Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Clayton, GA

Name: Bicycle Accidents
Brand: Pendergrass Law
Rating: 5 (5 reviews)

If a motor vehicle hits a bicycle, the collision can result in catastrophic injuries. After suffering injuries in an accident that wasn’t your fault, turn to a bicycle accident lawyer in Clayton, GA.

Bicycle accidents in Clayton, GA

Riding your bicycle can be a relaxing and healthy way to travel, but drivers don’t always respect cyclists’ rights. This can lead to injuries and fatalities. At The Pendergrass Law Firm, you can consult a bicycle accident attorney in Clayton, GA. We understand that recovering from a bicycle accident can be exhausting and painful, and we’re here to help.

Knowing your rights as a cyclist in Georgia

In Georgia, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. However, drivers of cars sometimes try to bully cyclists and crowd them out. Remember that motor vehicles have to allow three feet of safe passing distance if they want to overtake you. If you’re traveling down a road in poor condition, you have the right to take up a lane — even if it seems to frustrate drivers. Cyclists in Georgia are allowed to travel two abreast most of the time and can carry packages as long as it’s possible to keep one hand on the handlebars. As vehicle operators, cyclists have to follow all traffic laws, including respecting traffic lights and stop signs.

What causes bicycle accidents?

Bicycle accidents can occur for several reasons, but the most common one is distracted driving. Distracted driving refers to a driver who’s not wholly focused on the road. It can involve driving while texting, eating, or even chatting with passengers.

Small Size

Bicycles are already more difficult to spot because of their smaller size, but if a driver is too focused on their phone to look up, accidents are more likely to occur.

Speeding Vehicles

Another common cause of accidents is speeding. A car that’s going too fast for road conditions or for the posted speed limit will struggle to stop if a cyclist enters its path. Speeding cars can also cause more serious injuries for cyclists.

Road Conditions

Road conditions impact bicycles much more than cars. This means that a pothole or uneven pavement could cause you to lose control of the bike, leading to falls or collisions. In those instances, providing fault can be more complex.

Defective Parts

Defective parts could also cause bicycle accidents. In those cases, the designer, manufacturer, or seller of the bicycle could be at fault.

What kind of compensation can you receive after a bicycle accident?

Your bicycle accident lawyer in Clayton, GA, will carefully assess your case to get a clear sense of the kind of compensation for which you could be eligible. Damages fall into two broad categories: economic and non-economic damages. There are also punitive damages, but they only apply in especially egregious circumstances.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses you sustained because of the accident. They include medical expenses, including future ones if you’ll need ongoing care, as well as property damage if your bicycle needs repairs or replacement. Economic damages also include lost wages. An injury could prevent you from going to work and getting the wages you would otherwise have received. If the injuries are severe enough to keep you from working, you could claim future wage losses, as well.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to losses you suffered that are not easily quantifiable. Pain and suffering fit into this category. An accident can leave you with emotional and physical trauma that causes distress and lowers your quality of life. If you’re unable to live your life the way you used to before the accident, you could claim loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where a loved one was in an accident and died or suffered severe injuries, family members can also claim loss of companionship and support.

Why you need to turn to a bicycle accident attorney in Clayton, GA

After a bicycle accident, you need to quickly contact an attorney. This is because Georgia follows modified comparative negligence laws. Under these laws, if you were more than 50% responsible for the accident, you’re not eligible for compensation. The other party involved in the accident will likely try to put as much of the fault on you as possible. By having a lawyer representing you, your rights can be respected. When you turn to Pendergrass Law, we’ll assess your situation to ensure it meets the requirements for a viable case. We want to ensure we’ll be able to help you before getting started. If we take your case, we’ll immediately start gathering evidence that can help prove your claim. We have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies, so you don’t have to struggle with this on your own. If we don’t think you’re getting a fair deal, we’ll be ready to take your case to court.

Getting help from a dedicated bicycle accident lawyer in Clayton, GA

Have you suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence? At The Pendergrass Law Firm, our team is ready to help you understand your rights and seek compensation that can help you and your family get back to physical and financial wellness. You don’t have to go through the aftermath of a bicycle accident alone. We’ll work diligently on your case while you recover. Contact us to speak with an attorney.