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Fighting for Bicycle Accident Victims in California

Bicycle accidents usually occur when motorists fail to pay attention to their surroundings. Car, truck & bus drivers often deny responsibility, shifting blame away from themselves to cyclists. To establish responsibility & financial liability, The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. investigates bike accidents using reconstruction techniques, eyewitness testimony, & analysis of skid marks, crash debris, & vehicle damage.

Using the evidence available, our San Francisco bicycle accident lawyers work to establish how fast a motorist was traveling, whether they ignored traffic signals, stop signs, or bike crossing paths. Additionally, there are laws motorists must observe regarding a bicyclist’s right to the road. When cars pass a cyclist, they should maintain a safe distance between their car and the bike. In cases involving sideswiping accidents, we address these & other issues to hold drivers accountable for their negligence. If you were injured in a biking accident involving a car, truck, Muni bus, or streetcar, contact the bicycle accident attorneys at The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. today. We will evaluate your case and discuss how best to approach your case to recover your financial losses.

Call The Cartwright Law Firm today at 415-433-0444 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our bicycle accident lawyer in San Francisco.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Understanding the frequent causes of bicycle accidents is essential for prevention and legal recourse. Several common factors contribute to bicycle accidents in San Francisco, a bustling city with diverse traffic patterns. Distracted driving remains a significant issue, with many motorists failing to notice cyclists when using phones or adjusting in-car technology. Another factor is poor visibility on certain city streets with inadequate nighttime lighting, increasing the risk of collisions.

Additionally, dooring incidents, where a parked car door is opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist, are prevalent in busy urban areas. Weather conditions unique to San Francisco, such as fog and rain, can also reduce visibility and surface traction, further complicating navigation for drivers and cyclists. Our team is dedicated to exploring these factors in depth during investigations to establish liability and secure justice for accident victims.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. represents bicyclists suffering from serious injuries sustained in an accident, including:

Bay Area Bicycle Law

Drivers often deny responsibility by claiming a bicyclist ran a stop sign, turned in front of them, or “came out of nowhere.” In bike accidents involving children along neighborhood streets, car drivers may blame parked cars along the side of the street for obscuring their line of sight. That’s why our attorneys work with accident investigators who measure & analyze skid marks, the placement of debris, & vehicle damage.

How to Expose Negligence

Since most residential streets post speed limits under 20 mph, measuring skid marks can quickly determine how fast a car was traveling and from what direction. Additionally, a driver’s smashed windshield or dented front side panel will reveal a great deal about what a driver should have seen, or did see, before impact. Requesting a driver’s cell phone records will tell us if they were on the phone at the time of an accident. Using evidence collected from an accident site, our San Francisco bicycle accident attorneys can reconstruct what happened & expose reckless, careless behavior on the part of motorists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Immediately after a bicycle accident, prioritize safety and health. If you can, move to a safe location and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, seek a medical evaluation to document any potential injuries. Gather contact and insurance information from the involved parties and try to collect contact details from any witnesses. Document the scene with photographs, capturing damages to all vehicles, road conditions, and traffic signals. Do not discuss fault with other parties; simply exchange information and wait for authorities to arrive.

Compensation from a bicycle accident claim can vary based on the case’s unique circumstances. Typically, you can seek recovery for medical expenses, which include hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs. You may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Additionally, victims can pursue damages for pain and suffering, as well as non-economic impacts such as emotional distress and reduced quality of life. Our attorneys will evaluate your situation and pursue the maximum legal compensation.

California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the accident date. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit for compensation for your injuries. However, if your claim involves a government entity, such as a city-owned vehicle, the filing deadline is significantly shorter, typically within six months. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within these legal time frames.

Choosing The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. means entrusting your case to a firm with over 70 years of success in personal injury law. Our dedicated team, led by Robert E. Cartwright Jr., offers personalized services and a commitment to securing justice for our clients. With a deep understanding of San Francisco’s legal landscape, we are uniquely positioned to navigate local challenges efficiently. Our legacy of groundbreaking litigation and relentless pursuit of client rights makes us a dependable choice in your time of need.

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