Bike and Pedestrian Accidents in Your Neighborhood

San Francisco has always been a city of pedestrians and bike riders, but with the current shelter in place sanctions due to the COVID-19 situation, even more people are opting to get outside for fresh air these days while maintaining the recommended social distance. This is a great way to get exercise and reduce stress while staying in your neighborhood, but sometimes accidents happen, and these can result in serious injuries. 

How to Protect Yourself from being Involved in a Pedestrian or Bike Accident

Whether you are riding your bike on the street in the bike lane or walking on the sidewalk, accidents can happen when those who are driving a vehicle fail to pay attention. Although accidents are not always preventable, there are a few precautionary steps that you can take to minimize your risk when you ride your bike or go for a walk. Some of these may include:

• Wear brightly colored clothing – One of the best ways to stay safe when you are on your bike or walking is to be as visible as possible, and wearing bright clothing can help with this. Remember to always wear a helmet if you are riding a bike. 

• Follow the traffic rules – Maintaining awareness of the traffic laws is essential for staying safe when you are riding a bike or going for a walk. Ride with traffic when you are riding your bike in the bike lane. As a pedestrian, cross the street when the lights are green and use the crosswalk whenever possible. 

• Watch for drunk or distracted drivers – Drunk and distracted drivers are one of the largest dangers to pedestrians and bike riders alike. Understanding some of the signs that a driver may be drunk or distracted can help you to avoid them. If you see a vehicle that is swearing between lanes or driving erratically, it is best to get out of their way as soon as you can.

• At night, wear a light – Dressing in bright clothing can help improve how visible you are to drivers during the day and wearing a light if you are going out at night is one of the best ways to help drivers spot you in the dark. 

Have You been Injured while Walking or Riding Your Bike? Call San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney Right Away! 

A pedestrian or a bicycle accident can result in a serious injury. If you believed that you were injured and another party was at fault, it is advisable to speak with a skilled San Francisco personal injury attorney as soon as you possibly can. The expenses associated with this type of injury can add up quickly, and the added inconvenience of potentially not being able to work can add a large amount of stress to this already uncertain time. 

At The Cartwright Law Firm, we are here every day working hard on behalf of our clients. We are available via various methods of technology and are dedicated to finding the right solution for you and your situation. Please call us at (415) 433-0444 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can help.