Most San Francisco bicyclists are extremely careful when they take to our city’s roadways. Indeed, they have to be. When a cyclist gets into an accident with an automobile, they are at a devastating disadvantage. Due to the size and weight of the typical motor vehicle, the injuries suffered by a bicyclist in such a crash can be disabling and fatal. Meanwhile, car drivers usually do not even suffer a scratch.
Premises Liability Law: Who is Legally Responsible for the Balcony Collapse at Berkeley?
This week’s question comes from Richard H. in Berkeley who asks; “I am a Berkeley student and I was shocked and angry that those Irish students died in the balcony collapse. Much of the housing in Berkeley is old and decaying. I don’t know if that is the case with that building on Kittredge Street, it looked kind of new, who is legally responsible for a tragedy like that?”
Richard, my heart, and those of the entire Bay Area go out to the families of those who died, those who were injured, and those deeply affected by this senseless tragedy.
Burns after a motorcycle accident might require medical care
Motorcycle accidents can cause a host of injuries. One possible injury is a burn. When a motorcycle is struck by another vehicle, there is a chance that the gas tank may explode or that either the motorcycle or the vehicle will catch on fire. In either case, a burn might occur.
There are three degrees of burns that you should know about. A first-degree burn is the least serious, while a third-degree burn is the most serious. In many cases, a first-degree burn can be treated with basic first aid. Second-degree burns and third-degree burns usually require medical treatment.
Is There a Legal Obligation to Honor Sport’s Betting Between Friends?
This week’s article comes from Will R who asks; “My buddy made a bet with me about the NBA finals. He bet on the Cavs, and I put my money on the Warriors. Now that the Warriors won, he refuses to honor the bet. Do I have any legal rights to make him pay me, can I sue him?
What Responsibility Does A City Have To Keep Its Streets And Roads Safe?
Matt G from Mill Valley asked the following question: “I am a bicyclist. It was wet on the roadway the other day and as I was coming down Market, near 11th Street, there are a series of railroad tracks in the road which my wheel got caught in causing me to fall and get serious road rash and significant bruising in my shoulder. This is really dangerous. Isn’t the City responsible to keep the roadway safe from these types of hazards? Can I sue Muni to try and get this changed?”
Seek compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death
Losing a loved one because another person was negligent is a horrible experience for anyone to go through. These cases are often very tragic. While it might not help any of those left behind to cope with their loved one’s death, it might be possible for the immediate family members of the deceased person to seek compensation for that death.
Alleged drunk driver kills 4 in horrible accident
Drinking and driving is never something that is acceptable. When a driver decides to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking, that driver is putting the lives of everyone else on the roadway is his or her hands. This point was proven in a horrifying way on May 12.
Injured by a Bicyclist on the Sidewalk? Know Your Rights.
This article was written by Chris Dolan and published by The San Francisco Examiner. Click here to read more of Chris Dolan’s weekly articles at SFExaminer.com.
This week’s question comes from Jim C. in Concord who asks; “I was walking down the sidewalk, in the same direction of travel as the cars along side of me, when I was hit from behind by a person on a bicycle.
I was badly injured. The bicyclist told the police that he didn’t see me before hitting me because he was balancing a box on the handlebars which blocked his view. What is the law on bicycles on the sidewalk and who is going to help me pay for my injuries?”