San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When bicyclists are on the road interacting with vehicles that are much heavier and larger, they are at a disadvantage. Cyclists are much more likely to suffer serious injuries, and even death, when they are involved in a crash with a motor vehicle. If you or someone you love was hurt due to the negligent actions of someone else, a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can be a valuable resource. Our experienced attorney will protect your interests while helping you seek compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Accidents involving bicycles impact everyone differently, and many factors, including speed, can affect the severity of your injuries. Cyclists have little protection when they are out on the roads, even when they choose to wear a helmet and so, serious injuries are quite common. This remains true even when accidents seem fairly minor. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are as follows:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spine and neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to internal organs
The above injuries are not only very painful, but they will also result in other losses, such as lost income if you cannot return to work. You should not be responsible for paying for these losses and so, it is important to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Damages Available After a Bicycle Accident
The damages you are entitled to after a bicycle accident will largely depend on the factors of your case, and the losses you sustained. Still, most bicycle accident victims have a right to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are losses that have a quantifiable monetary value. These make up the bulk of most bicycle accident claims. Economic damages include losses such as your medical expenses, lost income, and property damage.
Non-economic damages are considered subjective because they do not have a monetary value and therefore, they are more difficult to calculate. Loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering are a few common types of non-economic damages. Keeping a pain journal detailing how your injuries are impacting your daily life can help prove non-economic damages. Our attorney also knows how to calculate these damages so you obtain the full settlement you deserve.
Punitive damages are also available in some cases, but they are rarely awarded. In fact, punitive damages are only awarded when a case goes to trial and a judge or jury decides they are warranted. Punitive damages are intended to punish defendants for egregious behavior. For example, if a motorist experienced road rage and intentionally hit you, that could be considered grounds for punitive damages.
Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer in San Francisco Can Help You Claim Full Damages
At Venardi Zurada, our San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help you obtain the full and fair damages you justly deserve. Call us today at (833) 893-6763 or chat with us online to schedule an appointment with our experienced attorney and to learn more about your legal options.