Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

Name: Bicycle Accidents
Brand: Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass
Rating: 5 (60 reviews)

Riding a bicycle is a convenient way to get around. Atlanta has 104 miles of bicycle lanes and trails in the city, but when a bicycle accident happens, you need diligent legal representation from a bicycle accident attorney in Atlanta.

Atlanta Bicycle Accident Representation by Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass

An Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue damage compensation from the at-fault party for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass has helped other injury victims recover compensation in Atlanta bicycle accident cases, and we are ready and eager to assist you. Call us now to speak to an Atlanta personal injury lawyer about your bicycle accident case.

What are the common causes of bike accidents?

Careless drivers are the primary cause of bicycle accidents. Any bicycle accident attorney in Atlanta will tell you that car drivers, truck drivers, and other road users owe bike riders and pedestrians a duty of care. Distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving are some of the top causes of bicycle collisions. About 27% of fatal bicycle accidents occur at intersections, while about 64% of bicyclist deaths occur on sections of roads away from intersections where drivers are likely to be speeding. Alcohol can increase the likelihood of being involved in a bicycle accident. Approximately one-third of fatal bicycle accidents involve a drunk driver. However, it’s also worth noting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 20% of bicyclists killed had BACs of 0.08 g/dL or higher at the time of their bicycle accident and could be liable for their injuries. If you were involved in a bike crash with a negligent driver, then talk to a personal injury attorney from Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass right away. Our bicycle accident lawyers will conduct an investigation into the cause of your specific bicycle accident.

What are some of the most common bicycle accident injuries in Atlanta?

In a bike accident, the bicycle rider is usually the one who suffers the most. Bicycle accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and road rash. Even if a bicycle rider was wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the crash, they could still suffer broken vertebrae, internal bleeding, and dental injuries. Read more about Georgia bicycle helmet laws and how a bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you understand them. These injuries could cost thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the victim, so it’s important to speak with an experienced Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer. Typically, the insurance company does not want to pay for all of a victim’s damages since their goal is to protect their bottom line. Bicycle accident lawyers are on your side, fighting for you to get every dollar you deserve in your settlement.

Georgia Bicycle Accident Law

The Georgia Department of Highway Safety has legally classified bicycles as vehicles. In general, bicycle riders must adhere to the same rules of the road in accordance with Georgia Code Title 40 — Motor Vehicles and Traffic. Bike lanes are to be used only by bike riders, not automobile drivers. Additionally, motor vehicle drivers must yield to a bicyclist in a bike lane on the roadway. This means that drivers must check bike lanes before making right turns, getting into right turn lanes that cross over a bike lane, or opening their car door when parked on a street.

Steps to take after a bike accident

If you were hit by a motor vehicle while bicycle riding, then taking these steps can help you when you later file a personal injury case:

Immediately call 911 and request a police officer be dispatched to where the accident occurred
Exchange contact information with the driver and witnesses, and get the former’s auto insurance company information
Take photos of the scene of the accident, including details like street signs, bicycle paths, and speed limit signs
Do not talk about the accident or assign fault
Only give your name and contact information to the police and tell them what you remember happening before and during the crash
Seek medical treatment at the nearest emergency room to be assessed for serious injuries
Contact an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer before you talk to the insurance company of the at-fault driver

The establishment of the attorney-client relationship starts with a free consultation with an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer. Call now to schedule your free legal consultation with an experienced lawyer from Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass.

How can an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer help injured bicycle riders?

Working with a bicycle accident attorney can ease the financial distress and emotional burden caused by the injuries sustained in a bike accident. A bicycle accident attorney from Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass can help determine how much insurance coverage is available to cover your damages. Because Georgia drivers are required to have liability insurance, a bicycle accident attorney can establish the liable party and negotiate a settlement with the driver’s insurance company. Call now to schedule your free consultation with one of our bicycle accident lawyers. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass has been fighting for victims of bicycle accidents for years. Each bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta at our firm stands up to insurance companies to help clients get the maximum compensation they deserve for their bicycle accident claims.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What if I wasn’t in a bike lane when I was hit—can I still file a claim?

Yes. Georgia law does not require cyclists to ride in a bike lane unless one is available and safe to use. Even when no lane is marked, bicyclists have a legal right to share the road. Motorists must exercise due care when passing cyclists—failure to do so can constitute negligence (Georgia Code Title 40, Motor Vehicles and Traffic § 40-6-294 | FindLaw).

Is there a time limit for filing a bicycle accident claim in Georgia?

Yes. Like other personal injury claims, the statute of limitations for bicycle accident cases in Georgia is two years from the date of the crash. However, if a government entity is involved (e.g., city-maintained road hazard), special notice rules apply—some as short as six months (Georgia Tort Claims Act Overview).

What if I were partially at fault in my bicycle accident?

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault (Georgia Code § 51-12-33 (2024)).

Can I recover damages if a road hazard caused my bike crash?

Possibly. If your injuries were caused by dangerous road conditions, like potholes, missing signs, or poor lighting, the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may be held liable.

What if I were hit by a rideshare vehicle while biking?

If the driver worked for Uber or Lyft during the crash (e.g., en route to a pickup), you may be covered under the rideshare company’s $1 million commercial liability policy (Vehicle Insurance Requirements | Department of Revenue).

Can I sue if a car “doored” me while I was biking past?

Yes. “Dooring”—when a vehicle occupant opens a door into the path of a cyclist—is illegal under Georgia law. The driver or passenger can be held liable for failing to check for oncoming bicycles before opening the door (Georgia Code Title 40, Motor Vehicles and Traffic § 40-6-243 | FindLaw).