A bicycle crash can quickly become an absolute disaster for bike riders. After a collision with a vehicle, your injuries might be severe, and you might have a hard time covering your costs and damages on your own.
After a bicycle crash, you can sue the driver or multiple drivers who caused the accident. Figuring out whom you can name in a lawsuit depends on how your accident happened. Speeding drivers, distracted drivers, or dooring accidents cause many bike crashes. Your next step is finding evidence that helps us prove the defendant caused the accident and supports your claims for damages. Witness testimony, photos, and videos are very useful pieces of evidence, and more evidence might be found using details from the police report regarding the crash. We also need evidence of your damages, including economic and non-economic injuries.
Drivers must give the same courtesy and respect to bike riders as they would to other drivers on the road. Accidents happen when drivers fail to share the road, and our Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer can help you get justice. Call Howe Law at (888) 559-7612 for a free case review.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries, financial strain, and emotional distress for victims. Understanding the risks and causes of bicycle accidents is crucial in preventing them and seeking fair compensation when they occur. Bicycle accidents often lead to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones, which can have long-term impacts on the lives of bicycle accident victims. The financial burden from medical bills and lost wages, combined with the emotional toll of pain and suffering, can be overwhelming for injured bicycle riders and their families.
Risks and Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, including:
- Negligent driving: Drivers who fail to yield to bicyclists, speed, or drive recklessly can cause serious accidents. Negligent driving is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents, often resulting in severe injuries for the bicycle rider.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, cracked sidewalks, and malfunctioning traffic lights can contribute to bicycle accidents. These hazardous conditions can cause a bicycle rider to lose control and crash.
- Defective equipment: Faulty brakes, gears, or other bike components can lead to accidents. Ensuring that your bicycle is in good working condition is essential to prevent accidents caused by equipment failure.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or engage in other distracting behaviors can put bicyclists at risk. Distracted driving is a significant risk factor for bicycle accidents, as drivers may not see bicyclists in time to avoid a collision.
- Lack of visibility: Bicyclists who wear dark clothing or ride at night without proper lighting can be difficult for drivers to see. Increasing visibility by wearing bright clothing and using lights or reflectors can help prevent accidents.
Georgia Bicycle Laws and Regulations
Georgia has specific laws and regulations to protect bicyclists and promote safe cycling practices. Understanding these laws can help bicyclists stay safe and ensure their rights are protected in an accident.
Rights and Responsibilities of Bicyclists
Bicyclists in Georgia have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers, including sharing the road and using bike lanes. However, bicyclists also have responsibilities, such as:
- Wearing a helmet: Bicyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a safety helmet approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in the event of a crash.
- Following traffic laws: Bicyclists must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and other traffic laws. Adhering to these laws helps ensure the safety of both bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers.
- Using bike lanes: Bicyclists should use designated bike lanes when available. Bike lanes provide a safer space for bicyclists to travel and reduce the risk of accidents with motor vehicles.
- Being visible: Bicyclists should wear bright clothing and use lights or reflectors to increase visibility. Being visible to drivers is crucial in preventing accidents, especially in low-light conditions.
Holding Someone Responsible for an Atlanta Bicycle Accident
When you file a lawsuit for your injuries and damages after a bike crash, you might need to evaluate numerous parties to determine who should be held liable. Our bicycle accident lawyers can help you sue the driver who hit you and other damages that might have contributed to the crash.
We need to look closely at the driver who hit you in your bicycle accident case. While many drivers claim that the bike rider came out of nowhere or another driver caused the accident, they might not be telling the full truth. Even if the driver did not intend to hit you or cause an accident, they can still be held responsible for their negligent behavior behind the wheel.
More than one driver may be involved in the accident. In such cases, we can help you sue multiple drivers you believe share responsibility for the accident. For example, if two drivers were driving at an unlawfully high rate of speed, and one driver caused the other to swerve into you on your bike, both drivers can be sued because both drivers contributed to the overall accident.
Sometimes, it is difficult to identify the drivers in your crash properly. Ideally, drivers should stop, render aid if necessary, and wait for law enforcement to arrive at the scene. Unfortunately, drivers sometimes flee the scene before the police arrive and might be charged with a hit-and-run. In that case, the police will conduct a criminal investigation to find the driver, but your civil lawsuit might be on hold until criminal proceedings are complete.
How Your Bicycle Accident in Atlanta Might Have Happened
Bicycle accidents can be unpredictable, and many injured bike riders claim they never saw the car coming. In other cases, bike riders might see the vehicle coming but cannot get out of the way in time to avoid an accident, often resulting in serious injury. Speed is a huge factor in bike accidents, and the faster a car goes, the more damage it can do to a defenseless bike rider. If the driver was ticketed for speeding after the collision, our bicycle accident attorneys can use the ticket as evidence in your lawsuit.
Distracted driving is common in many bicycle crashes in and around Atlanta. Maintaining focus on the road is perhaps the cardinal rule of driving. With so many distractions behind the wheel today, many drivers break this rule and lose focus. Cell phones, GPS devices, and even passengers are common distractions for drivers. Distracted drivers usually do not mean to cause accidents, but they should still be held accountable for their negligence.
Often, bike riders travel in bike lanes that run alongside parking lanes. If a driver in a parked car opens their door without checking behind them, they might cause a dooring accident. The bike rider might crash into the car’s open door, suffering severe injuries. Bike safety relies heavily on drivers being aware of their surroundings and taking precautions. When drivers are negligent, they can be held liable in a lawsuit, even by opening a door at the wrong time.
Finding Evidence for a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Atlanta
The tricky thing about evidence is that it could look like anything and come from almost anywhere. If something is relevant to your bicycle accident claims and tends to show one way or the other whether the defendant was negligent, it might be admissible as evidence.
Witnesses may provide evidence through valuable testimony regarding their firsthand knowledge of your bike accident. Many witnesses are eyewitnesses who watched the accident happen in front of them. Other witnesses might not have seen the accident but instead have other firsthand knowledge relevant to your case. Our bicycle accident lawyers can assist you in finding potential witnesses for your case.
It is common in many accident cases, particularly car accidents, for people to take photos and record videos of the crash scene. These photos and videos are often for insurance purposes but can also be used as evidence in a lawsuit. These photos might preserve details lost or in dispute in your case.
The police must be called after your accident to investigate and write a police report. If you have trouble finding evidence, the police report might illuminate the situation. For example, the names of witnesses interviewed by the police and details about what happened to pieces of physical evidence might be contained in the report. We can use this information to find that evidence and use it to our advantage.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters and Settlements
After a bicycle accident, dealing with insurance adjusters and settlements can be a complex and challenging process. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts; without proper representation, you might not receive the compensation you deserve.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may try to offer low settlements or deny claims altogether. It’s essential to have a skilled bicycle accident attorney to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure fair compensation. Some tips for negotiating with insurance companies include:
- Keeping detailed records: Documenting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can help support your claim. Detailed records provide evidence of the financial impact of the accident and are crucial in negotiations.
- Being prepared: Gathering evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, can strengthen your case. Strong evidence can help counter any attempts by the insurance company to downplay your claim.
- Being patient: Negotiations can take time, so it’s essential to be patient and persistent. Rushing the process can result in accepting a lower settlement than you deserve.
- Seeking professional help: A bicycle accident attorney can help navigate the negotiation process and ensure fair compensation. An experienced attorney understands the tactics used by insurance companies and can advocate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Atlanta Bicycle Accident Attorneys for Help
Our Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers can help you file a lawsuit after a crash in Atlanta. Speak to our team for a free case review to get started. Call Howe Law at (888) 559-7612.
FAQs
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Atlanta?
After a bicycle accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention for any bicycle accident injuries. Document the scene by taking photos, collecting witness information, and reporting the incident to the police. Reach out to Howe.Law for legal guidance to protect your rights.
How can a bicycle accident attorney at Howe.Law assist me?
Howe.Law attorneys can investigate your accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed. They work tirelessly to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to your accident.
What compensation can I expect from a bicycle accident claim in Atlanta?
Personal injury claim compensation depends on factors such as injury severity and the specifics of your case. Potential recoveries include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Howe.Law can help you understand your claim’s value.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accident cases, is typically two years from the accident date. Contact Howe.Law promptly to ensure your case is filed on time and your rights are protected.
