Bicycle Accident
Fry | Goehring successfully helps the injured recover the compensation they deserve.
Cases We Handle
Personal Injury
Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Atlanta
Whether you’re cruising down Peachtree or hitting the BeltLine over the weekend, riding a bike in Atlanta can be a great way to get some exercise and beat the traffic. That said, bicycling in an urban environment comes with risk, and unfortunately, accidents do happen.
Since bicyclists aren’t protected with external shields like car drivers, when accidents happen, chances are that they will sustain serious injuries or even die from the collision. Even though pursuing a personal injury claim may seem demanding when recovering from such an accident, you may have legal grounds to hold the driver liable. An Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer from our team at Fry | Goehring can offer tenacious legal representation and assist you in filing a personal injury claim.
If you sustained a bicycle injury due to somebody else’s negligence or carelessness, you are entitled to financial and non-financial restitution. We are trusted and respected Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys who are fully committed to defending the rights of injury victims. Call our skilled accident attorneys at 404-969-1284 to discuss your case.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Atlanta
Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors. Particularly in urban places like Atlanta, most motorists don’t really acknowledge bicyclists on the road, and those on bicycles are easily ignored or overlooked. When this occurs, bicyclists are exposed to serious risks.
Here are some of the common causes of bicycle accidents in Atlanta that result from driver negligence:
- Driver failure to heed or yield stop signs
- Driver not signaling a lane change or turn
- Inattentive car drivers crashing into bicyclists (talking, texting, etc.)
- Intoxicated or impaired driving
- Driver not checking for nearby bicycles
Risks Associated With Bicycle Accidents
Cycling has become an integral part of life for most Georgians. It’s not just a trend. It’s a practical choice for transportation and a fantastic way for many people to stay active. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or enjoying the state’s beautiful scenic trails, cycling has genuinely become a cherished part of our daily lives. In fact, Georgia came in at No. 19 in the 2019 League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly State Report. However, with more and more people hopping on bicycles, accidents involving motor vehicles and pedestrians have become more common. To combat this, Georgia has implemented several laws to protect cyclists.
Bicycle Laws in Georgia
Rest assured, our legal team has a firm grasp of Georgia’s bicycle laws, including:
- C.G.A. § 40-6-56: Vehicles are required to leave 3 feet of space when passing bicycles.
- C.G.A. § 40-6-291: Cyclists are supposed to ride their bicycles on the paved shoulder of the road.
- C.G.A. § 40-6-290: Cars and bicycles are subject to the same road regulations to exercise a duty of care.
- C.G.A. § 40-6-294(b): Bicyclists are required to remain on the right-hand side of the road.
- C.G.A. § 40-6-144: It stipulates that sidewalks are meant for pedestrians, not bicyclists.
- C.G.A. § 40-6-296: Specific safety gear, such as helmets, is required for cyclists.
- C.G.A. § 40-6-292: Excluding young children, bicycles cannot carry more passengers than the bike is designed for. This includes no passengers on handlebars or axle foot bars.
Georgia’s focus on cyclists and its efforts to ensure rider safety demonstrates that Georgia is indeed a bicycle-friendly state. Unfortunately, despite the strict bicycle laws, bicyclists still sustain injuries, which is evident from the following Atlanta bicycle accident statistics:
- In 2019, bicyclists and pedestrians accounted for 17% of all auto accident fatalities.
- Cyclists between 15 and 20 years old have the highest percentage of severe crash injuries.
- 2019 saw 21 bicyclists and 236 pedestrians seriously injured in auto crashes in Georgia.
- Bicycle accidents are a common occurrence in the urban areas of Atlanta.
Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
At Fry | Goehring, we recognize that bicycle accidents can potentially cause catastrophic and life-altering injuries, leading to many unforeseen consequences. When you reach out to our Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys, we will make it our mission to ensure that you receive restitution for injuries suffered, including:
- Brain injuries, including mild concussions and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Joint injuries
Damages Available to Atlanta Bicycle Accident Victims
Under Georgia’s personal injury law, victims of bicycle accidents are entitled to various damages if they are injured due to the negligence of another party. Damages are intended to make things right — or at least try — by covering your financial losses, any physical injuries you’ve faced, and even the emotional toll that comes from the defendant’s negligence.
Some of the common damages you can recover in a successful personal injury case in Atlanta include:
- Ongoing and future medical expenses
- Emergency medical care
- Ambulance and hospital fees
- Medical equipment and devices
- Rehabilitation
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- In-home assistance and care
- Mental health treatment
- Loss of earning ability
- Lost wages
It’s important to note that every bicycle accident case is different, and the damages you stand to get may vary. So, how much, exactly, can victims obtain as compensation in a bicycle accident case?
Determining the exact value of a bicycle accident case is a complex process since each case is unique, and the circumstances surrounding the incident will be different from the next. However, to provide you with a more accurate estimate of the value of your case, your bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta will carefully assess several critical factors. These include:
- Whether your actions contributed to the accident or you failed to mitigate your damages
- The total value of your current and future economic losses
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The amount of insurance coverage in place
- The accident’s consequences on your health, quality of life, ability to work, hobbies, and daily life
Various factors can affect the value of your case, including many others not mentioned above. That’s why chatting with a knowledgeable Atlanta bicycle accident attorney is crucial. They can help you grasp the true worth of your Atlanta bicycle accident case and provide valuable guidance from start to finish. The experienced legal team at Fry | Goehring in Atlanta is your best bet for securing your health and fair financial compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in Atlanta, GA
There’s a legal time limit — a statute of limitations — for bicycle accident cases in Georgia. It gives injury victims a window of two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait too long before you act; if the two-year period passes before you take action, you may lose your opportunity to pursue compensation.
Contact an Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today To Discuss Your Options
Many victims of bicycle accidents silently suffer untold suffering and financial losses due to their injuries. Depending on the type and severity of the injuries, victims may be forced to spend weeks, months, or even years out of work, leading to lost wages. In situations where the injuries sustained prove fatal for the victim, the surviving family members are often left dealing with financial hardships due to the permanent loss of a source of income.
At Fry | Goehring, we understand the enormous toll bicycle accidents can have on riders and their families. Our legal team is 100% dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured victims and their families. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Atlanta draw on their extensive experience to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients. We can do the same for you.
Contact us today at 404-969-1284 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Our Values
What Our Work Means
- Our Firm is Dedicated to Giving Back to the Community We Serve
- We Communicate Effectively & Take the Time to Understand Your Pain
- Our Attorneys Are Backed by Over 20 Years of Legal Experience
Free Consultations Available
Contact Our Offices
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (404) 969-1284.
