In San Francisco, evidence disappears quickly: dashcam loops overwrite, street views change with construction crews, and witnesses move on. The first few days often determine how credible and complete your claim looks.
Do this early:
- Get medical care (urgent care, ER, or a clinician) even if symptoms seem mild—head injuries, back pain, and soft-tissue injuries can show up later.
- Document the scene: traffic signals, lane markings, curb ramps, crosswalk presence, debris, and any construction signage.
- Record key details: direction of travel, approximate speed, lighting conditions (fog/night glare is common in SF), and any near-misses.
- Preserve proof: photos of your bike, the other vehicle, visible injuries, and any property damage receipts.
- Write down witness info while it’s fresh—names, contact details, and what they saw (even “I saw the moment of impact” can matter).
If an insurer contacts you right away, be cautious about giving a recorded statement before you’ve established your medical timeline and preserved your evidence.


