San Francisco Bike Accident: Do You Need a Lawyer?

Attorney Claude Wyle | 888-981-0826 | Free Consult

"You will need a lawyer who knows their way around the dynamics of bicycle collisions. The dynamics of bicycle collisions are very different from car collisions or pedestrian collisions….You need a specialist who knows their way around [the legal ramifications]."

Bicyclists face many hazards on the road. Many drivers do not know the current traffic laws involved with sharing the road with cyclists, which increases the potential for bicycle accidents.

Claude Wyle is an injury attorney with the law firm Choulos, Choulos, and Wyle, based in San Francisco, California. In this video, he explains what to do after a bicycle incident causes severe injury, and how you can seek—and take—legal action in an appropriate way.

To learn more, contact the attorney directly by calling 888-981-0826 or by submitting a contact form on this page. There is no charge for the consultation, and you never owe any out-of-pocket attorney fees.

Key Takeaways From Claude Wyle:

Most automobile insurance policies will cover cyclists who are hit by cars, especially if those vehicles are at fault or uninsured. However, says Wyle, insurance may not provide all the coverage and recovery help you need.

In the event of receiving injuries from a bicycle accident, you should seek out a legal professional who has experience with bicycle collisions.

Most collisions that involve a bicycle and a vehicle are usually the fault of the vehicle, says Wyle. Many drivers are unaware or unsure of cyclist laws concerning right-of-way, cycling lanes, and other regulations around bicycle riding. Sometimes, a vehicle will strike a cyclist after attempting to incorrectly take the right of way, or by steering into a cycling lane or up onto a curb. When a cyclist collides with a vehicle, it is almost always certain that they will sustain greater and more serious injuries than the driver of the car.

Risk of injury is greater as a cyclist than as a vehicle driver.

If a vehicle collides with another vehicle, much of the damage is often done to the cars. Insurance helps cover the damages. However, if a vehicle collides with a cyclist, the relative vulnerability of the cyclist can result in them receiving incredibly severe injuries that may not—or cannot—be covered by insurance. This is when it is wise to seek legal action and ensure that you receive proper care and, if needed, financial compensation for your injuries.

Just because a vehicle is stationary does not mean it is safe. Cyclists should be aware of many hazards, including the prevalence of “dooring” injuries.

Most drivers strive to be attentive and safe when they’re on the road. However, many people relax these attitudes once they are parked or stopped, and they forget to be aware of their surroundings before opening a door and exiting a car. This leads to a common incident called “dooring”—this is when a driver opens a car door into the path of a cyclist and the cyclist, without a chance to move, crashes into the door and falls from their bicycle, or is thrown from their bike and onto the ground by the force of the collision. This, says Wyle, is the sole fault of the vehicle operator for failing to take proper safety precautions prior to opening their door.

Understand which types of insurance the other party may have.

Many drivers don’t have auto insurance. Additionally, if they drive a motorcycle, some types of motorcycle insurance don’t cover cyclists. Wyle says that there are types of car insurance you can obtain even if you do not have a car—this insurance can help protect you in the event of an accident.

The most important factor in preventing cycling accidents is awareness. By taking precautions, getting insurance, and staying alert, you can help protect yourself from injury or financial risk in the event of a collision.

To learn more, contact attorney Claude Wyle directly by calling 888-981-0826 or by submitting a contact form on this page. There is no charge for the consultation, and you never owe any out-of-pocket attorney fees.

Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. In some states, this video may be deemed Attorney Advertising. The choice of lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.