Motorcycle & Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Serious Injuries Demand Serious Representation
Motorcycle and bicycle riders face far greater risks on the road than drivers of passenger vehicles. When a collision occurs, the injuries are often catastrophic — broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and road rash requiring extensive treatment. If you were injured in a motorcycle or bicycle accident, the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen in Fresno, California, is ready to fight aggressively for your recovery.
Schedule your free initial consultation today. No fees unless we win!
Motorcycle Accident Claims in California: Unique Challenges
Despite having the same rights as any other vehicle on the road under the California Vehicle Code, motorcycle riders are frequently blamed by insurance companies for their own accidents. Bias against motorcyclists is real, and insurance adjusters exploit it to reduce or deny valid claims. Our Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys counter this bias with evidence, expert testimony, and years of courtroom experience.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fresno
- Drivers failing to see motorcyclists when changing lanes
- Left-turn accidents at intersections — one of the most common and deadly scenarios
- Rear-end collisions in traffic
- Dooring accidents — a car door opening into a rider's path
- Unsafe road conditions — potholes, gravel, construction zones
- Drunk or distracted driving
- Speeding by other vehicles
Bicycle Accident Claims: Your Rights as a Cyclist in Fresno
Cyclists in Fresno have legal rights under the California Vehicle Code and are entitled to safe passage on roads and bike lanes. When a driver negligently collides with a cyclist, the consequences can be devastating. Bicycle accident victims frequently suffer serious head trauma, fractures, and internal injuries even at relatively low speeds.
California law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing (California Vehicle Code § 21760). Violations of this law, along with distracted driving and failure to yield, are leading causes of bicycle accidents in Fresno County.
Pedestrian Accidents: Vulnerable Victims Deserve Full Compensation
Pedestrians struck by vehicles in Fresno have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. California law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks and at intersections, and drivers who fail to yield face liability for resulting injuries. Our attorneys handle pedestrian accident claims with the same dedication we bring to all personal injury cases.
Damages You May Recover After a Motorcycle or Bicycle Accident
Emergency room and hospital costs
Surgical procedures and rehabilitation
Replacement or repair of your motorcycle or bicycle
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Pain and suffering damages
Scarring and disfigurement
Emotional distress and psychological trauma
30 Years of Experience — Trial-Ready Fresno Accident Attorneys
Scott A. VanWagenen has handled motorcycle and bicycle accident claims across Fresno County for 30 years. He takes cases all the way through trial when necessary; not all attorneys in Fresno are willing to do that. When your case requires a courtroom fight, we are prepared to deliver it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is lane splitting legal in California, and does it affect my motorcycle accident claim?
A: California is the only state in the U.S. where lane splitting, riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is explicitly legal under California Vehicle Code § 21658.1. However, lane splitting must be done in a safe and prudent manner. If another driver's unsafe behavior caused your accident while you were lane splitting legally, you may still have a valid claim. The insurer may attempt to argue you were at fault, which is why experienced legal representation is critical. Our attorneys know how to defend against these arguments and protect your right to recover.
Q: The driver who hit me claims they didn't see me on my motorcycle. Does that affect my case?
A: "I didn't see the motorcycle" is one of the most common defenses in motorcycle accident cases and one that experienced attorneys know how to counter. A driver's failure to see a motorcyclist does not excuse their negligence. California law requires all drivers to exercise reasonable care and maintain proper attention to the road. We gather traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and expert accident reconstruction analysis to establish that the other driver's inattention was the cause of your injuries.
Q: I was injured while riding my bicycle in a Fresno bike lane. Can I still file a claim?
A: Absolutely. Bicycle riders have the same legal right to use roadways and designated bike lanes as other vehicles. If a driver crossed into your bike lane, doored you, or otherwise caused your accident through negligent driving, you have a valid personal injury claim. California's three-foot passing law (Vehicle Code § 21760) further protects cyclists. Our attorneys regularly handle bicycle accident claims and understand the specific evidence needed to prove fault in these cases.
Q: Should I accept a quick settlement offer from the insurance company after a motorcycle crash?
A: No, not before consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies routinely offer quick, low settlements immediately after an accident, before the full extent of injuries is known. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries with long recovery timelines and high future medical costs. Accepting an early settlement typically means waiving your right to any further compensation. Scott A. VanWagenen reviews every settlement offer to ensure it truly accounts for all your current and future losses before advising you on whether to accept.
Motorcyclists and Cyclists Deserve Justice Too — Let Us Fight for Yours
Insurance companies often treat motorcycle and bicycle riders as second-class claimants, assuming bias and looking for any reason to deny or reduce a valid claim. At the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen, we push back hard against that treatment.
With 30 years of experience handling serious injury cases and a track record of going all the way to trial, Scott A. VanWagenen has the skill and determination to hold negligent drivers accountable, regardless of how aggressively their insurer fights back.
Call
(559) 438-1030 today for your free consultation. We serve Fresno, Clovis, the Central Valley, and surrounding areas. No fees unless we recover compensation for you.