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Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Lawrenceville
Bicycle enthusiasts in Lawrenceville, Georgia are passionate about cycling. Whether you bike for fitness, to enjoy the freedom and sites of the open road, or use a bicycle as your primary mode of transportation, you understand the need to share the road.
Nevertheless, if you’re biking on a road or highway, an accident can occur at any time. You can’t control the vehicles around you, and on a bicycle, you’re particularly vulnerable to the elements. Even a minor collision with a vehicle can cause severe injury, trauma, and mounting bills.
Dealing with giant insurance companies on your own can be stressful and overwhelming. Insurers might deny your claim, allege that your bicycle accident was your fault, or offer you far less than fair compensation.
Thankfully, a bicycle accident lawyer in Lawrenceville from The Scott Pryor Law Group can help. We’re committed to fighting for justice on your behalf and building the strongest case possible.
- What you need to know about bicycle accidents in Georgia
- Steps to take after a bicycle accident in Lawrenceville
- Bicycle laws in Georgia that could impact your case
- Compensation in a Lawrenceville bicycle accident
- Bicycle Accident FAQ
- Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group
What you need to know about bicycle accidents in Georgia
Every year, a significant number of bicycle accidents in Georgia result in serious injury or fatality. Contrary to popular belief, more bicycle fatalities occur in rural areas rather than in urban hubs.
Other important statistics to know about bicycle accidents in Georgia include:
- Most bicycle accidents occur in daylight hours
- 55% of bicycle accidents occur at intersections
- More bicycle accidents occur in urban areas, excluding Atlanta, than anywhere else in the state
- In 64% of bicycle fatalities in the state, the victims were not wearing helmets
- Bicycle fatalities occur in every demographic, and the average age of bicyclists who die in accidents is 48
- From 2013-2023, there were 7,432 reported serious bicycle crashes
- 2728 bicycle accidents resulted in visible injury
Common causes of bicycle accidents
Although bicycle accidents can occur in numerous conditions and may not involve a car or other vehicle, our bicycle accident lawyers in Lawrenceville see common causes of these collisions among our clients.
When a bicyclist is struck by a vehicle, the causes often include:
- Careless driving
- Distracted driving (eating, texting, or not looking at the road while driving)
- Driving on the shoulder of the road
- Failure to yield
- Illegal turns
- Low visibility
- Road design and maintenance issues
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
Common injuries after a Lawrenceville bicycle accident
Regardless of how minor your injuries might appear to be, if a car, motorcycle, or truck caused your accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention and to file an insurance claim. If another party is at fault for your crash, you might deserve compensation.
Some of the most common injuries that can occur after a bicycle accident in Lawrenceville include:
- Broken Bones
- Facial Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Hematomas
- Internal Bleeding
- Neck Injuries
- Road Rash
- Spinal Injuries
Steps to take after a bicycle accident in Lawrenceville
A personal injury lawyer in Lawrenceville can advise you on any unique steps you should take based on the complexities of your case. However, in the initial aftermath of your accident, it’s important to do the following:
1. Pull Over and Call 911:
If your injuries won’t prevent you from doing so, safely pull off the side of the road and call 911. Wait for first responders to arrive.
2. Take Photo and Video Evidence
If you have your phone on you, it’s important to document the scene of your accident through photos and video.
3. Avoid Admitting Fault
A collision can leave you rattled and in shock, and you may inadvertently apologize for your accident. However, it’s vital to avoid admitting any fault as this can be used as evidence against you in any future legal case.
4. File a Police Report
When law enforcement arrives, a responding officer will fill out a report with details that are important to your case, including contact information for you and the at-fault driver, date and time of the accident, and initial investigation notes. You will need a copy of this report for your insurance claim and for any personal injury lawsuit you might file.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety are crucial and it’s important to see a medical professional after your accident. Injuries that may seem minor initially could grow in severity and could become life-threatening. You’ll also need documentation of your medical treatment and diagnosis to serve as evidence in your case.
6. Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The Scott Pryor Law Group offers a free initial consultation so that you can determine the merits of your case and determine your next best legal steps. If you choose to retain a Lawrenceville bicycle accident lawyer, we can help you through the insurance claims process and help you to file a lawsuit if the insurer offers an unjust settlement.
7. File An Insurance Claim
Your lawyer can advise you on what to include on an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, you should contact your auto insurance company — if you have uninsured motorist coverage, your policy might cover your expenses.
Why you need a lawyer after a bicycle accident
A bicycle accident lawyer in Lawrenceville has knowledge and resources that can help to strengthen your case. Our lawyers can help you with the following:
- Gathering Evidence
- Obtaining Forensic Expert and Eyewitness Testimony
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies
- Fighting for You in Court
How to prove negligence in a Lawrenceville bicycle accident
In order to establish fault in your case, your lawyer will use all gathered evidence (including medical records and video and photo evidence), witness testimony, and your police report to prove that the at-fault party violated the universal duty of care that every driver has the responsibility to follow.
Proving that the driver who caused your crash exhibited negligence can help you to receive a favorable outcome in your case.
Bicycle laws in Georgia that could impact your case
Georgia has a number of laws pertaining to bicycles in place that may impact the outcome of your case. For example, Georgia law §40-6-291 mandates that bicycles must adhere to the same traffic laws as drivers.
Although your lawyer can explain these laws to you, it’s important to have a broad understanding of the state’s regulations to discern what legal steps you should take after your accident.
Bicycle Light Law
Georgia law § 40-6-296 mandates that any bicycle operated at night must be equipped a white light headlight, visible from a distance of 300 feet, and a red light taillight visible from a distance of 300 feet.
Safe Passing Law
Georgia law § 40-6-56 requires a driver of a motor vehicle to pass a bicycle with caution. Drivers must change lanes if safe to do so, slow down to a safe speed, and keep a distance of at least three feet between their vehicle and a bicycle.
Sharing the Road
Georgia law §40-6-294 requires bicyclists to remain as far to the right side of the road as possible. Exceptions to this law are made when a bicycle is avoiding hazards, passing a stationary vehicle, or turning left.
It’s also important to file your legal claim within the state’s statute of limitations deadline. You have two years from the date of your accident to file your claim. However, if your claim includes loss of consortium (intimacy and companionship), you can receive a two-year filing extension (4 years from the date of your accident).
Compensation in a Lawrenceville bicycle accident
In Georgia, the compensation you receive for your bicycle accident may be reduced if you are determined to hold comparative fault. Comparative fault means that you are either fully or partially responsible for your collision.
If you’re over 50% liable for your accident, you no longer have valid recourse to pursue compensation. If you hold over 0% responsibility for your crash, but under 50%, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced to reflect your percentage of fault.
The compensation you receive falls into three categories of damages: Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include any monetary losses you’ve suffered as a result of your bicycle accident. These damages might include:
- Assisted Living Costs
- Lost Wages
- Medical Expenses
- Property Repair and Replacement
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages signify the immeasurable losses you’ve incurred. While these losses may not have a measurable value, you deserve justice for what you’ve lost. Non-economic damages might include:
- Chronic Pain
- Disfigurement
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Limb
- Pain and Suffering
- Wrongful Death
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages (also known as vindictive damages) are typically handed down by a judge or jury as punishment to a defendant. However, if the defendant in your case exhibited gross negligence in your case, your Lawrenceville bicycle accident lawyer might advise you to include punitive damages in your claim.
For example, if a drunk driver hit you, gross negligence might be easy to prove, and the driver might have to pay punitive damages.
Bicycle Accident FAQ
Does Georgia have a bicycle helmet law?
In Georgia, cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet. However, adults do not have to wear a helmet when cycling. Nevertheless, you increase your protection and reduce your risk of a head injury in an accident if you choose to wear a helmet.
Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk in Lawrenceville?
Children under the age of 12 are permitted to ride their bicycles on the sidewalk in Lawrenceville. However, Georgia law classifies bicycles as vehicles, and adult cyclists should only ride on the road.
What will a bicycle accident lawyer cost me?
At The Scott Pryor Law Group, your bicycle accident lawyer works on a contingency basis. This means that we don’t get paid unless you get paid — our fees are contingent on a successful outcome in your case.
We believe that financial hardship should not be an obstacle in the pursuit of justice, and that you should be able to focus on your recovery without worrying about monthly legal fees.
Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group
The Scott Pryor Law Group can provide you with a bicycle accident lawyer in Lawrenceville who will tirelessly fight for your justice. We understand that your situation is unique to you, and we care about helping you and your loved ones find the healing you deserve.
We’ll advocate for your best interests as we negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court if a settlement agreement cannot be reached. A successful verdict isn’t guaranteed, but we’ve recovered 7-figure settlements for many clients. We’re dedicated to building a strong case and obtaining the best compensatory award possible.
You don’t have to walk this path alone. Let us help you navigate through the legal process.
Schedule your free consultation with The Scott Pryor Law Group today.
info@scottpryorlaw.com
404-474-7122
6185 Crooked Creek Rd NW Ste. H Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
