Top Rated Bicycle Accident Attorney
The Dolan Law Firm is a long-time sponsor of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Bike East Bay, and Marin County Bicycle Coalition. We are proud to be recognized by these groups as local, bicycle-friendly attorneys. Our firm also sponsors the California Bicycle Coalition which advocates in Sacramento for the rights of cyclists and helps shape California bicycle laws.
If you were just in bike crash, please review the bike accident checklist we have have prepared. Please also contact our attorneys today by completing our contact form or call 415-636-8160. We will review your case for free, promptly and with no obligation on your part.
What Is The Primary Cause Of Bike Crashes?
The number one cause of serious injuries and fatalities to bicyclists in San Francisco, Oakland and throughout the Bay Area is speeding by car, truck and other motor vehicle drivers. Even small increases in speed above the limit translates into large increases in the risk of death in a traffic collision. Speeding increases a car’s stopping distance and collision force. On average, 5 bicyclists are killed each year in San Francisco alone.
Other frequent causes of bike accidents include:
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- drivers speeding or running red lights,
- drivers making an illegal left or U turn, colliding with an oncoming bicyclist the opposite lane,
- drivers providing bicyclists insufficient space when passing,
- drivers illegally entering bike lanes,
- drivers or passengers opening a car door without looking to see that a bicyclist was approaching (called being “doored’),
- careless or inattentive driving (often due to using a mobile phone or testing while driving) , or
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In certain cases, non-driver factors lead to a bicycle crash. These factors can include roadway hazards, poorly-marked construction sites, construction site debris, sand, or gravel on roadways, and other dangerous road conditions.
If a city or other public agency may be at fault for your crash, please do not delay in contacting us. In California, the statute of limitations (deadline for filing a claim) is only six months from the date of your crash.
Do Drivers Always Have To Give Bicyclists Space When Passing?
Yes. The California Three Feet for Safety Act (California Vehicle Code Section 21670) mandates drivers who overtake and pass a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on the roadway “shall do so at a safe distance that does not interfere with the safe operation of the overtaken bicycle.”
The law requires that drivers provide a three feet buffer between their vehicles and bicycles when passing. However the law recognizes that this may not always be possible due to “traffic or roadway conditions.” In such circumstances, the driver must (1) slow to a reasonable and prudent speed when passing and (2) only pass when doing so would not endanger the safety of the bicyclist.
May Drivers Enter Bike Lanes?
Yes, but only in limited circumstances. Many bike lanes are painted with a solid white lane; some are green with a solid white boundary. California Vehicle Code Section 21209 restricts motor vehicles from driving in a bike lane except to park where permitted, to enter or leave the roadway, or to prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet of an intersection.
Even If I Was Partially At Fault, May I Still File A Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?
Yes. We often see cases in which the police report places the fault on the bicyclist for the bicycle accident. The police report, while important evidence, is not binding on the court and can be based on a faulty analysis resulting in the wrong conclusion.
We will thoroughly and independently review your case. Even if you were partially at fault, you have the right to recover damages if carelessness or speeding by the driver or other reasons were substantial factors in causing the accident and your injuries.
Why Do I Need A Bike Accident Lawyer? Can’t I Reach A Deal With the Driver’s Car Insurance Company On My Own?
Yes, but if your injuries were serious we highly recommend that you speak to us first. Car insurance companies are for profit corporations. The way they make money is refusing to pay out claims or by keeping settlement as low as possible.
Do not be surprised, no matter what the police report states, if the insurance company tries to place the fault for the accident on you, claim you didn’t need the medical treatment you received, and argue you will not suffer any long term injuries from the bike accident.
Only an experienced and skilled bicycle accident attorney can advise you of the real value of your case. We have represented clients with fractures, internal injuries, concussions, and other serious injures who received settlement offers of under $10,000 when they spoke directly to the insurance agent before contacting us. While we can not provide any guarantee of case results, in many of these cases we obtained settlements for our clients in excess of $100,000, and in certain cases far greater amounts.
Why We Are The Best Bike Accident Attorney For You
Our attorneys possess the knowledge and experience to thoroughly investigate your case and ensure you receive the maximum recovery the law allows for your injuries. We personally know how devastating physically, emotionally, and financially a serious bike accident can be. We will treat you with compassion and respect. We will be with you every step of the legal process.
We have obtained over $10 million in recoveries for injured bike riders. We are known for taking challenging and complicated cases to trial and prevailing. As a result, we often obtain recoveries far above industry averages.
We specifically provide our clients:
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- Individual, attentive legal representation by highly experienced bicycle accident attorneys with an outstanding record of success,
- Substantial financial and technological resources that no individual attorney or small law firm can provide, and
- Access to the leading accident reconstruction and biomechanics experts for cases involving brain, spine, neck and back injuries.
Our attorneys work under the direction of Chris Dolan, our founder and lead trial attorney. Chris has been repeatedly selected by multiple publications as one of top trial lawyers in California.
Contact A Bike Accident Attorney Today
We represent injured bicyclists from San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego and across Central, Northern and Southern California. We are proud to have been repeatedly recognized as one of the best injury law firms in California.
If you or a loved one have been in a serious bike crash due to the fault of another, contact our attorneys today by completing our contact form or call 415-636-8160. We will review your case for free, promptly and with no obligation on your part.
