San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycling culture in San Francisco is booming. According to recent estimates, 16% of San Francisco residents consider themselves “frequent cyclists” and bike two days every week at minimum.

This effort is fantastic for the environment and public health, but like everything else, it does come with risks. An increase in bicycling traffic means there’s a greater chance of experiencing a bicycling accident.

Unfortunately, getting involved in an accident on a bicycle can lead to devastating losses, especially if you’re struck by a car. In these types of circumstances, bicycle accident lawyers in San Francisco can help you determine if you have any legal recourse. Typically, when someone else’s actions caused the crash, you’ll be able to file for compensation. Get more details about bicycling accidents in San Francisco and how our team of lawyers here at Kermani LLP can help you navigate your situation below.

Dynamics of Bicycle Accidents in San Francisco

Since the bicycling community is so prevalent in San Francisco, it makes sense that the city has implemented specific laws to help prevent accidents. Some of the most important laws and regulations everyone needs to follow in the community include:

• Bicyclists should always stay on the streets. It’s illegal to ride on the sidewalk unless you are 13 years old or younger.
• Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as other traffic.
• It is acceptable to leave the bike lane if necessary.
• All bicycle riders must obey the rules of the road, including minding stop signs and traffic lights.
• Pedestrians have the right of way regardless if they’re in a crosswalk or not.
• Under the law, bicyclists are required to use reflectors and a front white light at night.
• Bicycle riders are expected to keep one ear free while riding.
• Bikers are required to pass on the left even if the bike lane is on the right side of the road.

Not following these rules can lead to a crash, and if that happens, then the rule breaker will likely be found at fault for the accident.

Identifying Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

The number one cause of serious bicycle accidents in San Francisco is getting struck by a vehicle in traffic. Cyclists can get into accidents that don’t involve other cars, but usually, these incidents don’t lead to substantial injuries or losses. When a bicyclist gets hit by a car, on the other hand, the impacts are typically very severe for the biker. Here are some of the most common reasons that a motorist might run into a cyclist:

• speeding;
• texting or talking on the phone while driving;
• getting struck by a vehicle’s door opening;
• failure to yield;
• intoxication;
• poor road infrastructure;
• poor road conditions;
• aggressive driving;
• blocking the bike lane;
• blind spot accidents;
• riding against traffic;
• failure to adhere to traffic laws.

In general, a bicycle accident is usually either caused by the cyclist or the vehicle’s driver. Inattention, recklessness, and negligence are the top causes of most accidents. That said, it is possible for a third party to be partially at fault. For instance, the city might be held partially to blame if they are aware of a dangerous roadway for bicyclists and they fail to install the proper infrastructure to make it safer.

Navigating Legal Rights and Responsibilities in Bicycle Accidents

As a general rule, everyone who gets on a public road automatically assumes a legal duty to provide for the care and safety of everyone else on the road. All drivers and bicyclists have an obligation to remain vigilant on the road in an effort to prevent an accident.

Insurance is also a requirement for all vehicles on the road.

If someone fails to uphold their duty of care and causes an accident, then they will be the party responsible for paying for the losses associated with the crash. Since insurance is a requirement, if an at-fault driver collides with you on your bike, then their insurance policy should cover your accident.

The injured party is responsible for bringing the claim for compensation, though. A claim will not automatically get started, and the injured party will also be responsible for collecting all the necessary evidence to prove their losses.

Addressing Injuries and Seeking Appropriate Compensation

Before you even consider filing a claim for compensation, your first step in the process should be addressing your injuries. You need to get medical treatment and determine the extent of your injury. Some injuries are minor and won’t require much care or treatment. Others, however, may lead to long-term losses. To seek appropriate compensation, you also need to consider the value of your other losses, like the property damage you sustained, the income you could’ve earned if you weren’t injured, and any long-term medical bills you’ll need to pay over time.

How Do I Determine Who is Liable for My Accident?

One of the most difficult parts of litigating your claim will be proving who was liable for your accident. To prove liability, you’ll need to produce evidence that shows the other party wasn’t upholding their legal duty of care towards you. This evidence may come in the form of photographs, video evidence, witness statements, a police report’s conclusion, or other forms of proof that reveal what happened during your crash. If necessary, then you may have to conduct an independent investigation into what happened.

What Types of Compensation Can I File for After a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident that’s someone else’s fault, you can file for damages to cover the expenses you suffer due to the crash. The value of your claim will depend on the extent of your losses. These losses can include financial losses, like your medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic losses, like emotional distress.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Bicycle Accident Cases

After a bicycle accident in San Francisco, you have up to two years to file a compensation claim.

Why Legal Representation is Crucial in Bicycle Accident Cases

After a bicycle crash, you only have one shot at securing justice and financial recourse. If you don’t hire the right bicycle accident lawyers, then you run the risk of accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover the extent of your losses. Even worse, your entire claim could fall flat if you fail to produce enough evidence that prove your claims in a timely manner.

Kermani LP’s Proven Track Record in Bicycle Accident Cases

While you’re in the recovery phase after your accident, you’ll have your hands full attempting to heal from your injury and cope with the financial loss. You don’t need the added stress of litigating a complex claim, and that’s where we come in. Check out our past case results to see proof of our proven track record of successfully handling bicycle accident claims here in San Francisco.

Schedule a Consultation with Kermani LLP’s Bicycle Accident Experts in San Francisco

Considering our proven track record of success and stellar reviews from past clients, you know where to look if you’re searching for the right bicycle accident attorneys in San Francisco to represent you in your case.

Kermani LLP was founded in 2011 by partners Mohamad Ahmad and Ray Kermani. The duo was dedicated to becoming some of San Francisco’s best litigators inside and outside the courtroom. Over the years, they’ve made that dream a reality by dedicating countless hours to helping clients navigate their personal injury legal challenges.

Are you ready to get in touch about your recent bicycle accident? Schedule a consultation with our team now to discuss the details of your incident in more detail with our best attorneys.