When a bicyclist in San Francisco sets out for a ride, they should never have to worry about the careless or negligent actions of another person causing them harm. Unfortunately, there are times when others on the roadways with a cyclist fail to share the road. This can lead to devastating injuries for a cyclist. At Choulos, Choulos & Wyle, our San Francisco bicycle accident attorneys are ready to help if you or a loved one have been injured because another driver failed to share the roadway.
Bike riding has long been a popular mode of transportation in San Francisco, appealing to both residents and tourists. The city’s diverse landscape, combined with its eco-conscious lifestyle, makes cycling not only a practical mode of transportation but also a reliable way to explore and commute.
In addition to this passion for biking, San Francisco also participates in a bike-share program called Bay Wheels. A collaboration between the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), local governments, and Motivate, a subsidiary of rideshare company Lyft, Bay Wheels offers over 7,000 bicycles across 550 stations, facilitating access for riders throughout the Bay Area.
According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, we know that there were 155 bicyclist fatalities during the latest reporting year. There were also more than 11,000 total bicyclist injuries. The truth is that a high percentage of reported bicycle crashes result in an injury or a fatality because bicyclists are vulnerable roadway users.
Even when a bicyclist is wearing a helmet, they are much more likely to sustain serious injuries in a crash. Bicyclists have very little protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into them. Unfortunately, bicyclists also often suffer severe injuries due to a secondary impact with the ground as well.
In most cases, bicyclists have a right to use the roadway, just as much as any other vehicle. This means that bicyclists are required to follow all traffic laws, including obeying traffic signs and traffic signals. This also means that other roadway users, including drivers in vehicles, must give bicyclists the space they deserve.
Unfortunately, it is often the case that drivers fail to give cyclists the space they deserve. This often includes the following behaviors:
Each of these driving behaviors can lead to a serious accident for the bicyclist. In many cases, failing to share the roadway leads to a vehicle driver not having enough time to react to any movement made by the bicyclist.
Dooring accidents can also be considered “failure to share the road” incidents. These crashes occur when a vehicle driver or passenger fails to check their surroundings before opening a door. For vehicle accidents, a San Francisco car accident attorney could help navigate your legal options. An unsuspecting bicyclist could strike the door and be severely injured as a result.
As the streets of San Francisco buzz with cyclists, the unfortunate reality is that not all motorists are adept at sharing the road. These motorists can commit dangerous and negligent acts, resulting in severe accidents and a range of injuries.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in these accidents include:
Internal Injuries: Collisions can lead to internal bleeding or damage to vital organs, necessitating emergency medical intervention. Many internal injuries do not show symptoms right away, which is why it is crucial to go to the hospital even if you feel fine.
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident that was caused by the careless or negligent actions of another driver, victims may be entitled to various types of compensation. At Choulos, Choulos & Wyle, we want you to know that every case is different and the total amount of compensation awarded to victims varies depending on the circumstances of each case. However, our team has a proven track record of obtaining the following types of compensation for clients:
After a bicycle accident, it is common to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. However, it is important to remember that the steps that you take after the collision could drastically affect the outcome of your case:
Being injured in a bicycle accident can be a traumatizing experience. Not only do you face a long road to physical recovery, but there’s also the challenge of navigating the legal landscape to ensure you’re adequately compensated. In these situations, a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can provide valuable support and guidance.
At Choulos, Choulos & Wyle, our failure to share the road attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of bicycle accident claims. We can help your case in several ways, including:
Providing Compassionate Support: While you are recovering from a serious injury, it can be difficult to focus on legal matters. Your lawyer will not only handle these aspects on your behalf but provide you with compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. Our priority is your healing and recovery.
When you need a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer, Choulos, Choulos & Wyle is standing by to help. You can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at (415) 432-7290 or (877) 702-7800.
