Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When a bicycle is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, it is often going to result in serious injury or death for the bicyclist. At our firm, we have handled bicycle accident cases with success. We’ve recovered millions for our injured clients. We are da*n good bike accident attorneys.
How Often are Folks Injured in Bike Crashes?
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency of the federal government with a mission to improve traffic safety, prevent injuries, and save lives. NHTSA maintains statistics on bicycle accidents in the United States.
Deaths
In recent year, there were 783 fatalities involving bicycles in the United States. This represented 2.1% of all fatalities from vehicle accidents. While there are less bikes on the road than cars, bicyclists face a higher risk of injury and death.
Injuries
The CDC reported that, one year, there were over 467,000 bicycle-related injuries.
Damages
It is estimated that bike-related injuries and deaths impact the economy by billions in medical costs and productivity losses.
What are the Common Factors in Bike Accidents?
The NHTSA has identified some common factors in bicycle accidents.
Cities
The majority (75%) of all bicycle fatalities occur in urban environments. The remaining (25%) occur in rural areas.
Roadway
The majority of accidents involving bikes do not occur at an intersection. Approximately 63% of bicycle accidents occur on other areas of the roadway.
Time of Day
The percentage of fatal accidents with bicyclists during the day is approximately the same (48%) as at night (47%). In night instances, there are specific pieces of equipment that a bike rider is required to wear.
Age
Children under 15 accounted for 7% of all bicycle fatalities in 2017.
What are some important laws in bicycle accident cases?
In Georgia, there are a number of laws specific to bicyclists. Below are some of the more commonly used rules. There are, of course, other rules that may apply in a bike accident claim.
Three Feet
In Georgia, a driver is generally required to pass a bicycle with a minimum of three feet in distance.
Yield
In Georgia, a driver must yield to a bicyclist operating in the bike lane.
Driving Laws
In general, the same rules that are applicable to cars are applicable to bicyclists.
Right side of roadway
Bicycles are required to be ridden on the right side of the roadway in Georgia.
No sidewalk
A bicyclist cannot ride on the sidewalk, unless under 12 years of age if provided by local ordinance.
Equipment
Bicycles are required to have certain equipment, including a white light at nighttime.
Helmet
No helmet is required unless the rider is under 16 years old.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Atlanta, Georgia
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, here are the steps you should take.
1. Check on everyone
The first step is to make sure everyone is OK and help in any way you can. This includes making sure you, the other driver, and any other passengers are OK.
2. Call 911.
Calling 911 is essential if there is a serious bicycle accident. Call 911 immediately after checking on folks. This is key to ensuring that the facts are properly persevered.
3. Preserve any evidence.
Take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles, the roadway, the conditions, the skid marks, anything accident related. Make sure that you speak with witnesses and get their contact information. Do not rely on the police officer to get the contact information of witnesses, as they may not speak with the same folks you do.
4. Get medical help
After a bicycle accident, you should seek medical help, even if you feel “OK.”
5. Notify your insurance company
Many insurers require immediate notice after an accident. Failing to notify them can result in a loss of coverage. You should call your insurance company as well as the other driver’s insurance company. That said, before signing any documents or giving a recorded statement, it is best to consult an attorney.
6. Research and Find an Attorney
Finding an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Atlanta can be hard. We are excellent bicycle accident attorneys. Call us today for a free consultation.
How Much Does an Atlanta Bicycle Accident Attorney Cost?
Free unless you win.
We work on a contingent fee basis. This means you do not pay anything up front and do not pay anything if there is no recovery.
Contact an Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer
We will fight to pursue the maximum compensation available under the law for our clients.