Who Pays for Injuries in a Bicycle Accident in San Francisco?

Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries. Because motor vehicles are significantly larger, heavier, and more protected than a person on a bike, these collisions can lead to broken bones, brain damage, spinal cord injury, and permanent disabilities. As a result, the victim can incur thousands of dollars’ worth of medical expenses. 

If you are involved in a bicycle accident in San Francisco, you could secure compensation to pay for your medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other damages related to your injuries. However, your path to compensation will vary based on the circumstances surrounding your collision.  

California’s Fault Insurance Laws

California is a fault insurance state, meaning that drivers who are responsible for motor vehicle accidents must pay for their victims’ damages. These victims can include other drivers, their passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. If you are injured by a negligent driver, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against him or her to recover compensation for your losses.

If you can prove that the driver is responsible for your accident, you can hold him or her accountable for your economic and non-economic damages related to your collision. Some of the most common damages available in insurance claims and lawsuits after a bicycle accident include the following.

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages during your recovery time
• Loss of future earnings
• Property repairs and replacements
• Disability accommodations
• Mobility equipment
• Chronic pain
• Permanent disability
• Emotional distress
• Depression and anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

What Happens If You Are in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

Although state law mandates coverage, not all drivers carry the required amount of car insurance. You may also be involved in a hit and run bicycle accident where a driver flees the scene of the crime, leaving you without a means to file an insurance claim. In these situations, you need to rely on your own insurance coverage to pay for your losses.

• Uninsured motorist coverage: Under California law, all auto insurance policies must include uninsured motorist coverage. This policy pays for your losses if you are injured in a car accident with a driver who does not have insurance. Depending on your specific insurance company, your bicycle accident may be covered by your uninsured motorist policy if another driver was responsible for the collision. A California bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate your coverage and identify your legal options.
• Personal health insurance: While you are waiting for your claim to resolve or if you need additional coverage for your medical expenses, your personal health insurance can help. You can use this coverage to pay for your medical costs minus the payment of deductibles and copays.
• Bicycle insurance: If you ride a bicycle often, you may want to invest in a bicycle insurance policy. This coverage is specific to the dangers you may experience while riding a bike, such as medical payments coverage and theft protection. You may use this coverage to pay for your injuries after your accident.

If you are trying to pay for medical expenses following a bicycle accident, it is important to speak with a California bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can evaluate your case and identify your optimal path to maximum recovery. After receiving medical attention for your injuries, contact a lawyer to discuss your case and strategize your next steps.