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BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Gainesville
In addition to the health benefits associated with cycling, the cost of a bicycle is far lower than that of a motor vehicle. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with riding a bicycle, especially in the event of a collision with a car or truck. If you sustained an injury in a bike accident, a well-practiced personal injury attorney could help you seek financial compensation.
While bike riders are not always faultless in an accident, most collisions occur as a result of driver inattention. If drivers fail to yield to a cyclist, the resulting crash can lead to devastating injuries that require expensive and ongoing medical treatment. You could offset these losses by working with a Gainesville bicycle accident lawyer from our firm.
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.
Bicycle Laws in Gainesville
Bike riders must comply with the same rules of the road that apply to motorists, but there are other regulations specific to bicycles. These regulations frequently come into play in civil lawsuits, as a violation of traffic law could be used as evidence of an injured party’s shared fault for a subsequent accident.
According to Official Code of Georgia Annotated §40-6-292, a cyclist may not allow a passenger to ride on the handlebars of their bike. Should a rider violate this statute, it could be counted against them during a claim for damages.
However, O.C.G.A §40-6-291 gives cyclists the right to ride on either the shoulder of the road as well as in the road itself. Although, if a cyclist rides on a public street, they must do so in the right-hand lane and ride as close as possible to the shoulder. Understanding these regulations is important, as they can directly impact the strength of a Gainesville biking collision attorney’s case.
Shared Fault in a Bike Crash
If a Gainesville lawyer can demonstrate that the driver who struck the cyclist was acting negligently at the time of the crash, they may be able to recover compensation on behalf of the injured plaintiff. However, in some cases, a cyclist can contribute to their own injuries.
Local courts use modified comparative fault to determine whether an injured claimant is eligible for monetary damages as well as an amount. A plaintiff who bears more than 50 percent liability for an accident may not receive any compensation whatsoever for their losses. A cyclist who is less than 50 percent responsible for causing their own injuries would see their compensatory award reduced in proportion to their assigned percentage of fault.
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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Call a Gainesville Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Collisions involving a vehicle and a bike can result in severe bodily harm to the cyclist, as they are especially vulnerable to the impact of a crash. When these injuries occur through no fault of your own, you have the right to seek compensation from the person responsible.
With the help of a Gainesville bicycle accident lawyer, you could recover the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and make up for any missed time at work. Time is of the essence, so schedule your first consultation with our firm right away.
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The Scott Pryor Law Group is a firm that fights for you, your family, friends, and loved ones.
We fight for you even if you do not have health insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket for medical or other specialized treatment. We can help. You do not pay us out-of-pocket, and we only get paid if we win!
If you are interested in achieving the best possible results in your legal matter, The Scott Pryor Law Group will bring a wealth of skill and experience to your case. Our abilities have allowed us to achieve a notable record of success, inclluding the nation’s highest honor for trial attorneys, the Litigator Awards, recognizing us as the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation.
