Worried young driver calling the ambulance after hitting and injuring accidentally a female cyclist on a city street.

The average passenger vehicle weighs somewhere between 3,000-4,000 pounds. When struck by one of these vehicles, not to mention larger ones, bicyclists are at a huge disadvantage. The sheer size differential means that even a slow-moving vehicle can inflict enormous damage.

One of the Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Lawrenceville

If you were injured in a bicycle accident you did not cause, do not wait to speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the better your chances of securing full and fair compensation from the at-fault party. The bicycle accident lawyers at Butler Kahn are ready to evaluate your accident and build the strongest possible claim on your behalf. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents occur far too often throughout the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 130,000 cyclists suffer nonfatal injuries and over 1,000 are killed in auto accidents every year nationwide. The cost of these injuries and deaths exceeds $23 billion per year. Further, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 24 bicyclists died on average each year in traffic accidents within Georgia between 2015-2019. Of the accidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, 38 percent occurred in the following counties: Fulton, Chathan, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett.

Hospitalization and emergency room visits associated with bicycle accidents within the state cost over $17 million in 2019 alone. To learn more about bicycle accidents in a video presentation by Butler Kahn, follow this link. Contact our Lawrenceville bicycle accident attorney today.

What are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents?

Because bicyclists are completely exposed to the full impact of an oncoming vehicle, they are at high risk of suffering severe injury or death in the event of a crash. Common injuries bicyclists suffer in auto accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
  • Amputation and loss of limb
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Facial and dental injuries
  • Dislocated, fractured, and broken bones
  • Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
  • Soft-tissue strains, sprains, and tears
  • “Road rash” and other burn injuries
  • Scars and permanent disfigurement
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Wrongful death

How Do You Prove Liability in a Bicycle Accident?

To secure compensation from the at-fault driver in a bicycle accident, you will need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that their actions caused your injuries. In some cases, culpability may be clear-cut. In others, it may be somewhat more difficult to prove. Either way, our bicycle accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate all available evidence in your case to build a strong claim on your behalf. Important evidence may include things like:

  • Police accident reports
  • Photos and videos of the scene and aftermath
  • Video footage from nearby surveillance and traffic cameras
  • Testimony from reliable witnesses
  • Testimony from doctors, traffic engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts
  • Drug and blood-alcohol test results
  • GPS and cell phone records
  • Medical treatment and billing records

What Compensation Can I Recover Through a Bicycle Accident Claim?

If a motorist injured you in a bicycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation for both your economic and non-economic losses. Though the specific amount of money you receive will vary depending on the extent and severity of your injuries and other losses, you may be compensated for things like:

  • Hospital bills and other medical costs
  • Out-of-pocket travel costs to medical appointments
  • Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
  • Lowered earning potential if your injuries leave you disabled
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Lowered quality of life
  • Emotional trauma

To explore the results we have achieved on behalf of our bicycle accident injury clients, follow this link.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim in Georgia?

Yes. Under Georgia law, you normally have just two years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If you try to sue after the two-year deadline, the court will likely throw out your case, and you will lose your right to pursue legal compensation. Even if you do not ultimately take the at-fault party to court, complying with the two-year deadline is still essential.

If you file an insurance claim seeking compensation after an accident, the insurer will gauge your likelihood of securing a higher judgment in court as they calculate their settlement offer. However, if they find out you can no longer sue because you missed the filing deadline, they will have little incentive to negotiate with you fairly.

What Should I Do After a Lawrenceville Bicycle Accident?

If you are hurt in a bicycle accident, there are various steps you can take early on to protect yourself and your right to compensation.

Where possible, consider taking the following steps after being hurt in a bicycle accident:

  • Report the Accident – Call the police and report the accident. The officer dispatched to the scene will prepare an official accident report that will become an authoritative piece of evidence in your case. This is also an opportunity to summon emergency help if needed.
  • Seek Medical Attention – Your well-being is the top priority, and you should seek medical care as soon as possible. This will also give your doctors an opportunity to start documenting your injuries and treatment early on. The records they create will become crucial evidence in your case. Also, be sure to follow your doctor’s care plan and keep a daily “pain journal” documenting the impact of your injuries on your day-to-day life. This will also serve as important evidence.
  • Exchange Information – Talk to all drivers involved and collect their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurer names, and insurance policy numbers. Also, identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information as well.
  • Document the Scene – If possible, document the scene of the crash. Use your phone to take photographs and videos of damage to any vehicles involved, your injuries, road/weather conditions, signs of intoxication, nearby traffic and surveillance cameras, and anything else that may help shed light on the accident.
  • Avoid Sharing About the Accident – Anything you say can be used against you in your claim. Therefore, avoid publicizing your accident by posting on social media. Insurers will scour whatever you post or say looking for anything they can to later deny your claim.
  • Beware of Insurers – Be careful what you say to insurers when they call inquiring about your accident. If the other driver’s insurer calls, you do not have to speak to them at all. Specifically, be sure you do not admit fault, provide a recorded statement, sign a medical record release, or accept a settlement offer without securing legal representation.
  • Consult With a Bicycle Accident Attorney – The best way to make sure you know your rights and that your case gets started on a strong footing is to speak with an experienced bike accident injury attorney early on. The sooner you do, the sooner they can get you started on the road toward compensation.

Laws in Georgia that apply to bicycle accidents:

  • Who is at fault in a bicycle accident? In Georgia, the law of comparative fault applies to bicycle accidents. This means that the amount of damages that a cyclist can recover is reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if a cyclist is 25% at fault for an accident, they can only recover 75% of their damages.
  • What damages are recoverable? Cyclists who are injured in accidents can recover damages for a variety of losses, including:
    • Medical expenses
    • Lost wages
    • Pain and suffering
    • Property damage
  • How to file a claim? If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you to file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who was at fault. The lawyer can also help you to negotiate a settlement or represent you in court if necessary.

The Butler Firm has a team of experienced bicycle accident injury lawyers who are dedicated to helping people who have been injured in bicycle accidents. The Lawrenceville bicycle accident lawyers at the Butler Firm have a proven track record of success in these cases. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the Butler Firm today for a free consultation.

Here are some additional tips for cyclists who want to avoid being injured in accidents:

  • Obey all traffic laws.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Be visible to drivers.
  • Ride defensively.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being injured in a bicycle accident.

Contact a Lawrenceville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you are reading this page because you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, we hope you are receiving the medical care that you need and are making a strong recovery. We hope the information on this page has been helpful. If you would like to talk with us about your situation, call us or contact our bicycle accident lawyers online. There is no charge to talk with us about your case. Lawrenceville personal injury attorney.