San Francisco is recognized as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities. However, it can be prone to bicycle accidents due to the heavy traffic, tourism, and steep hills. If you were injured due to someone’s negligence, a bicycle accident lawyer in San Francisco can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
At The Ryan Law Group, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer can help protect your best interests throughout the claims process.
How a San Francisco Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help After a Crash
After suffering injuries from a bicycle crash, it may be in your best interests to seek the support of an attorney. Having an advocate by your side can provide several advantages, including:
- Investigate your claim: Your San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can retrieve the police report, any available surveillance footage, and gather witness statements, medical records, and physical evidence. They can use this to establish fault and protect the integrity of your claim.
- Identify liable parties: Some bicycle accidents involve multiple parties, including truck drivers, government agencies, and motorists.
- Calculating damages: Serious injuries often involve complex future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and/or lifelong care needs. The Ryan Law Group understands the need to look at the full medical picture to understand how they affect your day-to-day life and potential future.
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf: Insurance adjusters often pressure accident victims into accepting a quick settlement before they fully understand the extent of their injuries. Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and pursue a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court, if necessary: While most cases settle through negotiation, if a fair settlement isn’t offered, you may need to pursue compensation in court. Your attorney can help establish negligence and fight for your rights.
When you are seriously hurt from an accident, you should be able to focus on your recovery. At The Ryan Law Group, we have more than 30 years of combined experience helping injury victims secure the compensation they deserve. Let us fight on your behalf so you can focus on what matters.
For a Free Legal Consultation With a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Serving San Francisco, Call (310) 321-4800
High Stakes of Bicycle Accidents in San Francisco
While San Francisco’s Vision Zero initiative has helped improve roadway safety through protected bike lanes, intersection improvements, and other measures, severe bicycle crashes continue to occur.
According to San Francisco’s Vision Zero, more than 44 bicyclists have been seriously injured in the last reporting year. Driver negligence is considered to be the number one contributing factor.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Francisco
Despite city-wide improvements, motorists can still fail to share the road with bike riders. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Dooring accidents involving parked vehicles
- Left-turn and right-turn collisions
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to check blind spots before merging
- Following cyclists too closely
- Violating California’s Three Feet for Safety Act when passing bicyclists
Under California Vehicle Code §21200(a), bicyclists generally have the same rights as motorists. However, negligent drivers may fail to look for bike riders or share the road properly.
Size Disparity & Lack of Protection
Bicyclists are at a major disadvantage in an accident. The average passenger vehicle can weigh upwards of 4,000 pounds. Bike riders lack the protection of a steel box, instead absorbing nearly all of the impact during a crash.
In addition, riders are usually thrown to the ground or into nearby objects, creating a second impact. Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries.
San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 321-4800
Catastrophic Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Since bike riders have so little protection in the event of a crash, many bicycle accidents leave victims with debilitating and catastrophic injuries. Some collisions cause broken bones, fractures, lacerations, and road rash. However, catastrophic injuries are unique.
Catastrophic injuries are defined by their life-changing and long-term consequences. Some examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, bike riders can suffer severe concussions, brain bleeding, and skull fractures. These can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, or even permanent neurological disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries: Most commonly associated with catastrophic injuries, damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, reduce mobility, or leave someone with chronic pain. These injuries frequently require lifelong medical care, assistive devices, and home modifications.
- Loss of limb or amputations: Bicyclists can lose limbs or suffer crush injuries when pinned. Crush injuries can also lead to amputation if blood flow isn’t restored quickly. When arms and legs are pinned, cutting off the flow of blood, the tissue can become necrotic. In some cases, when blood flow returns too late, the necrotic toxins can enter the bloodstream and cause crush syndrome.
- Severe burns and road rash: Cyclists may suffer extensive abrasions, skin loss, infections, permanent scarring, and disfigurement after sliding across pavement. Severe road rash can also lead to permanent nerve damage.
Many catastrophic injuries lead to disability. In some cases, victims are prevented from returning to their previous jobs or are unable to participate in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed.
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How Long You Have to File a Bicycle Accident in San Francisco
Unfortunately, you only have a certain amount of time to file a bicycle accident claim. According to California’s statute of limitations for car accidents, bicycle accidents, and other personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim.
While you can file an insurance claim before the deadline, the insurance company is not required to resolve negotiations before the deadline. If they offer a settlement far below what your case is worth and it is past the statute of limitations, you may lose your ability to pursue fair compensation in court.
In addition, waiting several months or more than a year to file a claim may weaken your case. Critical evidence can be lost, witnesses may not remember details or change their contact information, and surveillance footage may no longer be available.
However, when you involve an attorney right away, you have a greater chance of preserving important evidence and proving your case.
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Reach Out to The Ryan Law Group Today
When a bicycle accident leaves you with severe injuries, expensive medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty, reach out to The Ryan Law Group. The sooner you speak with us, the sooner we can file your claim.
By retaining a bicycle accident attorney in San Francisco, you can rest well knowing you have a strong advocate in your corner. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case and how best to move forward.
Call or Text (310) 321-4800, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form
