It doesn’t seem like bicycle accidents in Atlanta happen all that often. You don’t really hear about them on the news or social media. It seems like something that only happens in the movies. However, Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers have handled more than their fair share of these cases.
When you’re on your bicycle, you’re at the mercy of every other driver on the road. Obviously, you need to follow the traffic laws. If there’s a bicycle lane, you need to stick to that lane. Sadly, this is not always enough. If someone isn’t paying attention or is speeding, there’s a good chance they won’t see you. This can result in a very serious bicycle accident.
If you suffer even minor injuries in your bike crash, you should talk to an experienced Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer. You may be entitled to damages. The only way to know for sure is to have them review your case and see if it has value.
Bicycle Accidents in Atlanta are More Common Than You May Think
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 840 people in the U.S. were killed in a bicycle accident in 2016. And this number only reflects the number of fatalities for that year. There were thousands of people involved in bicycle accidents. In a lot of these cases, either the cyclist or the driver who hit them was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. For some reason, people don’t realize that, in Georgia, a bicycle is treated like any other vehicle. You can’t operate a bicycle when you’ve been drinking or using any sort of drug.
The other unique thing about bicycle accidents is that they tend to involve men a lot more than women. Men are 5 times more likely to be killed in an Atlanta bicycle accident than women. And, according to the NHTSA, this trend seems to be pretty consistent over the years. This is why Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers have their hands full when it comes to this sort of incident.
What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Common sense may tell you what the most common causes of bicycle accidents are. They are similar to the major causes of any other motor vehicle accident:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Texting and driving
After looking at this list, it may seem like the other driver is always responsible for this sort of accident. That isn’t necessarily the case. Bicycle riders can also be found partially at fault for their injuries. For example, if you’re not utilizing the bike lane, you could be found liable for the crash. Or if your bicycle doesn’t have the required lights on the front, the other driver may not be found responsible for your injuries. In order to increase your odds of getting the compensation you deserve, you should really talk to an experienced Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer.
Your Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer Needs to Prove Negligence
Call and Talk to a Skilled Atlanta Bicycle Accident Lawyer Right Away
If you or one of your children have been injured in a bicycle accident, you probably need help. It’s a lot different than a car accident. You don’t have insurance for your bike like you do for your car. You’ll also be going to suffer pretty serious injuries. You may not be in a position to deal with the other driver’s insurance company. That’s why it’s a good idea to call and speak with an experienced Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer.
All you have to do is call and schedule your free, initial consultation. Take the time to meet with someone who’s handled plenty of cases like yours in the past. Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers know how to deal with insurance adjustors. They aren’t going to back down until they get you the compensation you deserve. When you meet with them for the first time, you’ll probably be asked to give your version of what happened. The attorney will also ask a few questions of their own.
Of course, you’ll also have a chance to ask questions as well. That’s the whole point of having a free consultation. If the lawyer is willing to handle your case, you’ll have a decision to make. You can let an experienced legal professional go to bat for you or you can try to handle it on your own. There’s a lot at stake so you want to make the best decision for yourself and your family.
