Bay Area Bicycle Accident Attorney

The San Francisco Bay Area is a great place to bike, and biking is a great way to get around and stay active. In fact, the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shares that more and more Americans are turning to their bikes for their daily work commutes, for exercise, and for recreation. Bicycle accidents, however, are not uncommon, and bicycling can be extremely dangerous. The roads in San Francisco, for example, are shared amongst motor vehicles, trolleys, cable cars, scooters, skateboards and many times bikes and smaller means of transport are not seen. This can be a conscious or subconscious bias motorists have. When you head out on your bike, you have nothing but your helmet to protect you from the impact of an accident. Know what to do in the event of a collision in which you are hurt. Consult with an experienced Bay Area bicycle accident attorney today. 

Bicycle Accident Statistics

NHTSA reports several stark statistics related to bike accidents, including: 

• In 2017, there were 737 bike fatalities caused by traffic accidents.
• Bike fatalities are far more likely to occur in urban areas like the Bay Area than in rural areas and are most likely to occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• From 1980 to 2015, bicyclist fatalities accounted for  2 percent of all traffic fatalities each year. 
• In  California, bike fatalities rose by 8.1 percent from 2015 to 2016. 

Bike accidents happen on a regular basis, and they are often catastrophic or deadly.

Sharing the Road

When you bike on San Francisco roadways, you have the same rights and responsibilities as any other motorist. The difference is that – because you are much smaller, lighter, much less visible, and have little protections – you are far more vulnerable to accidents and injuries. Just as it is when you get behind the wheel of your car, riding defensively is the best way to stay safe on a bike. Riding defensively involves remaining focused and alert to the traffic all around you, including:

• Riding with the flow of traffic and in the same direction as traffic
• Obeying all traffic signals, lights, and signs
• Considering potential hazards ahead of time and assuming that the other motorists involved do not see you
• Foregoing distractions such as your phone and/or headphones – distracted biking is just as dangerous as distracted driving –however, you will likely be the victim of your own distractions.

Serious Bicycle Accident Injuries in the Bay Area

When bicyclists are involved in traffic accidents, they are obviously far more likely to be injured than the at-fault motorist is. The injuries involved in such accidents are often catastrophic, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and serious cuts and burns. Recovering from a serious biking injury is not only a painful and lengthy process but can also be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. 

If You Are Injured in a Bike Accident, Call a Bay Area Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Bike accidents often lead to serious injuries with many negative consequences. If you are injured in a collision, the experienced Bay Area bicycle accident attorneys at The Law Office of Scott Righthand are here to help. Our dedicated legal team has the skill, knowledge, and compassion to fight for the compensation you are not only entitled to but also need to cover your extensive losses. Your rights matter, so please don’t hesitate to  contact us for more information today.