If you were injured while riding your bicycle in San Francisco or the Bay Area, you have legal rights — and you deserve an experienced advocate who will fight to protect them. Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and when a car, truck, or rideshare vehicle strikes a cyclist, the results can be catastrophic.
I represent injured cyclists throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. I have recovered over $25 million for injured clients and fight aggressively against insurance companies for maximum compensation. Free consultation. No fee unless I win.
Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Dangerous in San Francisco
San Francisco’s roads present unique dangers for cyclists — steep hills, dense traffic, aggressive rideshare drivers, poorly maintained bike lanes, and fog-reduced visibility. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, San Francisco consistently ranks among the state’s highest-risk cities for bicycle injuries and fatalities. Nearly 15% of serious collisions in San Francisco involve cyclists.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Francisco
- Drivers failing to yield to cyclists at intersections
- Dooring — a driver opens their car door into a cyclist’s path
- Rideshare and delivery drivers making sudden stops or illegal turns
- Distracted or speeding drivers on Market Street, Van Ness, and Geary corridors
- Poor road conditions — potholes, cracked pavement, missing bike lane markings
- Failure to share the road on the Golden Gate Bridge approach and waterfront paths
Most Dangerous Areas for Cyclists in San Francisco
Market Street Despite the recent car-free designation on portions of Market Street, cyclists still face serious dangers from delivery vehicles, Muni buses, and turning cars at intersections. Market Street accounts for a disproportionate share of cyclist injuries in the city.
The Embarcadero and Waterfront Path Heavy tourist foot traffic, e-scooters, and vehicles crossing the path create constant hazards along the waterfront. Dooring incidents near the Ferry Building are frequent.
SoMa and the Mission Dense traffic, double-parked rideshare and delivery vehicles, and frequent left-turn conflicts make SoMa and the Mission among the highest-risk areas for cyclists in San Francisco.
Geary Boulevard and Van Ness Avenue High-speed traffic, limited bike infrastructure, and aggressive lane changes make these major corridors particularly dangerous for cyclists.
Golden Gate Bridge Approach The approach roads to the Golden Gate Bridge through the Presidio involve fast-moving vehicles sharing narrow lanes with recreational cyclists — a frequent combination for serious accidents.
The Wiggle San Francisco’s famous bicycle route through the Panhandle and Lower Haight sees heavy cyclist traffic but frequent conflicts with vehicles at unmarked intersections and stop signs.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Bicycle accident injuries are often severe. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, and hospitalization, future medical costs including physical therapy and rehabilitation, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and damage to your bicycle and personal property.
How Insurance Companies Fight Bicycle Accident Claims — And How I Fight Back
“The Cyclist Ran a Stop Sign or Red Light” Traffic violations by cyclists are the first line of defense. Even if you did run a stop sign, California’s pure comparative negligence rule means you can still recover — your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. I investigate the full circumstances to establish what the driver did wrong regardless of your actions.
“You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet” California does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. Insurers nonetheless argue that not wearing a helmet makes you partially responsible for head injuries. I counter with medical evidence showing the nature of your injuries and whether a helmet would have made any difference in the specific collision.
“Dooring Was Your Fault for Riding Too Close” California Vehicle Code Section 22517 makes it illegal to open a car door into traffic. When a driver doors a cyclist, the law is clear — the driver is at fault. I document the width of the bike lane, the driver’s sight lines, and whether the cyclist had any reasonable ability to avoid the suddenly opening door.
“The Road Defect Was Open and Obvious” When poor road conditions contribute to a bicycle accident, the City of San Francisco may be liable. Insurers and government entities argue cyclists should have slowed down or avoided the hazard. I document prior complaints, maintenance records, and the specific defect to establish government liability.
Common Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims in San Francisco
Liability depends on the specific facts of your crash. In most cases the at-fault driver bears primary responsibility, but liability can extend further. Rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft may be liable if their driver caused the crash. An employer may be liable if a commercial driver was on the job at the time. The City of San Francisco may be liable if dangerous road conditions, defective bike lanes, or poorly maintained infrastructure contributed to the crash. A bicycle or component manufacturer may be liable if a product defect caused or worsened your injuries. I investigate every angle to identify all potentially liable parties and maximize your recovery.
Call 911 — even if injuries seem minor, a police report creates an essential official record. Seek medical attention right away, as adrenaline often masks serious injuries including concussions and internal trauma. If you are physically able, photograph the scene — the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries — before anything is moved or cleaned up. Get the driver’s insurance information, license plate, and contact details. Collect names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with me. Evidence disappears quickly in San Francisco — act fast.
Generally two years from the date of your accident under California’s statute of limitations. However if the City of San Francisco, Caltrans, BART, or any other government entity is responsible — for example due to a dangerous bike lane, defective road surface, or malfunctioning traffic signal — you may have as little as six months to file a government tort claim. Missing that deadline permanently bars your recovery. Contact me immediately so I can identify all liable parties and protect your rights before any deadline passes.
Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Not wearing a helmet may slightly reduce your recovery if it contributed to your head injuries — but it does not bar you from filing a claim or recovering substantial compensation. Insurance companies will try to use helmet non-use against you aggressively. I push back with evidence focused on the driver’s negligence, not your choices.
Compensation in a bicycle accident claim can include emergency and ongoing medical treatment, future medical costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, bicycle repair or replacement, and permanent disability if applicable. I have recovered $6,000,000 and $2,185,000 for Bay Area pedestrian and bicycle accident victims with traumatic brain injuries. The value of your specific case depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the insurance coverage available. I offer free consultations to evaluate your situation honestly.
Nothing upfront. I handle all bicycle accident cases on a pure contingency-fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless I recover compensation for you. No hourly charges, no upfront costs. My fee is a percentage of your final settlement or verdict, clearly explained in writing before you sign anything. If I don’t win, you don’t pay.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in San Francisco
- Call 911 — Get police and medical help on scene
- Stay and document — Photograph the vehicles, road conditions, your bicycle, and your injuries before anything is moved
- Get the driver’s information — Insurance, license plate, phone number
- Collect witness contacts — Bystanders’ testimony is critical
- Seek medical attention immediately — Even if you feel fine — adrenaline masks pain
- Preserve your equipment — Do not repair your bicycle or helmet before an attorney can inspect them
- Contact me before speaking to insurance — Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim
Serving Injured Cyclists Throughout San Francisco
Whether your bicycle accident occurred in the Richmond District, SoMa, the Marina District, Bernal Heights, near Civic Center, or in the Sunset District, I serve every neighborhood in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area. View all areas I serve.
Why Choose Me
I have extensive trial experience fighting for injury victims in San Francisco and the Bay Area. I have recovered over $25 million for clients, I am recognized as a Super Lawyer 2021–2026, I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I handle every case personally. No fee unless I win.
Contact a San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Call (415) 851-4557 for a free consultation. Available 24/7. No fee unless I win.
Related Practice Areas
If you were injured in another type of accident, I can help. I also represent clients in Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, and Car Accidents throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area.