As cycling in the Bay Area grows in popularity, drivers are having to share the road with bicyclists more and more. This influx in the number of people opting to ride rather than drive has caused an increase in San Francisco bike accidents. When a cyclist is hit by a car or truck, the end result can be horrific. Cyclists have basically no barrier to protect them from the road, cars, or other surroundings once they are thrown from their bikes. While wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the severity of head injuries to cyclists, these types of accidents are still incredibly dangerous. In 2007 alone, it was estimated that nationwide there were 43,000 injuries associated to cycling accidents. Citizens of San Fransisco and the surrounding area experienced their share of these accidents.
Automobile driver negligence is a large contributor to bike accidents in San Francisco. Occupants of the car involved in the crash usually remain injury free, while the cyclists can endure permanent personal injury. Some injuries cyclists experience due to San Francisco bike accidents can be:
• Excessive scrapes, cuts and bruises (road rash)
• Fractured limbs
• Concussions and other forms of Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Victims of bike accidents as the result of the negligence of an automobile driver can seek a claim of personal injury for compensation. As drivers owe a duty of care to those they share the road with, when they breach this duty by acting negligently, they can be found legally responsible and be ordered to pay victims monetary compensation. This compensation can be awarded for:
• Medical bills
• Surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Pain and suffering
After a bike accident, the injuries that San Francisco cyclists incur can last a lifetime. Experienced San Francisco bike accident lawyers will be able to properly build a case for personal injury for victims. It is important to hire a group of lawyers who specialize in bike accidents. As the injuries last a lifetime for victims, the compensation must be substantial enough to cover present and future costs.
Tragically, a large number of San Francisco bike accidents end fatally. It is reported that in 2007 alone, there were over 100 deaths in California due to cycling accidents. The surviving family members of a victim in a bike accident can pursue a claim of wrongful death against the negligent party responsible. Only expert San Francisco bike accident lawyers have the skills needed to process a wrongful death claim after a loved one experiences a cycling accident. You’ll want wise, compassionate, and determined San Francisco bike accident lawyers on your side in this difficult time.
Under California state law, personal injury claims due to San Francisco bike accidents must be filed within 2 years of the date that the injury took place on. Claims for wrongful death must be filed within 1 year of the date of the death. While there is a substantial window available to victims to file for these claims, in almost all cases the sooner you hire San Francisco bike accident lawyers to help start your case, the more chance of success it may have. This is largely attributed to a better recollection of events, more accurate eye witness testimony, and allows for more time for an experienced bike accident lawyer to build your case.
As the statute of limitations starts to run the moment you are injured, contacting experienced San Francisco bike accident lawyers early on is key.