San Francisco Bicycle Accident Attorney

Attorney Michael Rehm — (800) 978-0754

San Francisco Bicycle Accident Attorney

San Francisco is one of California's most active cycling cities, and one of its most dangerous for bicycle riders. The SFMTA Traffic Crashes Report documents hundreds of bicycle injury collisions citywide each year. Dooring — a driver opening a car door into the path of a cyclist — accounts for approximately 11 percent of bicycle-involved injury crashes in San Francisco, according to SFMTA data. Unsafe lane changes and left-turn failures are the leading vehicle-at-fault factors. Attorney Michael Rehm represents bicycle accident victims throughout San Francisco and San Francisco County. These claims are filed in San Francisco Superior Court, 400 McAllister Street.

Driver Duties to Cyclists

Cyclists on San Francisco roads have the same rights and duties as vehicle operators under California law. Vehicle Code § 21760 requires drivers to pass a bicycle at a safe distance of not less than three feet when overtaking. Vehicle Code § 22517 prohibits opening a vehicle door into the path of a moving cyclist. Vehicle Code § 22107 requires a driver to ensure the lane change can be made safely before moving laterally. Violation of any of these provisions is evidence of negligence per se under California Evidence Code § 669. A driver who opens a door into a cyclist at speed, or who turns left across a cyclist's path in violation of Vehicle Code § 21801(a) has breached the duty of care under Civil Code § 1714.

Muni Track and Road Defect Claims

San Francisco's Muni light rail tracks on Market Street, Church Street, Carl Street, and other corridors create a significant hazard for cyclists. A tire caught in a parallel rail groove causes sudden loss of control. Claims against SFMTA for track-related bicycle crashes require a government tort claim under Government Code § 911.2 within six months. Claims against the City for road defects are governed by Government Code § 835, also subject to the six-month claim deadline. Missing this deadline can potentially bar a lawsuit. Tolling may apply depending on the facts.

Damages and Filing Deadlines

Bicycle accident damages include all past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering. The personal injury statute of limitations is two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims against public entities require a government tort claim within six months. None of these deadlines are self-executing and tolling may apply.

Attorney Michael Rehm represents bicycle accident victims throughout San Francisco on a contingency fee basis. No fee without a recovery. Call (800) 978-0754 to arrange a free consultation.

The information on this page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case turns on its own facts. The law can change — statutes are amended, cases are decided, and regulations are revised; nothing on this page should be relied upon as a statement of current law without verification. Deadlines and legal bars discussed on this page are general guides — whether a particular deadline applies, has run, or is subject to tolling, and whether a particular doctrine bars or limits recovery in your case, requires individual analysis. Contact Attorney Michael Rehm to discuss the specific facts of your situation.

San Francisco Bicycle Accident Attorney

Attorney Michael Rehm — (800) 978-0754