Georgia’s roads are designed for everyone’s use, enjoyment, and safety. Whether you’re driving a car, walking on the street, or riding a bike, you should feel confident about navigating our roads safely.
Unfortunately, negligent drivers ruin the peace by endangering everyone who uses the roads, including cyclists.
If you were hit by a car while riding your bike, contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for personalized assistance. Led by attorney Ali Awad, this firm specializes in helping people who have been injured by the negligence of others.
In just three years, Awad has won tens of millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for his clients.
When you turn to the CEO Lawyer for help, Awad and his team will advocate for your legal rights, represent your best interests, and seek as much compensation as is reasonable for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. If you’re ready to get help following a bicycle accident, call the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm at (470) 323-8779 or contact us online.
Why It’s Worthwhile to Call a Sandy Springs Bicycle Accident Attorney
Every year, cyclists are hit by cars in Georgia. In fact, pedestrian and bicycle accidents accounted for 17 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2019. Road cycling, in general, is known to be a high-risk activity simply due to the presence of cars.
If you’ve been hit, you may turn to the driver’s insurance company for help. Unfortunately, they’ll do everything they can to minimize the incident and prevent you from receiving the full amount you may be eligible for.
At the end of the day, insurance companies want to protect their profits, and they do this by paying out as little as they can for claims.
Of course, you can always take legal action against the insurance company or the driver of the vehicle, but this is easier said than done without support from an attorney. If the driver suspects that they could be on the hook for your medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, they will likely retain an attorney of their own to fight the allegations.
An experienced defense attorney will use all the resources they can to maximize their client’s chances of successful damage recovery by aggressively seeking to establish the liability of the other party. It’s essential to have a lawyer who can advocate for your rights and tell your side of the story.
Your lawyer should be highly familiar with state and local laws to effectively fight for your rights.
Conditions That Lead to Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen at any time or in any place. That said, it’s helpful to understand the conditions that can precipitate these accidents.
Knowing what can happen will help you stay vigilant, whether you’re driving or riding a bike on the road.
Know, too, that no matter what you do, a negligent driver can end up causing an accident and leaving you with serious injuries. In these cases, always seek prompt medical attention and report the accident before referring to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
Bad Weather or Poor Visibility
Drivers must be highly attentive in bad weather or low-light conditions since cyclists can be hard to spot. If you’re driving in risky conditions, make sure to have your headlights on and to use your windshield wipers.
Drive deliberately and avoid drifting onto the shoulder since this is often how drivers strike cyclists.
As a cyclist, wear bright colors and reflective materials so drivers can spot you. Avoid riding in bad weather or darkness since these factors increase the odds of getting hit.
Distracted Driving
Many people are so attached to their phones they struggle to put them down in the car. Responding to texts, checking notifications, or hopping on social media apps can be tempting if you’re stuck at a red light or sitting in traffic.
However, these activities have no place behind the wheel since distracted driving is so dangerous. Distracted drivers may drift into bike lanes or fail to observe road signals, which puts everyone at risk.
When you drive, it’s best to keep your phone in a bag or to put it somewhere inaccessible so that you aren’t tempted to check it. Turn the phone on “do not disturb” mode or power it down to prevent distractions.
If you’re cycling, do your best to constantly take stock of your surroundings. When possible, avoid drivers that seem erratic or dangerous, as they may be distracted.
Drunk Driving
Whether you’re a fellow commuter, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, drunk drivers pose an ever-present threat.
In the age of ridesharing apps, drunk driving accidents shouldn’t happen. But the unfortunate truth is that many people don’t grasp the seriousness of driving under the influence, and they expect that nothing bad will happen.
Accidents can occur in a split second, so if you’re going out to a party or grabbing drinks with friends, make sure to arrange for a safe way to get home. Let someone else know your plans so that they can check to make sure you get home safely.
Road Crossings
Cars often collide with bikes when the vehicle crosses in front of the bike’s path. This can occur near crosswalks or along other sections of the road, and the high speeds make it difficult for either the vehicle or the cyclist to stop in time.
If you are driving, watch for cyclists who may cross your path. Remember that cyclists may pass in front of you even in areas that aren’t designated as crosswalks.
In Georgia, jaywalking isn’t illegal, so people may cross roads in an unpredictable fashion.
If you’re biking, try to use crosswalks whenever possible to reduce the risk of a collision. Use hand signals, lights, and other accessories to remain visible.
Inexperienced/New Drivers
People who don’t have much experience driving are more likely to cause accidents. New drivers may not know where to look for cyclists, which increases the likelihood of an unexpected collision.
Further, new drivers are still learning the rules of the road and figuring out how to properly operate their vehicles. They’re more susceptible to missing road signals or making mistakes.
If you’re a new driver, always stay watchful and give cyclists plenty of space. Slow down around people riding bikes and be especially careful in crowded, urban areas.
As always, bikers should be aware of their surroundings. When possible, try to steer clear of drivers who appear erratic or inexperienced.
Common Injuries Following a Collision
Cyclists are largely unprotected from the force of oncoming vehicles. Therefore, the injuries a cyclist might sustain are quite serious.
In fact, statistics show that bike riding accidents account for four out of five sports-linked spinal injuries in the United States. A high-impact collision could lead to paralysis or even death.
The injuries a cyclist could sustain include:
- Bruises, scrapes, and cuts
- Broken bones or sprains
- Internal organ injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal injuries
If you’re hit by a car, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Internal injuries are highly common in cycling accidents, but they aren’t always obvious at first glance.
A doctor can conduct tests, x-rays, and scans to paint a full picture of your condition while also connecting it to the date of your accident.
Elements of a Successful Personal Injury Claim
If you end up filing a claim for your injuries, lost wages, or other damages after a bicycle accident, you’ll likely file against the driver’s insurance company. To be successful, you’ll need to prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care: All drivers need to share the road responsibly.
- Breached Duty: Per the duty of care, you’ll need to prove that the driver who hit you was not safely sharing the road when the accident happened.
- Causation: You must show that the negligence of the driver is what caused the accident to occur (and, therefore, caused your injuries).
- Injuries: You need to prove that the accident caused the injuries and damages you’re seeking compensation for.
Find Out What a Sandy Springs Bicycle Accident Law Firm Can Do for You
Personal injury attorneys know what elements must be proven to lodge a claim on your behalf – and at CEO Lawyer, we’ve successfully done this many times. Attorney Ali Awad has won millions of dollars for clients who have suffered from the negligence of others.
In three years, he’s become one of the leading personal injury attorneys in the Atlanta area due to his excellent reputation and large social media presence.
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike, don’t hesitate to contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today. We’ll listen to your experience during a free consultation and provide guidance on how to proceed.
Our goal is to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our firm doesn’t make any money unless you win — so there are no upfront fees to worry about.
Schedule your free, no-obligation case review today when you call (470) 323-8779 or contact us online.
