Fresno Named As Focus City For Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
For over a decade, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration has focused extra resources on states and cities that have the highest bicycle and pedestrian fatality rates. When the list of cities and states was updated for 2015, Fresno was added to the list. According to The Fresno Bee, the issue of pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents in Fresno has caught the attention of several people and groups. The Fresno mayoral candidates will participate in a forum entitled “Walk & Roll” to discuss pedestrian and cyclist issues.
Fresno Pedestrian Accident and Bicycle Accident Statistics
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) provides data on traffic fatalities for cities and counties each year. During 2013, 77 pedestrians and 46 bicyclists died in motor vehicle accidents in Fresno County. In Fresno alone, 35 pedestrians and 27 bicyclists died that year. Therefore, almost one-half of all pedestrian deaths and over one-half of all bicyclist deaths in Fresno County occurred in Fresno curing 2013.
The above statistics do not accurately represent the problem because they do not include the number of individuals who are injured each year in bicycle and pedestrian accidents. As more people choose to walk and ride because of social, economic, or physical reasons, the number of people killed or injured in accidents may rise.
When a driver causes a pedestrian or bicyclist to be injured, that driver is liable for any damages caused by the accident. However, the insurance company for the driver may not act fairly when settling an injury claim. For that reason, it is usually in a person’s best interest to consult with an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a traffic accident.
Damages In A Traffic Accident
If you are a pedestrian or a bicyclist who has been injured in a traffic accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages, losses, and injuries. One of our Fresno personal injury attorneys will discuss the process of filing an injury claim and the compensation you may be entitled to receive based on your specific case during a free case evaluation. However, some common damages that we see in most personal injury cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses, in the case of a fatality
- Travel expenses to doctor appointments, physical therapy, and other medical appointments
- Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability
- Physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish
Because each case is different, the compensation you receive may be different from another accident victim. Factors that determine the type and amount of compensation an accident victim is entitled to receive include:
- The type of injury;
- The severity of the injury;
- Whether there is a permanent disability;
- The length of time it takes to recover;
- How long you were unable to work; and,
- How the injury impacted your daily life.
Do You Need a Fresno Personal Injury Attorney?
When you are injured in a traffic accident, regardless of the severity of your injuries, consult with a Fresno personal injury attorney before you discuss your claim with an insurance adjuster. The adjuster is working for the insurance company — you need someone working for you to protect your right to full compensation for your injuries.
Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a Fresno personal injury attorney.
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