Bicycle Accidents Lawyers Located in Austell, Georgia and Serving All of Georgia
Bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation all across the state of Georgia. Bicycles offer an economic alternative to driving as well as providing exercise. In Powder Springs, Austell, Marietta, and all over Cobb County there are dedicated biking trails such as the Silver Comet Trail. Additionally, special lanes on roadways are being put down to keep bicyclists safe from the dangers of cars and traffic.
Unfortunately, despite the increased efforts to keep bicyclists safe, accidents still happen.
Vehicle traffic is the biggest threat to cyclists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) reports that more than 700 Americans are killed in bike accidents each year. Georgia alone has an average of 16 bicycle-related fatalities per year.
A recent article in Atlanta Magazine reported that “According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the number of collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists in the 20-county metro region has risen sharply, from nearly 1,700 in 2006 to more than 2,500 in 2015—a 53 percent increase. During the same time period, the number of bicyclists and pedestrians killed or seriously injured by cars increased by 26 percent—"
Bicycle accidents lead to hundreds of thousands of Emergency Room visits annually.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
Bicycle accident injuries can be catastrophic. When a bicycle collides with a vehicle, the cyclist always comes out on the losing end.
Our bike accident attorneys have seen injuries such as:
Broken bones
Spinal cord injuries
Dislocated shoulders
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Neck and back injuries
Torn ligaments
Road rash
Lacerations
Who is at Fault for a Bicycle Accident in Georgia?
In Georgia, drivers have certain duties that apply when they are sharing the roadway with cyclists. Determining fault involves analyzing both the cyclist’s and the driver’s actions, their reasonableness, and whether or not any laws were violated that led to the collision.
Georgia is one of twelve states that is considered a Comparative Fault or Comparative Negligence state. In Georgia, an injured party cannot recover if they are found to be 50% or more at fault. This is important to consider when evaluating a claim involving bicyclists because the law places duties on both the cyclist and the driver.
It is important to have your claim evaluated by experienced attorneys who can help you prove the driver was negligent.
Proving negligence is essentially proving what the driver did wrong. This can include:
Speeding
Texting or distracted driving
Failing to obey traffic laws such as stops signs, red lights, or crosswalks
Failing to keep a proper lookout for traffic and conditions ahead
Driving with a conscious indifference for the safety of persons and property
Following too closely
Driving too fast for the conditions (including weather and traffic)
If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, you need experienced representation on your side. We will fight to protect your rights and to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation and case evaluation.