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BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Athens
People ride bicycles for many different reasons. Bicycling is a viable transportation option for commuting, getting exercise, and leisure activity. Athens continues to encourage bicycling, such as by establishing bicycle lanes, but there are potential safety concerns. Cyclists are exposed to devastating harm in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle.
If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle while riding your bike, you could benefit from speaking with an Athens bicycle accident lawyer. An experienced injury attorney could review your case and determine if you have a viable claim for damages.
On a bike, you’re exposed. We hold reckless drivers accountable—period.
Safe Passing Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-56): Drivers must leave at least three feet when passing a bicyclist. Comparative Negligence (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33): Cyclists can still recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault.
Common Causes of Bike Wrecks in Athens
Accidents involving bicyclists occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of bike wrecks include:
- Driver distraction continues to be a significant safety problem as motorists shift their eyes from the road to mobile devices or onboard vehicle accessories
- Lane changing collisions are frequent among motorists that are unaware they are crossing through a bicycle lane or fail to see or detect a cyclist
- Dooring accidents result from a vehicle passenger opening a door in front of an approaching cyclist
- Right-turn accidents such as when a motorist passes a cyclist and then abruptly makes a turn in front of them
- Impaired drivers continue to be a factor in accidents that result in injuries and fatalities
A cyclist that is involved in these or other dangerous collisions with vehicles is encouraged to quickly seek medical treatment and then contact a qualified attorney in Athens. A legal professional could gather any physical evidence or reconstruct the event to establish driver negligence.
Recovering Compensation for an Injured Cyclist
Bicycles are classified as vehicles when operating on the road and are generally subject to the same privileges and responsibilities, under O.C.G.A. Section 40-6-290. Cyclists are required to comply with all traffic laws. People that are driving on Georgia roads are assuming a duty to operate their vehicle responsibly. This duty applies to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
When establishing liability, it is necessary for a claimant to prove that a defendant breached their duty and that breach resulted in an injury. Even if a claimant is partially at fault, they are often still eligible to recover damages. A court will proportionately allocate blame among the parties and reduce a claimant’s recovery by their percentage of fault. For example, assume the defendant’s degree of error is 80 percent, with the claimant bearing 20 percent of the responsibility. In this scenario, the claimant could recover up to 80 percent of any award for damages.
Due to the severity of many bike crash cases, it is important to enlist the guidance of an experienced Athens attorney. Legal counsel could help a claimant minimize their percentage of fault in order to maximize their recovery.
A well-practiced lawyer could assess the types of damages that might be recoverable. An injured cyclist may be eligible to recover economic damages for hospital treatment, doctor visits, losses of earnings from missing work, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Various types of non-economic damages are also potentially recoverable, including those for emotional hardship or impaired quality of life.
Our 6-Step Litigation Process
Summons & Complaint
Services of Process
Defendant’s Answer
Client Involvement
Elements to Prove (First Party No-Fault, MedPay/PIP, Third Party Auto)
Negligence (Treatment)
Interrogatories
Request to Produce
Subpoena Medical Records
Motions
Depositions
Experts
Meet with Doctors
Witness List
Attempt Settlement
Prepare for Trial
NOTE: A case can settle at any time during this process. Very few cases go all the way to trial.
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Reach Out to an Athens Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Getting the help of an Athens bicycle accident lawyer could improve your chances of a successful recovery. Experienced counsel could carefully review the details of your accident, including police reports and statements from witnesses. An attorney could also negotiate with the insurance company representing a negligent driver to seek a reasonable settlement. Call today and set up your initial case consultation.
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