Bicycle Accident Attorney in San Francisco, California

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in San Francisco, you may have the right to pursue compensation under California law.

Bicycle crashes are especially dangerous because bicyclists absorb the full force of an impact. Even accidents at lower speeds can result in serious or permanent injuries.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents injured bicyclists throughout San Francisco, San Francisco County, and nearby communities including Sausalito, Oakland, Berkeley, and Palo Alto.

Bicycle Accident Claims in San Francisco — Legal Rights for Injured Cyclists

Bicycle accident cases in San Francisco often involve unique liability issues, and insurance carriers may challenge responsibility. A strong claim usually depends on preserving evidence early and clearly showing why the crash was preventable.

Many bicycle crashes happen when drivers make unsafe turns, misjudge a cyclist’s speed, or violate basic traffic rules. Other incidents involve roadway hazards such as uneven pavement, poor visibility from blocked sight lines, or dangerous conditions that a cyclist had no reasonable opportunity to avoid.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Francisco

• Drivers failing to yield at intersections and driveways
• unsafe turning collisions involving vehicles turning across a cyclist’s path
• Distracted driving from in-vehicle screens and inattention near bike lanes
• Unsafe passing, speeding, or failing to provide safe clearance
• “Dooring” accidents where a vehicle door creates an unavoidable hazard
• Hazardous roadway conditions including broken pavement and surface defects
• phantom vehicle crashes where the at-fault driver leaves the scene

Bicycle Accident Injuries We See in San Francisco

Because cyclists are exposed, injuries are often life-changing and may require emergency care. Even when symptoms seem mild at first, injuries can become more apparent days later, especially involving the spine.

• TBIs and ongoing post-concussion symptoms
• Broken bones such as hips and orthopedic injuries requiring casting or surgery
• back injuries including herniated discs, nerve pain, and mobility limitations
• Road rash, lacerations, and soft tissue injuries
• Internal injuries that require hospital monitoring

Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident in San Francisco

Liability depends on which duty was breached. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible, including a driver, an employer, a property owner, or a public entity. We look for all responsible parties to avoid leaving compensation on the table.

• careless motorists who failed to drive safely around cyclists
• companies when a worker caused the crash while on the job
• Government entities responsible for roadway design, signage, or maintenance
• Property owners whose premises conditions contributed to the incident
• Manufacturers when a defective bicycle part or safety component contributed to the injury

Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident

An injured cyclist may be entitled to compensation for economic damages and the human impact caused by the crash. The value of a case often depends on lost income and the strength of the evidence proving fault.

• Medical expenses including therapy and future treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• physical pain
• Emotional distress and trauma-related symptoms
• disability and long-term limitations

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents

Can I recover if I share fault?

California follows comparative negligence, which means you may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Insurers often try to shift blame, so documenting the crash and preserving evidence matters.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years, but shorter deadlines can apply when a government entity is involved. Acting early protects your rights and improves evidence.

Should I report the crash?

A police report is not required in every situation, but it can provide valuable documentation when liability is disputed. If possible, gather photos, witness information, and prompt medical records.