San Francisco Failure to Share the Road Attorney

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.

Why Choose the Attorneys at Choulos, Choulos & Wyle?

Our track record speaks for itself. Our firm has been successful in 98% of the cases we handle and will advocate aggressively for your right to fair compensation.
With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of California personal injury law and bicycle accident claims. We will leverage our knowledge, resources, and expertise to craft a compelling case in your favor.
We understand the financial hardships that can accompany a bicycle accident. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation in your case.

The Popularity of Bike-Riding in San Francisco

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.

How Often Do Bike Crashes Occur?

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.

What Does It Mean To Not Share The Roadway?

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:

Following a cyclist too closely (tailgating)
Passing a cyclist too closely
Cutting a cyclist off after passing
Turning into a cyclist
A vehicle traveling in a designated bike lane
Failing to stop at pedestrian/bicycle crossings

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.

Common Injuries in Failure-to-Share-the-Road Accidents

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:

Cuts, Abrasions, and Road Rash: These surface wounds occur when a cyclist skids on the pavement after a fall. Although they may seem minor, they can cause lasting scars, severe pain, and even infections without prompt treatment.
Fractures: A direct impact from a vehicle or hard fall can lead to broken bones, which might require surgery or long-term rehabilitation. Cyclists often suffer fractures in the legs, ribs, and arms.
Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, cyclists can sustain concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries from the force of a collision. Brain trauma can have lasting effects on a cyclist’s life, impairing functions like memory, concentration, or speech.
Spinal Cord Injuries: A sudden jerk or fall during an accident can result in injuries to the spine, potentially leading to permanent paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can drastically change a cyclist’s life and often require ongoing medical care.

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.

What Kind Of Compensation Is Available For These Cases?

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:

Coverage of all crash-related medical bills
Recovery of any lost income if a victim cannot work
Pain and suffering damages
Loss of personal enjoyment damages
Possible punitive damages in cases of gross driver negligence or intentional actions

What to Do If You Were Injured in a San Francisco Bike Accident

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:

Call 911 and Report the Accident: It’s imperative to have an official record of the accident. By calling 911, you ensure law enforcement documents the incident, which can be crucial for your claim. This step also brings emergency medical attention to the scene, which is critical in case you or someone else is seriously injured.
Seek Medical Care Right Away: After an accident, your top priority should be your health and safety. Even if you feel fine, certain injuries manifest symptoms later on, so go to the hospital right away. Immediate medical evaluation can also identify and treat these injuries, while also providing a medical record linked to the accident.
Collect Evidence If You Can: If you can move around the accident site without putting yourself in danger or causing further injury, collect as much evidence as possible. Photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle can be valuable. Witness testimony can also bolster your claim, so make sure to gather their contact details as well.
Get the Driver’s Information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, license plate, and insurance details. This information is essential for any future claims. Be careful of any statements that you make when speaking with the driver; any admissions of fault or statements about your injury could affect your case. Instead, keep your interaction brief.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney: An attorney can guide you through the complexities of your insurance claim or lawsuit, protecting your rights and best interests. Before speaking with the insurance company, always contact a bicycle accident lawyer to represent your case.

How Can an Attorney Support Your Bicycle Accident Claim?

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:

Evaluating Your Case: An attorney can assess the details of your accident, advising you on the viability of your claim. This assessment ensures you don’t spend time pursuing a claim without merit, or conversely, miss out on the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Gathering Evidence: To build a robust case, it’s crucial to collect comprehensive evidence. Your attorney can handle this aspect, evaluating all pieces of available evidence and collaborating with expert witnesses to solidify your claim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Many bicycle accident claims involve insurance companies. These entities often seek to protect their bottom lines and can attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf, fighting for your right to a fair settlement.
Representing Your Case in Court: If your case goes to trial, you’ll need someone to represent your interests. An attorney can provide this representation, advocating for you in court and presenting your case effectively in front of a judge or jury.

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.

Contact The Attorneys At Choulos, Choulos & Wyle

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.