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 life-long pain from their injuries. If you have been injured in a San Francisco area bicycle accident, you need strong representation.
You need an experienced San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer with a proven history of recovering maximum compensation for their clients.
The accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have been protecting the rights of California accident victims for over 50 years. We have a history of winning big for our clients and want to do the same for you.
Call us at (415) 855-4289 or visit our contact page now to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of San Francisco Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can have many causes. Speeding motorists are the biggest 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
You need to have an experienced, skilled San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer investigate your accident to determine all possible causes and all 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 the medical help you need and get the law enforcement authorities on site 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, do not give a recorded statement until you have spoken with your attorney.
- Seek the advice and representation 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.
- Stay off social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often look at your social media posts to find evidence that your injuries are not as bad as you claim or that you seem to be enjoying your life as you were before the accident.
- Tell your family and friends not to comment on your accident on social media. Your witnesses’ posts can be used against you, too.
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, lacerationsons, and abrasions
Because there is very little between a cyclist and the road or vehicle, cyclists’ injuries can be devastating.
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 can recover three types of damages.
Economic damages are those that 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 harder to prove. However, they can be just as devastating as economic damages. 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.
Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages, are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future similar behavior. A jury can only award them after clear and convincing evidence proves that the defendant acted with malice, fraud, or oppression. Punitive damages are rare.
Contact a San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you need the help of an experienced San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer to build your strongest case and get you the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Injuries sustained in a bicycle accident can be severe and require long-term medical care. Many bicycle accident victims live with chronic pain and have mobility problems.
The San Francisco bicycle accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have been protecting the rights of injury victims for over 50 years. We have a proven track record of winning big for our clients. Let us help you.
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, explain your rights, and help you get the money and justice you need to get your life back on track.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form