Cycling is a great way to stay fit, get fresh air, and reduce emissions. It has steadily increased in the San Francisco area over the last decade.
Unfortunately, San Francisco streets can be dangerous for cyclists. Some of the most hazardous neighborhoods for cycling include South of Market, Mission, Civic Center, and Western Addition.
However, bicycle accidents can happen anywhere, and when they do, cyclists usually suffer serious injuries. Even with a helmet, the force of impact on a cyclist when struck by a vehicle can be catastrophic.
Many injured cyclists require long-term medical care and suffer lifelong pain from their injuries. If you have been injured in a San Francisco area bicycle accident, experienced legal representation may be important.
An experienced San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
The San Francisco accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have been protecting the rights of California accident victims for over 50 years. Our firm has handled many injury cases and seeks to help clients pursue appropriate compensation under the law.
Call us at (415) 855-4289 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, explain your rights, and discuss potential next steps.
Common Causes of San Francisco Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can have many causes. Speeding motorists are a significant threat to cyclists in the Bay Area. Some of the other common causes of San Francisco bicycle accidents include:
- Motorists running red lights or stop signs
- Motorists making an illegal left turn or U-turn and crashing into a cyclist
- Distracted drivers using cell phones or otherwise taking their eyes off the road
- Cyclists being “doored” by a driver or passenger opening a car door without looking to see if a cyclist is approaching
- Drivers crowding cyclists
- Drivers illegally driving onto bike lanes
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Road hazards such as debris in the road, potholes, and poorly lit or marked streets
An experienced San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can investigate your accident to determine possible causes and potentially liable parties.
Steps to Take After a San Francisco Bicycle Accident
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, there are several actions you can take to help protect your health and your right to recover damages. Some helpful steps to take include:
- Call 911 for medical help and request law enforcement authorities to complete an accident report.
- If you are able, take photographs and video footage of the accident scene, visible injuries, and anything else that seems important, such as traffic signs or signals.
- Get the contact information of all parties involved in the accident and any potential witnesses.
- If the driver’s insurance company contacts you, consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
- Seek the advice of an experienced San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
- Do not admit fault or apologize to anyone about the accident.
- Keep all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Keep a journal detailing your pain and how your injuries impact your daily life.
- Be cautious on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often review social media posts during injury claims.
- Ask family and friends not to comment about your accident on social media.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle injuries are often severe, even when a helmet is worn. Some of the most common types of bicycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries, such as concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Broken and crushed bones
- Amputations
- Contusions, lacerations, and abrasions
Because there is very little between a cyclist and the road or vehicle, cyclists’ injuries can be significant and sometimes even fatal. If your loved one suffered a fatal injury in a cycling crash, our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys can guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death claim.
What Damages Can I Recover After a San Francisco Bicycle Accident?
The type and amount of damages you can recover after a San Francisco bicycle accident depend significantly on the facts of your specific case. Generally, if another party is at fault for your accident, you may pursue three types of damages.
Economic damages are easier to quantify and prove. You may have receipts, invoices, bills, pay stubs, and tax returns to support economic damages claims. They include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Costs necessary to modify your home or vehicle due to your injuries
- Other necessary expenses incurred because of your injuries.
Non-economic damages are subjective and may be harder to calculate. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Permanent disability
Economic and non-economic damages are intended to compensate the injury victim for their losses resulting from the accident.
Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages, are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. A jury may award them only if clear and convincing evidence shows that the defendant acted with malice, fraud, or oppression. Punitive damages are uncommon.
Contact a San Francisco Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, consulting with an experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Injuries sustained in a bicycle accident can be severe and may require long-term medical care. Many bicycle accident victims experience chronic pain or have mobility problems.
The San Francisco bicycle accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers have represented injury victims for over 50 years. Our firm handles a wide range of personal injury matters and works with clients to pursue compensation supported by the evidence.
Contact us at (415) 855-4289 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free case evaluation. We will listen to you, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.