Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a bicycle is not just a form of relaxation or exercise, for many, it’s a way to commute back and forth to work. Thanks to Atlanta’s mild climate, it’s not uncommon to see a number of people riding their bikes to work throughout a good portion of the year. This has been a trend nationwide as more and more Americans opt to get back and forth to work on their bicycles.
With riding a bicycle comes the added risk of potentially getting into an accident Since a bicyclist doesn’t have the same protection as someone sitting in a vehicle, injuries are often severe or even catastrophic in some bicycle losses.
If you or a loved one were injured while riding a bike, it’s important to speak with a Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports:
- Most bicyclist fatalities did not occur at an intersection – 30% were at intersections while 58% were not and 4% occurred in designated bike lanes.
- Most accidents occurred in urban areas (71%) rather than in a rural area (29%).
- Most bicycle fatalities (51%) occurred during daylight hours whereas 45% occurred after dark. The remaining five percent were divided between 3% at dusk and 2% at dawn light.
- The average age of the persons killed was 46, which represents an increase from 40 in 2007.
When it comes to time of day statistics, the NHTSA divides a 24-hour day into three-hour intervals, starting at midnight, and further divides the figures by season. The greatest number of fatalities occurred between 6 P.M. and 8:59 P.M. regardless of the season. By season, winter was the highest at 30% followed by spring at 22%, 19% in summer, and 19% in fall. That three-hour window was still the highest, no matter if it was a weekday or weekend.
Alcohol played a role in at least 35% of all collisions that involved a bicycle fatality. In 29% of these crashes, the vehicle driver or the bicyclist had at least a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
With that said, suppose you or a loved one has been injured while riding a bike due to the negligence of a driver. In that case, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer immediately. Reach out to Shani O. Brooks P.C. to arrange an initial consultation. Let us advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Potential Injuries in a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, often due to the lack of protection afforded to bicyclists compared to occupants of motor vehicles. Understanding these potential injuries is crucial for both victims and their legal representation, such as a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer, to ensure appropriate compensation and care. Some common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
- Road Rash/Road Burn: Road rash occurs when the skin scrapes against the road surface during a fall or collision. It can range from minor abrasions to deep wounds, often resulting in pain, swelling, and potential scarring. Victims may require medical treatment and legal assistance from a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to pursue compensation for their injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Bicycle accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have lifelong implications for the victim, necessitating extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and legal support from a knowledgeable Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to secure appropriate compensation.
- Fractures or Broken Bones: The impact of a bicycle accident can result in fractures or broken bones, affecting various parts of the body. Victims may experience pain, limited mobility, and the need for surgical intervention. Seeking prompt medical attention and legal guidance from a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer is essential for ensuring proper treatment and maximum compensation.
- Concussion: Head injuries, including concussions, are common in bicycle accidents. Concussions can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, requiring medical evaluation and potential legal assistance from a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to address medical expenses and other punitive damages.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Severe bicycle accidents can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and long-term disabilities. Victims may require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and legal representation from a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to pursue financial compensation for their injuries and losses.
- Neck Injuries: Bicycle accidents can cause neck injuries, including whiplash and cervical strains, resulting in pain and limited mobility. Victims may need ongoing medical treatment and legal assistance from a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to recover damages for medical costs and other losses.
- Paralysis: Severe bicycle accidents can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting the victim’s ability to move and function independently. Victims may require lifelong care, support, and legal representation from a compassionate Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to secure fair compensation for their injuries and future needs.
- Disfigurement: Serious personal injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, such as deep lacerations or burns, can result in disfigurement. Victims may experience emotional distress and require cosmetic procedures, psychological support, and legal action from a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to address their physical and emotional needs.
- Scarring: Bicycle accidents can leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional, for victims. Scarring may require medical treatment, cosmetic procedures, and legal assistance from a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, some bicycle accidents result in fatalities. Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim with the help of a compassionate Georgia bicycle accident lawyer to seek justice, accountability, and compensation for their loss.
How Bicyclists and Drivers Can Improve Safety on the Roads?
In Georgia, road safety is a shared responsibility between bicyclists and drivers. By taking proactive measures, both parties can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer commuting environment for all road users. Here are some crucial strategies for improving safety on the roads:
- Wear a Properly Fitted Helmet: Wearing a helmet is essential for bicyclists to protect against head injuries in the event of a collision or fall. It’s crucial to ensure that the helmet fits correctly and is worn securely. In case of an accident, a properly fitted helmet can mitigate the severity of head trauma, potentially saving lives. As experienced Georgia bicycle accident lawyers emphasize, wearing a helmet is not just a recommendation but a legal obligation for bicyclists to safeguard their well-being on the road.
- Adhere to Traffic Laws and Regulations: Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. This includes obeying traffic signals, yielding the right of way, and signaling intentions while turning. By respecting traffic laws, bicyclists can enhance predictability and reduce the likelihood of collisions with other road users. Conversely, drivers must also recognize and respect bicyclists’ rights to share the road, promoting mutual respect and cooperation among all road users.
- Ride in the Same Direction of Traffic: One critical aspect of road safety for bicyclists is riding in the same direction as the traffic flow. This helps increase visibility and allows drivers to anticipate the movements of bicyclists more effectively. Riding against traffic increases the risk of accidents and violates traffic laws, making it imperative for bicyclists to adhere to this fundamental safety principle.
- Use High-Visibility Clothing: Bicyclists can enhance their visibility on the road by wearing bright or fluorescent colors of clothing, especially during low-light conditions or inclement weather. High-visibility apparel makes it easier for drivers to blind spot bicyclists from a distance, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by inadequate visibility. Additionally, reflective accessories such as vests or ankle bands can further improve visibility, especially at night.
- Utilize Proper Lighting and Reflectors: During nighttime riding, proper lighting is crucial for bicyclists to remain visible to drivers. Installing a red rear reflector and a flashing front light enhances visibility from both the front and rear, alerting drivers to the presence of bicyclists on the road. By using adequate lighting and reflectors, bicyclists can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by poor visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen in a variety of ways, often resulting in severe injuries for the riders involved. As Georgia bicycle accident lawyers, we understand how these accidents occur and how victims can seek justice. Several common causes of bicycle accidents result in serious injury or even wrongful death for bicycle riders:
- Distracted Driving
- Many bicycle accidents are caused by drivers who are distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other in-car distractions. When a motor vehicle operator is not paying full attention, they may not see a bicycle rider, leading to bike crashes that cause severe injuries like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
- Failure to Yield
- Bicycle accident attorneys frequently handle cases where a car driver fails to yield the right of way to a bicyclist. These bicycle accident claims often involve intersections where drivers ignore traffic laws, putting the lives of bicycle riders at risk.
- Dooring Incidents
- A common cause of bicycle collisions in urban areas like Atlanta involves drivers or passengers of parked cars opening their doors without checking for oncoming bicycles. These bike accidents often result in broken bones and head injuries for the bicyclist involved.
- Speeding
- When drivers are speeding, they have less time to react to a bicycle in their path. Bike crashes caused by speeding motor vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries, leaving injured bicyclists with mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term physical pain.
- Negligent Lane Changes
- Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal lane changes are a frequent cause of bicycle accidents. Injured bicycle riders can seek compensation for their injuries by filing a personal injury claim with the help of experienced Georgia bicycle accident lawyers.
- Driving Under the Influence
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is another major factor in Atlanta bicycle accident cases. These types of accidents can result in traumatic injuries or even wrongful death, and the responsible driver’s insurance company may be liable for compensating bicycle accident victims.
- Unsafe Road Conditions
- Poorly maintained roads, debris, and a lack of proper bicycle lanes contribute to many bike crashes. When a bicycle accident is caused by unsafe road conditions, the injured bicyclist may pursue compensation through personal injury lawsuits against the responsible parties.
- Aggressive Driving
- Aggressive drivers, who may intentionally tailgate or attempt to run bicyclists off the road, are also responsible for many bicycle accidents. These incidents often cause serious injuries, leading to hospital bills, pain and suffering, and extensive medical records for the injured.
In any of these situations, injured bicycle riders should contact a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure their rights are protected. Whether the accident was caused by a negligent driver, poor road conditions, or failure to follow Georgia bicycle laws, a skilled Atlanta bicycle accident attorney can help victims recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, our law firm is here to help. Contact our Atlanta bike accident attorneys for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist in securing the compensation you deserve.
Contacting Georgia Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured while riding a bike and your injuries were caused by a negligent driver, you need to speak with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer right away. Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. at 404-920-4736 today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
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