Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer

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. A Georgia bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue damage compensation from the at-fault party for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

The Pendergrass Law Firm 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 a 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. 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 were likely to be speeding. 

Alcohol can increase the likelihood of being involved in a bicycle accident. Approximately one-third of fatal bicycle accidents involved 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 .08 g/dL or higher at the time of their bicycle accident, and, therefore, 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 the Pendergrass Law Firm 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 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 can still suffer broken vertebrae, internal bleeding, and dental injuries.

Because these injuries could cost thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the victim, it’s important to speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. Typically, the insurance company does not want to pay for all of a victim’s fees and 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.

What types of damages are available in a Georgia bicycle accident case?

Bicycle accidents can leave injury victims with exorbitant medical bills and other damages. The Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys at the Pendergrass Law can help you file a personal injury claim to recover your economic and noneconomic losses. 

Economic damages in bicycle accident claims include your medical bills, future anticipated medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses related to your serious injury. All of your medical care, including your hospital bills and prescription drugs, could be compensated in accordance with Georgia law.  

An injured bicyclist also suffers psychologically after a bike wreck. Noneconomic damages compensate the injury victim for their nonfinancial losses like physical pain and suffering from their debilitating and permanent injuries that were the result of an Atlanta bicycle accident.

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:

1. Immediately call 911 and request a police officer be dispatched to where the accident occurred. 
2. Exchange contact information with the driver and witnesses, and get the former’s auto insurance company information. 
3. Take photos of the scene of the accident. Capture details like street signs, bicycle paths, and speed limit signs.
4. Do not talk about the accident or assign fault. In fact, you are not legally obligated to give more than your name and contact information and to tell police what you remember happening before and during the crash.
5. Seek medical treatment at the nearest emergency room to be assessed for serious injuries. 
6. Contact an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer at the Pendergrass Law Firm immediately, and 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 the Pendergrass Law Firm.

Georgia Bicycle Accident Law

The Georgia Department of Highway Safety has legally classified bicycles as vehicles in the state. 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. That 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.

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 the Pendergrass Law Firm 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. The Pendergrass Law Firm has been fighting for victims of bicycle accidents for years. We stand up to the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical expenses and other damages in your bicycle accident claim.