages follows its percentage of fault.

Wrongful death claims work differently. Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60, a surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and certain dependent persons may bring the claim. The decedent’s personal representative may also bring it on their behalf. Families may seek funeral and burial costs, along with lost financial support and companionship.

No amount is offered here. Each case turns on its own facts and the law that applies.

Hit-and-Run Crashes, Uninsured Drivers, and Insurance Questions

A driver in an injury crash must stop at the scene. Leaving can bring serious penalties.

Under Cal. Veh. Code § 20001, a driver must immediately stop at the scene of an accident that injures someone. If the crash causes death or permanent, serious injury, the penalty can include state prison for two, three, or four years, a fine, or both.

If the driver leaves, your own auto policy may matter. Cal. Ins. Code § 11580.2 covers uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can pay sums you are legally entitled to recover for bodily injury or wrongful death from an uninsured driver. The statute says an uninsured motor vehicle includes an underinsured one. Whether coverage applies turns on your policy language and the crash facts.

Practical steps help protect your options:

• Report the crash to police and to your own insurer promptly.
• Save claim numbers and any written notices.
• Be careful with recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer.

The other driver’s insurer works for its own insured. It is not your advocate. Share basic facts, and review any recorded statement request before you answer.

What to Do After a Bicycle Crash and How the Claim Process Works

After a bicycle crash, get safe, get medical care, and document the scene. Then contact our office for a free first consultation.

Immediate steps include:

1. Move to safety if you can, and call 911.
2. Get a medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor.
3. Photograph the scene, your bike, and your injuries.
4. Write down names and contact details for witnesses and the driver.
5. Keep records of medical bills and missed work.

Time limits matter. Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1, California generally allows two years from the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. The California Courts Self Help Guide notes that these deadlines have exceptions and tolling rules. If a public entity is involved, Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 requires a claim for death or personal injury to be presented within six months.

At your consultation, we review the crash, your injuries, and the insurance information. A typical claim moves through investigation, medical documentation, negotiation with insurers, and a lawsuit if one is needed. How long each stage takes varies by case.

Why Work With Colvin Accident Lawyers

Colvin Accident Lawyers is a California personal injury practice led by Donald Norman Colvin, a California-licensed attorney. Our support staff works with him to keep each file organized.

The practice handles bicycle, car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bus, premises liability, dog bite, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death matters.

Clients can expect:

• A clear point of contact
• A plain-language explanation of the next step
• A list of the information we need from you

Our office is in Bakersfield, California, and we represent Fresno riders from there. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.

Questions Fresno Cyclists and Families Ask Before Calling

Can I still have a claim if I was partly at fault? Yes.

How long do I have to file? California generally allows two years from the injury for a personal injury lawsuit (Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). Claims against a public entity can require a written claim within six months.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim? A surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and certain dependents can bring it, or the personal representative on their behalf.

What if the driver left the scene? California requires a driver to stop at the scene of an injury accident. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may be an option to review.

What does the first consultation cost? It is free and confidential, with no obligation to continue.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurer? Share basic facts only, and review any recorded statement request before you answer.

I live outside Fresno. Can I still call? Yes. Our Bakersfield office represents riders from Fresno and nearby communities, and the consultation covers where your crash happened.

If a car struck your bike on a Fresno street and you’re deciding what comes next, our team can review it with you. Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers for a free, confidential first consultation, with no obligation to continue.