Clovis Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were hit by a car while riding your bike in Clovis, you are probably dealing with a lot right now — painful injuries, mounting medical bills, a wrecked bicycle, and an insurance adjuster already calling to settle fast and cheap. It is overwhelming. And it is not fair. California law gives injured cyclists the right to pursue full compensation from the driver who hurt them, but the window to act is limited and insurance companies move quickly. At The Wagner Law Group, our Clovis bicycle accident lawyers have helped Central Valley injury victims recover millions in compensation. This page will walk you through your rights, what your case may be worth, and what to do next.

Call us now at (833) 200-7111 for a free consultation, or Contact Us below and we will reach out to you.

Why Bicycle Accidents in Clovis Are So Dangerous

Clovis has grown fast. What were once quiet suburban streets are now high-traffic corridors with drivers rushing between Fresno, the 168 freeway, and the 99. Cyclists share roads like Clovis Avenue, Shaw Avenue, Herndon Avenue, and Sunnyside Avenue with drivers who are distracted, speeding, or simply not looking for bikes.

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Clovis include:

• Dooring — A driver or passenger opens their car door into a cyclist without looking. Under California Vehicle Code 22517, it is illegal to open a vehicle door into traffic, but it happens constantly near Old Town Clovis and along commercial corridors.
• Left-turn collisions — A driver turning left fails to yield to a cyclist coming straight through an intersection. These are among the most violent bicycle accidents.
• Rear-end collisions — Distracted or speeding drivers hit cyclists from behind, often at high speed.
• Failure to yield at intersections — Drivers running red lights or stop signs at busy Clovis intersections strike cyclists who had the right of way.
• Road hazards — Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris that a car barely notices can send a cyclist to the hospital. When a government agency is responsible for road maintenance, a separate claim may apply.

California Bicycle Laws Every Clovis Cyclist Should Know

• Cyclists have the same rights as drivers — Under California Vehicle Code 21200, a person riding a bicycle on a public road has all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle driver.
• The 3-Foot Passing Law — California Vehicle Code 21760 requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. A driver who violates this and hits you has committed a traffic violation that strengthens your case.
• Helmets are required for riders under 18 — California Vehicle Code 21212 requires minors to wear an approved bicycle helmet. Adults are not legally required to wear helmets, but if you were not wearing one, an insurance company may try to use this against you. An experienced attorney can fight this argument.
• Bike lanes and road position — CVC 21650 generally requires cyclists to ride near the right side of the road or in a designated bike lane, but exceptions exist when avoiding hazards, passing, or turning left.

Who Is Liable for Your Clovis Bicycle Accident?

Liability depends on who was negligent. Potentially liable parties include:

• The at-fault driver — The most common defendant. If a driver ran a red light, was texting, or failed to yield, they and their insurance company are responsible for your damages.
• The driver’s employer — If the driver was working at the time (delivery driver, rideshare driver, company vehicle), their employer may share liability.
• The City of Clovis or Fresno County — If a dangerous road condition contributed to your accident, a government entity may be liable. Claims against government agencies require filing a tort claim within just 6 months of the accident.
• A vehicle manufacturer — If a defective vehicle part contributed to the crash, a product liability claim may apply.

California’s Comparative Fault Law and What It Means for You

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault — say, you did not have a light on your bike at night — you can still recover compensation. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. If you suffered $100,000 in damages but were found 20% at fault, you would recover $80,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce what they owe you. An experienced Clovis bicycle accident lawyer knows how to push back against these tactics.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Clovis Bicycle Accident?

Economic Damages

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Surgery and ongoing medical treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Bicycle repair or replacement
• Future medical expenses

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

In cases involving extreme recklessness — such as a drunk driver — punitive damages may also be available.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Clovis

1. Call 911 — Get police on the scene. A police report documents the facts and is critical evidence.
2. Seek medical attention immediately — Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and injuries like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms right away.
3. Document everything at the scene — Photograph your injuries, the bicycle, the vehicle, road conditions, skid marks, and any traffic signs or signals.
4. Get witness information — Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident.
5. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company — Their adjusters are trained to get you to say things that reduce your claim.
6. Contact a Clovis bicycle accident lawyer — The sooner an attorney is involved, the better your evidence is preserved.

California Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims

In California, you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1). Miss this deadline and you lose your right to compensation entirely — no matter how strong your case is.

Two important exceptions:

• Claims against government entities require a government tort claim filed within 6 months of the accident.
• Injured minors — The statute of limitations may be tolled until the minor turns 18.

Real-World Scenarios: What These Cases Look Like

The following are illustrative examples of how bicycle accident cases can unfold. They are not actual case results, and the dollar figures are hypothetical. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Scenario 1 — Dooring on Clovis Avenue: A cyclist riding in the bike lane near Old Town Clovis is launched over a car door that swings open without warning. The cyclist suffers a broken collarbone and road rash across both arms. The driver’s insurance offers $8,000. After hiring an attorney and documenting full medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, the case settles for $95,000.

Scenario 2 — Left-Turn Collision at Shaw and Clovis: A cyclist with a green light is crossing an intersection when a driver turns left and strikes them at 35 mph. The cyclist suffers a traumatic brain injury and fractured pelvis. The insurance company argues the cyclist was partly at fault for not wearing bright clothing. An attorney documents the driver’s clear traffic violation and the cyclist’s right of way, resulting in a seven-figure recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions: Clovis Bicycle Accident Claims

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM coverage may apply. An attorney can identify every available source of compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes. California does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. An insurance company may try to argue your injuries were worse because of it, but California’s comparative fault system still allows you to recover — your attorney will fight to minimize any fault attributed to you.

How long does a bicycle accident case take in California?

Simple cases with clear liability may settle in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take one to three years. Your attorney will push for the fastest resolution that still gets you fair compensation.

What if the accident happened on a Clovis bike trail or path?

Accidents on city-maintained bike paths may involve a claim against the City of Clovis. Remember the 6-month deadline to file a government tort claim. An attorney can identify the right defendant.

What does a Clovis bicycle accident lawyer cost?

The Wagner Law Group handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs, no hourly fees.

What if the insurance company already made me an offer?

Do not accept without speaking to an attorney first. Initial offers are almost always far below what your case is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more.

Why Clovis Bicycle Accident Victims Choose The Wagner Law Group

The Wagner Law Group has recovered over $300 million for injury victims across Fresno, Clovis, and the entire Central Valley. We know the roads where these accidents happen, the insurance companies fighting against you, and the tactics they use to pay as little as possible. Our attorneys take bicycle accident cases seriously — because a bike versus a car is never a fair fight, and you deserve someone in your corner who will fight just as hard.

Get a Free Consultation With a Clovis Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Our consultations are completely free, we work on contingency, and we will give you an honest assessment of your case — no pressure, no obligation. If we take your case, we do not get paid unless you do.

Call The Wagner Law Group today at (833) 200-7111 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We serve Clovis, Fresno, and all of the Central Valley.

The information on this page is provided by The Wagner Law Group for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page or contacting our firm through it does not create an attorney-client relationship, which is formed only by a signed written agreement. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Filing deadlines vary by situation — do not rely on this page in place of advice from a licensed attorney about your specific circumstances. This may be considered attorney advertising.