San Francisco Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Injured in a Bike Accident? Call The Matiasic Firm for Help.
Drivers and motorists often forget that the roads must be shared by all people, including pedestrians and bicyclists. When a motorist does not do his or her part to share the road safely, accidents can happen.
We handle all types of bicycle accidents, including those caused by:
- Drivers opening their vehicle doors before looking for oncoming cyclists
- Drivers who unexpectedly slam on their brakes
- Drivers who fail to look through intersections before entering
- Drivers who make unsafe lane changes
- Aggressive or reckless driving, including speeding or tailgating
- Drivers who engage in distracted driving behaviors
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, our team can fight for you to make certain that justice is served. Any negligent parties that caused your injuries should be held accountable for their actions.
California Bicycle Laws You Should Know
Cycling laws can be found in the California Vehicle Code (CVC), which specify the rules of the road.
Some of the most important bicycle laws in California include:
- Bicyclists have the same duty of care and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators
- Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, not the opposite direction
- Bicyclists should always ride in a bike lane, unless one is not available
- Bicyclists must always yield to pedestrians
- Crosswalks are only for pedestrians
- When riding at night, bikes must be equipped with lights and/or reflectors
- Bicyclists under 18 years of age must wear a helmet
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
When you are involved in a bike accident, it is not uncommon to feel completely overwhelmed by the situation. However, there are several important steps to take to file an accident claim against the at-fault party.
Here are the proper steps to take after a bicycle accident:
- If you suffered a serious injury, get immediate medical attention
- Get the names and contact information of the at-fault party and all witnesses
- Contact law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report
- Take pictures of the bicycle damage and your injuries
- Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident
- Contact a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer to help you file a claim
Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accident claims are generally based on negligence. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed them a duty of care, that the defendant breached this duty, that the breach caused their damages, and that they have suffered damages – which can include both economic and non-economic damages.
You may be eligible to pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In order to maximize your compensation, it is important to document the recovery process. Keep track of all payments for medical treatment and repairs by collecting as many receipts as possible.
Don’t Fight This Battle Alone – Call The Matiasic Firm
Due to our excellent reputation in court and our successful track record for litigation, nearly all of our cases are settled out of court favorably without our clients ever having to set foot inside a courtroom. Having the peace of mind knowing that your attorney is doing everything possible to diligently pursue compensation can be invaluable, especially after an accident. Call The Matiasic Firm to learn more about your options.
If you are ready to get started on your case, contact our bicycle accident attorneys in San Francisco for a FREE consultation: (415) 858-6692.