San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicyclists typically have a greater risk of being involved in an accident, especially when a negligent motorist does not pay close enough attention while driving. If a reckless driver caused you to get into an accident while riding your bike, a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can help with your case. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to hold the party at fault accountable and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Causes of Bike Accidents
In many cases, bike accidents happen due to the negligence of other drivers on the road. Some of the most common examples of negligence that lead to bicycle wrecks may include:
- Violating traffic rules and regulations
- Motorists who are distracted by their cell phones or other electronic devices
- Failing to watch out for bicyclists
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs
All motorists have a legal duty to drive safely for the benefit of all people on the road, including cyclists. When drivers do not uphold this legal obligation, they risk liability for any accidents that they cause. A San Francisco bicycle accident attorney could help evaluate the circumstances that led to an injured cyclist’s accident and assess the liability of all parties involved.
Potential Injuries and Resulting Recoverable Damages
When a car strikes a bicyclist, the bicyclist often suffers more severe injuries than the drivers or passengers in the vehicle. Although bikers often wear helmets and safety gear, they still lack protection from the brutal impact of a motor vehicle.
As a result, the injuries that bicyclists can suffer in a collision with a motor vehicle could be devastating. Bikers may suffer broken bones, head trauma, and back and neck injuries, which can significantly affect their lives, long after their accident. When a cyclist suffers significant bodily harm, the cyclist may be unable to return to work for an extended period of time, or may suffer permanent impairments.
Available compensation for these injuries may include lost wages, medical expenses, replacement or repair costs for a claimant’s bike, and other costs related to an accident. A San Francisco bike accident lawyer can evaluate the kind of damages an injured cyclist may be entitled to based on their losses.
Establishing Negligence
For a plaintiff to recover damages in a bicycle accident claim, a San Francisco lawyer must prove that the defendant was negligent. To do so, an injured bicyclist must demonstrate that:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
- The defendant breached this duty of care
- This breach was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s damages
- The plaintiff suffered injuries as a result of the breach
Retain a San Francisco Bicycle Accident Attorney
If a reckless motorist caused you to suffer injuries while riding your bike, a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine whether you have a viable claim for damages. While you focus on your recovery, legal counsel will take the steps necessary to build a strong claim on your behalf. To get started on your civil claim, call an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact our team now for a free consultation.
