In some cases. Fremont can be liable for sidewalk accidents around city-controlled areas like parks and government buildings. However, property owners can be responsible for sidewalks running alongside homes, apartment complexes, and businesses.
If a hazard, like a pothole in a sidewalk or tree root damage, causes a rider to crash and get hurt, owners and operators can be liable. This would mean they’d be responsible for providing support for a bicyclist’s medical bills and lost income while they couldn’t work.
Of course, this support is never guaranteed. Lawyers for the city can try to pin the fault for a crash on you by claiming you were just clumsy. Homeowners insurance providers might attempt to downplay your injuries so they can get away with providing you with less.
Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont offers a free case consultation to all injured riders. It’s a simple way to determine what your injury is worth and how to hold the at-fault party responsible.
When Is The City of Fremont Liable for My Sidewalk Accident?
Fremont would be liable for sidewalk conditions and accidents around public areas. This might include sidewalks around Central Park or along Fremont City Hall.
Fremont Public Works has a long-standing program to fix bad sidewalks around the city, but repairing a sidewalk does not make the city liable for it. If the sidewalk bordered a house or a business, the property owners would bear liability if a tree root or crumbling concrete caused a rider to crash.
Other than rotating sidewalk repairs by the city, the property owner is responsible for repairs to sidewalks near their land. This liability extends to the sidewalks inside apartment communities and along the front of grocery stores and other businesses.
In some cases, construction crews who damage sidewalks might also be held liable.
Riders have a strong case when it can be shown that City officials or property owners knew about a sidewalk issue and didn’t address the issue in a reasonable amount of time. Other residents may have reported a bad stretch of sidewalk. A Fremont bicycle accident attorney can also help victims determine if more accidents have occurred in the area.
Sidewalk Accident Dangers for Riders in Fremont
Sidewalk risks can escape a rider’s notice until they are right up on them, and their front tire is approaching an unstable surface. Victims might hit a tree root emerging through the sidewalk. They might strike a hole in the concrete that knocks them into a yard or off a curb and into traffic.
Victims can hit uneven segments of a sidewalk and be knocked off course. Even scarier, victims might get their tires caught in a large crack or in a gap between a sidewalk and a drain or curb.
Are Bicyclists Allowed to Use Sidewalks in Fremont?
Adults are not allowed to ride bicycles on Fremont sidewalks in most parts of the city, except in areas where they are given specific permission.
Young riders under the age of 16 can ride on sidewalks, but not on sidewalks around schools and businesses.
Here are further instructions found in the Fremont Code of Ordinances:
10.10.040 Riding on sidewalks.
No person shall ride or operate a bicycle on any sidewalk in the city except as herein specifically permitted.
Juveniles under the age of 16 years, exercising due care and giving the pedestrians the right-of-way, may ride and operate their bicycles upon the sidewalk, except such sidewalks as are in front of schools, stores, or buildings used for business purposes.
Persons riding bicycles on sidewalks shall do so in single file.
Riders are restricted from utilizing sidewalks in many parts of the city, but that doesn’t mean they can’t seek help if they are hurt due to a sidewalk obstacle. Cyclists who take to the sidewalk to avoid a traffic danger may still be able to secure partial or full support. Riders may face a citation, but that doesn’t always absolve the city or property owners from all blame when they are negligent of sidewalk upkeep.
Support for Fremont Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle accident victims must seek as much in an injury claim as possible, because they may have additional difficulties waiting for them in the future.
A broken leg bone that doesn’t fully heal may require surgery and additional physical therapy a year later. However, victims who sign a first settlement offer may only get enough to pay for a quick trip to an emergency room on the day of the accident.
A lawyer would secure money for immediate medical bills and those that may arise in future months. This help is especially critical for riders who are hurt, because an injury relapse can mean they can’t return to their bikes.
An experienced attorney would secure these and other benefits for bicycle accident victims:
- Full support for hospital care and physical therapy costs for injured riders
- A lifetime of support for a permanent physical disability
- Travel costs while going to hospital appointments
- Support for the physical pain victims endure
- Support for the emotional trauma victims must suffer through, including being unable to ride
- Past and future lost income while victims miss work
- Money for a new bike
Contact a Fremont Sidewalk Bicycle Accident Attorney
Victims of bicycle accidents who must seek support from homeowners or business owners are granted up to two years to file an injury claim.
However, any case filed against a government entity, such as the City of Fremont, will be more complex and have a much shorter statute of limitations. Victims are usually given just six months to file a claim against a city department. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer can help you meet fast-approaching deadlines and handle the complicated paperwork involved with city lawsuits.
To get a jump on your case, Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We want to hear what happened to you. You’ll learn about what your injury is worth and get help with determining who is to blame.
There’s no obligation when you talk to us, but if you feel we can help you get the most out of your injury claim, you won’t need any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement that the City must pay you.