One of the most frustrating aspects of any accident claim is dealing with an insurance company. Yet, having insurance is important to protect you if you get into an accident or get injured while riding your bike in San Francisco.

However, if you want to thoroughly pursue your legal choices, you will need to interact with an insurance company at some point. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging because they primarily aim to safeguard their own interests. If they can figure out a way to pay you less than what’s fair, they will often try to do just that. In these situations, working with our team of San Francisco bicycle accident lawyers can make the process much easier on you and your family.

MJQ Law Can Answer Your Questions After a San Francisco Bicycle Accident

Handling an accident and injury is indeed challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our experienced team of San Francisco bicycle lawyers at The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan has been assisting clients with the legal process to get the financial support and treatment they deserve under California law.

We take pride in our approach to bicycle accident claims, handling the day to day responsibilities so you can focus on getting better and have the things you need to move forward in your life. To get your questions answered, contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Bicycle Accidents in San Francisco

Bicycle accidents can occur for a variety of different reasons, especially in a place like San Francisco where there’s crowded locations and congested roads. More often than not, these accidents happen because other drivers on the road act carelessly or dangerously when they encounter cyclists. Even though California law says that cyclists have the same right to use the road as cars, not all drivers follow this rule.

When a driver acts carelessly while driving, it’s called “negligence” in the law, and this often causes accidents. In such situations, the driver who was negligent is responsible for any harm or damage in a bicycle accident, and this is usually dealt with through their car insurance company.

Some common causes of bicycle accidents in San Francisco include:

• Drivers not sharing the road with cyclists.
• Drivers forgetting to use turn signals when turning or pulling out from the curb.
• “Dooring” accidents, where a driver opens their car door into a cyclist’s path.
• Drivers not yielding or giving the right of way to cyclists.
• Distracted driving, when drivers are not fully focused on the road.
• Unsafe passing or making sudden lane changes near cyclists.
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

While understanding these causes can help you be more cautious while riding your bike in San Francisco, accidents can still happen. And when that happens, you’ll have to deal with an insurance company, so it’s important to know how they handle bicycle accident claims.

How Does a Car Insurance Company Handle a Bicycle Accident in San Francisco?

Again, once you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you’ll likely file a claim with the at-fault party’s car insurance policy to initiate payment for your injuries and damages.  This begins the claims process. After you submit your injury claim for review, the insurance company will:

• Try to contact you
• Accept the claim as it is
• Propose a different settlement amount
• Reject your claim

The standard insurance claim process involves the insurance provider and their representative, known as an adjuster, going through these steps:

• Investigation – They conduct inquiries into the insurance claim to understand the circumstances.
• Document gathering – They gather crucial documents like photos, videos, and statements from witnesses.
• Coverage assessment – They evaluate whether the claimed loss is covered under the insurance policy.
• Reimbursement calculation – They determine the appropriate amount for reimbursement based on their assessment.
• Fraud prevention – They verify the legitimacy of claims to prevent fraudulent activities.
• Additional information – In doubtful cases, they may communicate with your doctors or employers for more information.
• Negotiations – They engage in negotiations with you–the claimant–to reach a settlement that both parties can agree upon.
• Approval and payment – Once a settlement is reached, they approve payments for authorized claims.

Insurance company strategies

Understanding this process can help you navigate your interactions with the insurance company when seeking compensation for injuries. That said, while the above process is a general overview, it’s equally as important to understand the insurance company’s typical tactics:

• Delay – Insurance companies attempt to postpone the payment of your claims for as long as possible. They may employ administrative obstacles, provide incorrect claim forms, or repeatedly request additional documentation from you. At times, they might present a low initial settlement offer, anticipating that you will reject it, thereby prolonging the process.
• Deny – If their delaying strategies prove unsuccessful, the next course of action is to reject your claims. Car accident insurance policies can be intricate, and agents may endeavor to confuse you regarding the technical aspects and facts of the accident. They might also accuse you of not seeking prompt medical attention or failing to promptly report the accident to deny responsibility. Their goal is to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement offer.
• Defend – As a final resort, insurance companies may employ their considerable resources to mount a defense against a lawsuit. Litigation can be both time-consuming and costly, making it a challenging option for anyone pursuing a lawsuit, irrespective of the strength of their case.

Understanding these tactics can assist you in navigating the claims process and safeguarding your right to receive fair compensation after a bicycle accident in San Francisco. However, it’s essential to recognize how having a lawyer on your side can be advantageous in handling your claim.

Do You Need a Lawyer If a Car Insurance Company Won’t Respond To Your San Francisco Bicycle Accident Claim?

Simply dealing with an insurance company is difficult enough on its own, but when you’re already injured from a bicycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you can quickly begin feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks you have in front of you.

Working with our experienced and dedicated bicycle accident lawyers can significantly enhance your chances of receiving a fair settlement from an insurance company. We are skilled in negotiations with insurance companies and other legal representatives, but we can help you in other ways, particularly when the insurance company won’t respond to you:

• Evaluate your case – We can assess the strength of your claim and determine if you have a valid case against the at-fault party.
• Negotiation – Our lawyers can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Our experience in handling such matters can be advantageous.
• Legal guidance – If negotiations fail, a lawyer can initiate a lawsuit and guide you through the legal process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
• Maximizing offers – Through our expertise, we can help you seek maximum financial support for your injuries and damages.
• Familiarity – Not only are we experienced, but we’re familiar with San Francisco’s specific laws and regulations, which can be particularly helpful in navigating the legal landscape.

Remember that insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, so having our team on your side can level the playing field and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. If the insurance company isn’t responding, it’s a sign that you should consider seeking us out to protect your rights and interests in your bicycle accident case.

Your foremost concern following a bicycle accident should be your health and safety. However, it’s equally crucial to act swiftly and make sure your claim stays strong and protected. We can provide the necessary assistance to protect your rights and pursue available financial support for your losses, which can include:

• Medical expenses and bills, including ongoing care
• Lost wages or income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages, in cases where the other driver was excessively negligent.

Experience and Commitment From San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyers

San Francisco offers an excellent environment for riding a bicycle, offering opportunities for both beginners and seasoned riders. Nevertheless, it’s not without risks, with accidents and resultant injuries being the most severe among them. If you find yourself injured in a bicycle accident, MJQ Law stands ready to lend a helping hand.

Don’t wait–contact us today to learn more about your options and take the first step toward your recovery.