Living in San Francisco offers many positives. With its beautiful scenery and numerous paths and roads, San Francisco is also a hub for bicyclists. Nevertheless, opting to ride your bike doesn’t guarantee that you won’t encounter the potential dangers and injuries associated with accidents.

If you or a loved one is facing such an unfortunate situation, it can result in significant financial difficulties due to medical bills and the loss of income. Additionally, it may require physical and emotional recovery. This emphasizes the importance of understanding San Francisco’s bicycle accident laws and knowing the steps to take in pursuit of compensation.

Get Support From San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyers

In the context of bicycle accidents, it’s vital to have a team of experienced San Francisco bicycle accident lawyers by your side. At The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan, we empathize with the challenging circumstances you are going through, and we are dedicated to helping you secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other related losses. Our bicycle accident lawyers understand your concerns and are committed to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation and gain a better understanding of your options.

What Can Lead to Bicycle Accidents in San Francisco?

Because bicycle riding is so popular in San Francisco, it means there’s plenty of opportunities to enjoy this mode of transportation. Aside from its obvious physical benefits, it also allows you to zip around the city and avoid some of the pitfalls of driving a car like congested traffic or parking. That said, with so many bicycles interacting with other vehicles and pedestrians, San Francisco also sees its fair share of bicycle-related accidents.

While every accident is different, there are some common underlying causes that can lead to these incidents in San Francisco, including:

• Dooring – Dooring accidents occur when a person in a parked car opens their door without checking for oncoming cyclists. This can result in you colliding with the open door or swerving into traffic to avoid it.
• Unsafe road conditions – Poorly maintained roads, potholes, debris, and inadequate bike lanes can make bicycling hazardous. You may lose control or be forced into traffic due to these conditions.
• Distracted drivers – Drivers using cell phones, adjusting their GPS, or engaging in other distracting activities are less likely to notice you or other bicyclists sharing the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Speeding – Excessive speed by vehicles can reduce reaction time and make it harder for drivers to avoid collisions with bicyclists.
• Impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant danger to bicyclists, as impaired judgment and slower reaction times can lead to accidents.
• Intersection accidents – Intersections are common locations for bicycle accidents, often involving right-of-way disputes between bicyclists and drivers or improper signaling.
• Poor lighting – Riding without proper lighting and reflective gear, especially at night, makes you less visible to drivers and increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Inexperience – Inexperienced bicyclists may lack the skills and awareness needed to navigate city streets safely, making them more vulnerable to accidents.
• Aggressive driving – Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, road rage, or aggressive overtaking, can endanger bicyclists sharing the road.
• Weather conditions – San Francisco’s frequent weather patterns of rain, fog, and other adverse conditions can reduce visibility and road traction, making bicycling more hazardous.

As you can see, there are numerous factors that go into a typical bicycle accident in San Francisco, many of which involve the actions of other drivers. Still, there are scenarios where you potentially could be carrying some of the blame for the accident. Thus, it’s important to know what you need to do to protect yourself.

Why Would I Be Blamed For a Bicycle Accident in San Francisco?

Every accident, regardless of the type or cause, generally has two or more people involved. In terms of a bicycle accident, you will likely be involved with someone driving a car, but there are a number of potential scenarios and other parties that could be involved. Thus, there are even times where you may be being partially blamed for causing the accident. Usually, this involves:

• Violating traffic rules – If you, as a bicyclist, were found to have violated traffic laws, such as running a red light or stop sign, riding on the wrong side of the road, or failing to yield the right-of-way, you may be deemed at fault for the accident.
• Distracted riding – Riding a bicycle while distracted, such as using a phone or wearing headphones, can be considered negligent behavior. If it contributed to the accident, you might be assigned partial or full blame.
• Reckless riding – Engaging in reckless behavior, such as excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or performing dangerous stunts, can lead to accidents for which you could be held responsible.
• Failing to use proper lighting – Riding a bicycle without proper lighting or reflectors at night or in low visibility conditions can make you less visible to drivers. If this lack of visibility contributed to the accident, you might be held accountable.
• Failure to signal or communicate – Proper signaling and communication with other road users are essential for safety. If you failed to signal your intentions, make eye contact with drivers, or otherwise communicate your actions, you might be blamed for the accident.
• Wrongful lane usage – Riding in a lane or direction that is not designated for bicycles or failing to stay in a bike lane when one is available can result in you being held liable for an accident.

Comparative Negligence

One of the most important aspects of any accident In California is the state’s “comparative negligence” rule. If it’s  determined that you were partially responsible for the accident, your potential recovery may be reduced by the same percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 15% at fault, your potential recovery will be reduced by the same 15%.

Still, under California’s accident and injury laws, you still have the option of pursuing a claim for damages after a bicycle accident. Before you do that though, you should consider working with our team of San Francisco bicycle accident lawyers.

Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Being Blamed For My Bicycle Accident in San Francisco?

Anytime you’re involved in an accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights so that you can fully pursue financial support for your injuries and damages. In order to do this, though, you’ll have to enter into the legal process. Typically, this involves many insurance companies and a long, potentially complex set of procedures.

Consequently, having an experienced legal team on your side to support and help you is very important–even if it’s not actually required. In particular situations where you’re being blamed, it’s even more important to have experienced legal support. Generally speaking, our team of bicycle accident lawyers can help you in the following ways:

• Gathering important evidence – Our initial step involves the meticulous gathering of vital evidence, such as medical records and accident reports. This essential groundwork serves as the foundation for constructing a strong case in your favor.
• Negotiating with the other insurance companies – We also handle discussions with the insurance companies representing the other parties involved in the accident. Our aim is to reach a just and fair agreement that allows you to receive the financial support you rightfully deserve.
• Starting the legal process – If necessary, should the negotiation process fail to yield a fair settlement, we will guide you through the preparation and filing of a formal Complaint against the responsible party. This pivotal step initiates the legal proceedings and gives us the authority to pursue your case in court.
• Representation in court – Our commitment extends to representing your interests in court, where we will work to uphold your rights and present compelling evidence to prove your claim.
• Trial preparation – In cases where the insurance company or the responsible party does not agree to a just settlement, we stand ready to take your case to trial. Here, we present your case before a judge and jury, who will make an impartial decision based on the merits of your case.

Damages

In California, the statute of limitations for bicycle accidents holds that a lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Within this framework, you have the potential to recover various forms of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages in specific circumstances.

Every bicycle accident claim is distinct, and the result depends on the specific details and how your claim progresses legally, including the extent of your fault. This is a crucial aspect of our representation. We understand that the claims process can be lengthy and challenging, so we prioritize patience and keeping you informed about your case’s progress through effective communication.

You Can Trust Our San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyers

At MJQ Law, we understand the challenges and frustrations that accompany injury caused by someone else’s negligence. In these trying moments, our dedicated and seasoned team of San Francisco bicycle accident lawyers will be there to provide unwavering support and representation on your behalf. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to pursuing the justice and financial support you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and put your trust in our team.