Dog Bite in San Francisco
Dog Bite legal information specific to San Francisco — California law, local courts, and deadlines.
San Francisco dog bite guide →Legal Information Notice
This page provides general legal information about bicycle accident cases in San Francisco, California. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed California attorney for guidance specific to your case.
Bicycle Accident in San Francisco
San Francisco bicycle accident claims occur in the context of the city's highest per-capita cycling rate among California metros, its Vision Zero High Injury Network, and a significant number of Muni-related cycling incidents. SFPW maintains the city's bike lane infrastructure; SFMTA operates Muni. Both are City and County of San Francisco departments requiring six-month government tort claims for any infrastructure defect or Muni vehicle collision claim.
California Law That Applies
California pure comparative fault. Two-year SOL. Six-month city tort claim for SFPW or SFMTA infrastructure and vehicle incidents. Vehicle Code § 21200 full cyclist rights. SF Vision Zero HIN designations do not create per se liability but support notice arguments.
A person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.
Courts and Procedures in San Francisco
SF Superior Court, Civic Center Courthouse, 400 McAllister St. Unified system. Trial timelines 18–30 months.
Primary Courthouse
Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102 · Unlimited Civil Division
FAQs — Bicycle Accident in San Francisco
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in San Francisco?
The statute of limitations for a bicycle accident personal injury claim in San Francisco is two years from the date of the accident under CCP section 335.1. Claims against the City and County of San Francisco or SFMTA for road defects such as potholes or defective bike lane markings require a government tort claim within six months under Government Code section 945.4.
Who is responsible when a cyclist is doored in San Francisco?
Dooring a cyclist in San Francisco violates California Vehicle Code section 22517, which prohibits opening a vehicle door without checking for approaching cyclists. This creates negligence per se under Evidence Code section 669. The driver and the vehicle owner may both bear liability. California's pure comparative fault system applies — the cyclist can recover even if they share partial responsibility.
What if a road defect in San Francisco caused my bicycle accident?
Road defects that cause bicycle accidents in San Francisco — potholes, failed pavement, defective bike lane markings — create government entity liability claims against the City and County of San Francisco or SFMTA. These require a government tort claim filed within six months of the incident under Government Code section 945.4. Photograph the defect before it is repaired, as government entities often repair reported hazards quickly.
Also in San Francisco
Other Accident Types in San Francisco
Hit and Run in San Francisco
Hit and Run legal information specific to San Francisco — California law, local courts, and deadlines.
San Francisco hit and run guide →Wrongful Death in San Francisco
Wrongful Death legal information specific to San Francisco — California law, local courts, and deadlines.
San Francisco wrongful death guide →Car Accident in San Francisco
Car Accident legal information specific to San Francisco — California law, local courts, and deadlines.
San Francisco car accident guide →Find a Bicycle Accident Attorney in San Francisco
This page is educational. To find a licensed California attorney who handles bicycle accident cases in the San Francisco area, use these verified directories.