Bicycle accidents affect hundreds of Georgia residents every year according to a 2019 publication from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. An Athens bicycle accident attorney at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers helps cyclists get the representation and fight for the compensation they need. Bicycle accidents may result in injury, disability, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. Whether you or a loved one were involved in a bicycle accident, let our Athens, Georgia attorneys help with every step of the process.
Hire Bader Scott Injury Lawyers to Determine Fault
Our attorneys help clients navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for their case. We work diligently to provide fair outcomes and provide clients expert representation for bicycle accident cases.
Our lawyers will work to show proof of the other driver’s negligence, and how this negligence caused your injuries and other losses. No injury victim should have to deal with legal matters alone, especially after a serious bicycle accident. Our lawyers have experience handling personal injury cases and determining liability, so let us work on finding evidence and making legal arguments.
Get Help Recovering Losses
From the cost of the bike to medical bills, our attorneys from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers help clients get defendants to cover the expenses associated with the loss of their bike and injuries.
Let Us Communicate With Insurance Companies
The personal injury attorneys at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers worked with many different insurance companies throughout their careers. Insurance companies use specific protocols and language to assess their contributions and working with an attorney from our firm can helps you protect yourself and your interests.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Athens, call (404) 888-8888
Athens Bicycle Accidents FAQs
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According to Georgia law, bicycles on roads have the same rights as drivers. However, many drivers ignore cyclists’ rights, which results in devastating accidents or injury.
Lawmakers updated a previous law to help ensure bicyclists remain safe while on the road with Georgia House Bill 353. The updates to GA Code § 40-6-56, effective as of July 1, 2021, give more detail about safe passing and details about obstruction. Drivers need to give cyclists at least three feet of space and must pay a fine of $250 if they violate this law.
Many other laws in Title 40, Chapter 6 of the Georgia Code protect bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road. When a party violates these laws, they may be at fault for an accident. Our team of attorneys have experience analyzing all of the facts and details of a case and they will show how a driver’s negligence and disregard for bicycle laws caused the victim’s injuries.
Laws Drivers Must Follow Regarding Bicyclists
GA Code § 40-1-1.75 considers bicycles vehicles, although bicycles do have special considerations. However, to help protect their safety, motorists must follow specific laws regarding cyclists, some of which are listed below:
- With the 3 Feet Law, drivers must give bicyclists three feet of room while passing and go to the next lane over to yield to the biker when possible.
- Within a bike lane, drivers must yield to cyclists per GA Code § 40-6-55.
- The 3 Feet Law also permits drivers to cross over double yellow or white line to give space. If switching lanes is not possible, the driver must reduce speed by at least 10 miles an hour.
Along with the above rules, drivers also must follow all other road laws. Drivers who violate the 3 Feet Law can face a misdemeanor charge.
Laws the Bicyclist Must Follow
Bicyclists also need to follow posted road laws in order to keep themselves and drivers safe. These include laws regarding riding, bicycle riders and passengers, and the condition of the bike.
- When the road has no bike lane, the bicyclists are to ride as far to the right side of the roadway as they can other than when avoiding obstacles or turning left. (GA Code § 40-6-294)
- Bike riders should equip a light on the front of the bike and reflector on the back visible from 300 feet distance when riding at night. (GA Code § 40-6-296)
- Everyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. (GA Code § 40-6-296)
- Every bike must carry the number of riders built for it. Infants under 1 may not ride unless in a trailer or sling. Older children may ride in carriers. (GA Code § 40-6-292)
- Bicyclists must not cling to moving vehicles. (GA Code § 40-6-293)
- Riders need to signal their turns with approved hand motions according to GA Code § 40-6-125 and GA Code § 40-6-291
- Riders may not ride more than two abreast (GA Code § 40-6-294)
Georgia law classifies e-bikes as bicycles and allows them on all bike paths and bike lanes under GA Code § 40-6-294. It distinguishes three classes of electric bicycles, which also carry their own set of rules, per GA Code § 40-6-300.
Athens Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Types of Compensation in a Georgia Bike Accident Case
While every case is different, your lawyer will review you case and your losses to see what we can pursue on your behalf. Possible compensation could include:
- Medical expenses: The driver and their insurance carrier may be liable for medical care and expenses incurred during and after the accident. This includes ambulance rides, ER costs, doctor visits, medications, and other procedures.
- Pain and suffering: This covers many aspects including emotional damages or long-term care
- Interference with daily life: Repercussions from the accident such as damages qualify for compensation. This applies when it prevented the injured party from enjoying or participating activities that used to be part of daily life
- Lost earnings or wages: Accidents sometimes cause serious injuries that interfere with making a living. For example, time off from work qualifies for compensation for lost injuries or wages, even if the injured party used personal time or sick leave.
- Loss of earning capacity: When a bicycle accident results in a disability, compensation covers the potential income lost due to the injuries. This applies even if the injured party was unemployed.
- Property damage: The bicycle and other personal items qualify for property damage costs
Let our team calculate these damages so you can purse compensation to cover your expenses.
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Bike Accident Attorney in Athens
Our attorneys work to provide fair representation in bike accident cases. It is important to contact one of our lawyers as soon as possible to make sure you do not lose your opportunity to seek recovery for your losses. For personal injury representation for bike accidents in Athens, Georgia, contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form