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Bicycle Accidents

San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Bay Area Bicycle Accident?

Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn understands the importance of feeling safe and protected when riding your bike around the city. Some of our attorneys commute by bicycle ourselves, and we are proud supporters of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

We have even been included on the coalition’s list of "bicycle-friendly lawyers."

If you have suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for medical treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and more.

We will work to identify all liable parties and help you achieve the results you deserve.

Our San Francisco bicycle accident attorneys accept these cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means there are no fees unless we win your case and no risk to getting started.

To date, we have recovered more than $500 million for accident victims.

Call our San Francisco bicycle accident attorneys today at (415) 940-7176 for your free consultation.

Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident

After a bicycle accident, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Many cyclists are unaware of the protections available to them under California law. Our experienced attorneys at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We believe that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of personal injury claims.

Here are some key aspects of your rights as a cyclist:

  • Right to Compensation: If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Liability Determination: Understanding who is at fault can significantly impact your case. Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident to establish liability.
  • Insurance Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. We will handle negotiations on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
  • Statute of Limitations: Be aware of the time limits for filing a claim. In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action.
  • Legal Representation: Having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn for a free consultation, and let us help you understand your rights and options after a bicycle accident.

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Who Can Sue for a Bicycle Accident?

The general rule of thumb is that whoever caused the crash is responsible for any and all resulting damages. This means that, if you were injured in a bicycle crash that was no fault of your own, you may pursue financial compensation by suing the at-fault party.

The same is true if your loved one was killed in a preventable crash, as long as that crash wasn’t their fault.

At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we have recovered compensation for Bay Area bicyclists injured in accidents involving:

  • Right-side obstruction
  • Sudden right turn
  • Unsafe left turn
  • Opening doors
  • Rear-end collisions

If you need legal advice after your bike was hit by a car, truck, motorcyclist, or another bike, we are right here to help. From start to finish, we’ll handle the brunt of the work.

The first step, however, will be determining the cause of the crash—and exactly who is responsible for it.

Who Is Liable for My Injuries?

Negligent Drivers, Truckers, and Other Motorists

There are many ways in which a negligent party may cause a bicycle accident.

Often, that negligent party is a driver or trucker who does not see the small frame of a bicycle approaching or, simply, who doesn’t want to yield to a bicyclist.

Common types of driver negligence that lead to bicycle accidents include:

  • Driving under the influence
  • Giving into road rage
  • Running red lights and stop signs
  • Failing to check blind spots for bicyclists
  • Attempting unsafe merges and turns
  • Attempting to pass a bicyclist with limited space
  • Tailgating a bicyclist or driving too close to them
  • Texting and driving, or other forms of distracted driving

Public and Private Entities

There are some cases in which a negligent company, corporation, or even government entity may be completely or partially responsible for a crash.

Examples of this include when a bicycle accident can be traced back to:

  • Poor street lighting
  • Poorly maintained roads/streets
  • A lack of bike lanes
  • Defective or unsafe guardrails
  • A city bus, train, or cable car (Muni buses or Muni Metro)

Many bicycle accident cases involve more than one at-fault party.

For these cases, injured bikers will need to name all liable parties in their claim to recover full compensation. Note that liable parties only need to compensate a victim for the damages they caused.

Can a Bicyclist Be at Fault for an Accident?

It is rare for a bicyclist to be at fault for an accident, as they have the right of way in most situations.

That said, if a bicyclist was under the influence, distracted, or acting recklessly and violating traffic laws, the law may consider them to be at fault.

However, it is common for bicyclists to overestimate their share of fault. You can still recover compensation if the other party (or parties) is mostly to blame.

What Legal Recourse Is Available After A Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, legal recourse often involves filing a personal injury claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It's crucial to gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to support your case. Consulting with a legal professional can help navigate the complexities of the claim process. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and working to secure a fair settlement. Their expertise in representing your best interests is vital in achieving a favorable outcome.

If you were injured in a biking accident, do not hesitate to reach out to Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn to set up a free consultation.

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Why Choose Us?

Serving clients since 1980
  • Largest Settlements In The Bay Area
  • 150+ Years of Collective Experience
  • No Attorneys' Fees Unless We Win
  • Nationally Accredited Counsel
  • Top-Rated by U.S. News–Best Lawyers®
  • Over $500 Million Recovered