As a cyclist cruising the streets of San Francisco, you know that riding your bike comes with freedom and risks. Between weaving through traffic, avoiding sudden doors swinging open, and watching for pedestrians stepping into the bike lane, there’s a lot to pay attention to if you want to avoid a bike accident.
But if a collision or accident happens, you may be left wondering how to pursue compensation for injuries or damages. This article will help you make sense of the local road rules for cyclists and how a San Francisco bike accident attorney can get you the justice you deserve.
Overview of Bicycle Laws in San Francisco
As a bike rider in San Francisco, it’s important to understand the rules of the road to stay safe and avoid legal trouble. Some key laws to know:
- Pedestrians come first. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or on sidewalks. Stop behind the crosswalk line.
- Obey all traffic signs and lights. Treat stop signs, red lights, and traffic signals like vehicles. Come to a complete stop and proceed when safe.
- Take the lane when needed. If riding next to parked cars or in a narrow lane, take the center of the lane for safety. Merge left when it’s clear and signal before changing lanes.
- Light up at night. Use reflective gear, a white headlight, and a red tail light for visibility and safety when riding after dark.
- Pass on the left. Although bike lanes are often on the right, pass other bikes or vehicles on the left as required for all road users.
What Is Involved in a Bike Accident Claim?
Bicycle accident claims can be complicated, but understanding the process will help you pursue compensation for any injuries or damages. When a bicycle accident occurs due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a claim.
The first step is to contact the police and obtain a copy of the official accident report. This report contains details about what happened and can support your claim. You should also get contact and insurance information from the other parties involved.
Proving Liability
To prove liability in a bicycle accident case, you’ll need to show that the other party’s negligent or reckless actions directly caused your injuries. As the plaintiff, the burden of proof is on you, so make sure you have clear evidence to support your claim.
Take photos of the accident scene, damage to your bike, and your injuries as evidence. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.
Look at the series of events leading up to the accident. Did the driver violate any traffic laws like failing to yield to bicycles, reckless driving, or distracted driving? Any witnesses to the crash can provide valuable testimony to support your claim.
Hire an Experienced Bike Accident Attorney in San Francisco
After being involved in a bicycle accident, hiring an experienced attorney is one of the most important steps you can take. The legal process following a bike crash can be complicated, and having professional guidance will help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
San Francisco bike accident attorneys, like those at San Francisco Lawyers, have the expertise to handle your claim properly. Our knowledge of bike laws and legal procedures will prove invaluable as you navigate the system.
Call us today at 415-843-7099 for a free case evaluation!